{"id":80540,"date":"2026-06-09T17:06:54","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T22:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/?p=80540"},"modified":"2026-06-09T17:08:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T22:08:15","slug":"smartsheet-gantt-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/blog\/smartsheet-gantt-chart","title":{"rendered":"Smartsheet Gantt Chart: A How\u2011to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives"},"content":{"rendered":"

Managing schedules can be simpler when the right tool is in place. A Smartsheet Gantt chart organizes tasks, dependencies and timelines in a unified view while keeping stakeholders aligned. However, understanding how it works and where it falls short is essential before committing to it.<\/p>\n

What Is Smartsheet?<\/h2>\n

Smartsheet is a cloud\u2011based work and project management<\/a> platform that combines a spreadsheet\u2011like interface with tools to plan, assign and monitor work. It is commonly used across construction, marketing, IT and operations to coordinate schedules, automate workflows and track progress in real time. Teams use Smartsheet to assign tasks, organize calendars, collaborate on documents and oversee progress from inception to completion.<\/p>\n

Does Smartsheet Have a Gantt Chart?<\/h2>\n

Smartsheet includes a Gantt chart<\/a> view that integrates a grid on the left with a timeline on the right. This view allows users to see task durations, dependencies and milestones in one place, making it a core scheduling option within the platform.<\/p>\n

Short Answer: Yes, Smartsheet Has Gantt Charts<\/h3>\n

Smartsheet\u2019s Gantt charts are functional and easy to edit. Users can drag and drop task bars, color\u2011code phases or owners and assign tasks directly from the timeline. Dependencies and critical path<\/a> activities can be highlighted with a click, while baselines compare current dates to the original plan for schedule variance. Collaboration features let teammates add comments, attach files and receive automated alerts, and data can be imported from Excel, MS Project<\/a>, Google and Trello or exported to PDF or PNG.<\/p>\n\"Lodestar\n

Long Answer: Smartsheet\u2019s Gantt Charts Lack Key Features for Project Management<\/h3>\n

Although Smartsheet provides a usable Gantt view, it lacks advanced project management capabilities found in more robust tools. There is no built\u2011in way to estimate costs<\/a> per task or log actual expenses, and resource allocation is handled through separate add\u2011ons rather than within the timeline. Smartsheet also limits how thoroughly you can compare planned and actual start and finish dates because baselines and variance tracking are basic. Organizations needing deeper cost, resource and performance analysis may outgrow Smartsheet\u2019s Gantt charts quickly.<\/p>\n

ProjectManager<\/a> is award-winning project and portfolio management software that has Gantt charts that link all four types of task dependencies to avoid costly delays. They can filter for the critical path and set a baseline to track project variance in real time. Our Gantt charts update automatically and can be shared easily with your project team, even Apple users. Microsoft Project is not known for its collaboration or ease of use. Our software is easier to use, fosters collaboration, including a mobile app, and is not as expensive as Microsoft Project. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.<\/p>\n

\"ProjectManager's<\/a>
ProjectManager\u2019s Gantt charts are easier to use and less expensive than MS Project. Learn more<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How to Make a Smartsheet Gantt Chart Better With ProjectManager<\/h2>\n

Transferring schedules between Smartsheet and ProjectManager is straightforward. Export your Smartsheet Gantt chart as a Microsoft Project XML or Excel file and then import it into ProjectManager to unlock advanced features like workload and resource allocation charts, timesheets, kanban boards, project calendars and more. The process also works in reverse, so you can round\u2011trip data between the two tools. To try it yourself, simply start a free trial of ProjectManager<\/a>.<\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

1. Use the Import Button on the Gantt Chart<\/h3>\n

Export your Smartsheet project as an MPP file<\/a> and open ProjectManager. In the Gantt view, select the import option and choose to bring in data from a Microsoft Project (MPP) file. This initiates the guided import process and prepares the file for conversion.<\/p>\n\"Gantt\n

2. Select Which MPP File You Want to Import<\/h3>\n

Browse your local drive for the exported Smartsheet file. Selecting the correct MPP ensures that all task names, dates and hierarchies transfer accurately into ProjectManager\u2019s Gantt chart<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Choose Your MPP File Import Options<\/h3>\n

During import, decide whether to map columns automatically or manually. ProjectManager lets you match Smartsheet<\/a> fields like task name, start date and finish date to its own columns to avoid data misalignment.<\/p>\n

4. Import All Data or Just the Task List<\/h3>\n

ProjectManager offers the option to import every column (including predecessors and resources) or only the basic task list. Choose the full import to maintain dependencies and other metadata from Smartsheet.<\/p>\n

5. Close the Success Prompt<\/h3>\n

Once the import completes, ProjectManager displays a confirmation. Closing this prompt takes you directly to the newly created Gantt chart, ready for review and edits.<\/p>\n\"Success\n

6. Your Smartsheet Gantt Chart Is Ready to Edit in ProjectManager<\/h3>\n

With the data imported, you can refine the plan using ProjectManager\u2019s advanced features. Assign resources, estimate costs, set baselines, link multiple dependency types and monitor progress with real\u2011time dashboards<\/a>\u2014all from a more powerful Gantt interface.<\/p>\n\"Microsoft<\/a>\n

Key Features and Pros of Smartsheet Gantt Charts<\/h2>\n

Smartsheet\u2019s Gantt view covers essential scheduling needs and offers several advantages for teams that like a spreadsheet<\/a> feel.<\/p>\n