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Gantt Chart
Santiago Sanchez

Santiago Sanchez

9/3/2024

A Gantt chart is defined as a graphical tool used to clearly and systematically visualize a project's timeline.

Its ability to facilitate the planning and tracking of complex projects makes it particularly valuable for freelancers. Moreover, it is an effective way to ensure that scheduled deadlines for work delivery are met.

Fortunately, the internet is a valuable ally, offering a multitude of software options to create Gantt charts.

However, in this post, we will discuss 5 of the best tools for creating Gantt charts online, all with free versions. But first, you'll discover the benefits of using these creators and the aspects to consider when choosing one.

5 Programs to Create Free Gantt Charts

Gantt Chart: Benefits of Creating Them Online and for Free

Most programs for making Gantt charts free and online are beneficial for freelancers and small businesses.

And they are very effective for what is needed: optimizing project management without spending money.

Other key advantages include:

  • Free online Gantt chart creators simplify the creation of charts.

  • They save time.

  • They increase engagement and productivity.

  • They help provide a complete view of each project, from the schedule and tasks to dependencies and priorities.

  • They improve collaboration by allowing all team members to connect with overall goals if the platform offers this functionality.

  • Charts can be automatically stored in the cloud.

  • They improve resource management.

  • They help identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks.

Additionally, many of them come with paid plans that can scale according to your needs. That is, they allow you to start with a basic version and migrate to more advanced features as your project or business grows.

What to Look for When Choosing a Program to Create Gantt Charts

There are several important technical aspects to consider when looking for software to create Gantt charts, especially if it's a free online tool.

Here are 5 key factors:

1. Interface

An intuitive interface is essential if you want your experience to be satisfying.

While most programs for creating free Gantt charts are intuitive, some lack this feature.

Ideally, the functions offered should be easy to locate and use to simplify the creation and editing of tasks.

2. Integrations

The ability to integrate with common applications like Google Drive or communication tools for teams could expand the functionality of the software. This is because it allows for more cohesive project and resource management.

3. Customization and Templates

Editable templates are the biggest time savers, which is crucial if you're working on recurring projects.

The ability of the platform to provide ready-to-use templates and the possibility of customizing them as you wish is a significant advantage.

4. Collaboration

If you have a team of freelancers, it's essential that the Gantt chart software includes real-time collaboration.

Focus on features that allow teamwork on the same project and the assignment of tasks to multiple members.

5. Pricing

If you're here, it's because you're looking for free Gantt chart software. However, you should look at the pricing plans if you plan to take advantage of premium services.

As your business grows, you're likely to need features that are only available in the paid versions.

In this case, opt for reasonably priced and transparent upgrade options. It’s also wise to check which payment providers are available.

If they accept methods in dollars, DolarApp will be useful, but you can also use it to pay in Mexican pesos. After all, you'll be able to convert from one currency to another at the most favorable exchange rate available.

These are the basic points to consider when choosing one or another online free platform to design your charts.

The 5 Best Free Programs to Create Gantt Charts

1. ClickUp

One of the best programs for creating free Gantt charts is ClickUp, as it is a complete project management software. In addition to planning, managing, and visualizing tasks, it offers team collaboration options and allows progress tracking.

It also offers templates for fishbone diagrams, mind maps, and a whiteboard for creating decision trees.

Moreover, unlimited tasks and users are available in its Free Forever plan, along with 60 uses of the Gantt chart view and 100 MB of storage.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Real-time tracking updates.

Easy integration with over 1000 productivity tools.

Numerous features in the free version.

Templates for different use cases.

Real-time chat.

The features can be complex.

2. Instagantt

Instagantt is software for creating Gantt charts that integrates with Asana. Its free version is ideal for freelancers to manage projects in minutes, allowing easy planning and task tracking.

The platform features drag-and-drop functionality to quickly and easily create a professional visual representation. It also has the ability to organize your project logically.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Easy to use.

Ideal for planning and brainstorming.

Designed for teams.

Ease of task management.

Specialized focus on Gantt charts.

Limitations on active projects and users with the free version.

3. GanttPRO

Another tool dedicated to creating Gantt charts is GanttPRO. This software allows adding comments and mentions and facilitates real-time data synchronization.

It is useful for freelancers and small businesses looking for a simple and fast, yet effective, solution for project management.

It features the typical drag-and-drop tools needed to create a free Gantt chart online.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Offers a user-friendly interface.

Free predefined templates.

A good option for simple project management.

You can add tasks, dates, resources, and other elements.

Works for individual users or teams.

Free version available for 14 days.

4. Toggl Plan

Take advantage of Toggl Plan's simplistic interface to plan, visualize projects, and optimize resource allocation. This visual platform provides collaboration tools and time tracking features.

It is software for creating effective Gantt charts with a clean design and interactive user interface. This makes it a good choice for those who want a creator that focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Allows automatic assignment of new tasks.

Compatible with multiple operating systems.

Integration with Toggl Track for time tracking.

Allows generating and sharing links.

Ease of dragging and dropping tasks.

The free version is basic and may lack features required for more complex projects.

5. TeamGantt

Finally, we have TeamGantt, one of the simplest online creators for Gantt charts.

The site is cloud-based and simplifies deadline management and resource allocation, prioritizing planning. It is software for creating Gantt charts collaboratively, based on visual timelines.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Intuitive interface.

Ideal for small teams.

Tools for designing, moving, dragging, dropping, and assigning tasks.

Adjusted to the team's workflow.

Real-time collaboration.

Limited tools in the free version.

Gantt Chart: Use Cases for Freelancers

Just like a flowchart, process diagram, or network diagram, Gantt charts are visual representations. This makes them useful for anyone.

The difference is that this type of graphical tool allows freelancers to manage multiple tasks and deadlines for various purposes.

Below are some specific use cases:

  • Complex project planning: The Gantt chart allows you to visualize all stages and their relationships, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. This includes plans that involve multiple tasks and phases, such as creating a marketing campaign or developing a website.

  • Time and deadline management: It is used to set start and end dates for each task. This way, delays are avoided, and a margin of flexibility is maintained, helping you manage your time more effectively.

  • Coordination with clients and collaborators: The Gantt chart is useful for projects where you need to coordinate with clients or other freelancers. It works to show who is responsible for each task and the expected time for its completion.

  • Task prioritization: It is used to visualize which tasks are most critical and which can be postponed.

  • Proposal presentation: It serves as an effective visual tool to show clients how you plan to approach the project, from phases to estimated deadlines.

In short, freelancers can use this tool in multiple ways to ensure that projects are completed as expected.

Hence the importance of first trying the free Gantt chart programs to ensure they are efficient.

Conclusion

Creating a free Gantt chart online is the easiest way to visualize project planning. Additionally, you can track progress, whether individually or in a group.

The good news is that the tools in our top 5 are powerful, capable of giving you a clear and structured view of your projects.

Besides saving you time, they are great options to improve efficiency and increase productivity. They can also ensure that projects stay on track and within the set deadlines.

So, if you want to improve your current management or plan to start a new project, use one of these programs to create a free Gantt chart.

If it meets your expectations and you wish to explore additional features, use DolarApp to subscribe to a paid plan.

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