I’ve rounded up some of the best examples, along with some free templates to get you started. Dive below and find your favourite. But first…
What is a Gantt chart used for?
Gantt charts are a project management tool that helps marketers visualize project schedules, progress, and deliverables. Visual lines or bars clearly show which tasks have been completed and what is to come, allowing managers to allocate time and responsibility accordingly.
The items in a Gantt chart can be grouped into four categories: resources, milestones, tasks, and dependencies.
- resources: Project managers must have insight into the resources required for the tasks described in the Gantt chart, so that each is completed on time.
- Milestones: Along your timeline, there will likely be major milestones, both small and large, that need to be achieved in order to keep your project on track. It might be a milestone in launching a blog,”Draft blog post due 5/30.“
- Tasks: There are specific things that need to be completed along the way for your project. In our blog post example, the task might be, Edit blog post.“
- dependencies: The tasks in the Gantt chart will be related to each other, for example, an editor will not be able to complete their task of editing a blog post until the writer has achieved their milestone and submitted their draft on 5/30. These are dependencies and should be indicated in your diagram.
Benefits of using a Gantt chart
The main goal of a Gantt chart is to track the schedule and project completion. It is useful for project managers who need to maintain team momentum on campaigns that have many moving parts, such as product launches or marketing events. Here are some additional benefits of using Gantt charts:
- Visual tracking provides a comprehensive view of projects and their timelines, helping DRI organizations understand progress and assign responsibility accordingly.
- Clear project timelines help with resource planning, as you’ll know exactly which tasks require tools and when the DRI will need them.
- Visual understanding of project elements that depend on each other for completion so that project managers can inform responsible individuals on high-priority tasks.
- Increased transparency, as all parties involved are aware of expectations and how individual progress affects team progress.
You can create Gantt charts in Excel, PowerPoint, Google Sheets, and more, and this method of tracking can be used in a wide variety of industries, from marketing to construction, to design.
So what does it look like? Let’s dive into some beautiful examples of Gantt charts below. Get ready to go out.
Gantt chart examples
1. Gantt chart in Excel
Create Gantt charts in Excel It is a common practice and you are likely to encounter it in your work. Excel doesn’t have a predefined Gantt chart, but the Stacked Bar feature is your friend, again, allowing you to show project progress. Below is an example of an Excel Gantt chart. Download it for free here. 
Here’s a helpful “how-to” video for the Excel-challenged among us
2. Gantt chart in PowerPoint
Want to include a Gantt chart in your next PowerPoint presentation? Use this PowerPoint example as your guide. PowerPoint doesn’t have a built-in Gantt feature, but you can create and edit a chart within the platform using their “Stacked Bar” feature.
How to make a Gantt chart in PowerPoint
When using the template above to create a Gantt chart in PowerPoint, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Use taskbars to your advantage and adjust their length according to your plan. This template is also flexible, so you can shorten or increase the length of tasks if things come up during your project execution process.
- Create unique color codes for each specific task so that when you’re done you can place a corresponding master image so you can monitor your progress and instantly understand what the color means.
3. Gantt chart in Word
What is that? Not familiar with Microsoft’s Stacked Ribbon feature yet? Well, if you’re friendly with Gantt charts, you’ll use this transition feature quite a bit.
If you are creating a file Gantt chart in Microsoft Word, the tapes will stack again. But if you are going to update and modify the Gantt chart regularly, Excel or PowerPoint may give you better flexibility. 
How to make a Gantt chart in Word
When using the template above, take advantage of the stackable bars feature to create an interactive Gantt chart to clearly show task progress and monitor your accomplishments.
Additionally, create a schedule of daily check-ins on your chart so you can move the “today” line forward as each day continues, helping you stay on track and understand what’s coming.
4. Gantt Chart in Google Sheets
If Google Sheets is where you spend most of your time, this is the Gantt chart for you. G-Sheets make it easy to create customizable Gantt charts that you can tweak as needed – all with a few simple formulas.
How to make a gantt chart in google sheets
If you are creating a file Gantt chart in Google Sheets, use the template and circulation table above to create an automated chart. Simply enter the information for your business, and the chart will be generated automatically.
You have less creative freedom with this chart, but it’s great for those who are hesitant to create a chart from scratch.
5. Gantt Chart in Google Docs
Want a Gantt chart that you can share and collaborate on with colleagues? Consider creating your chart in a Google Doc. Save it to Google Drive and share as usual. Google offers Stacked Chart options in the Chart Editor, so getting started is pretty easy.
How to make a gantt chart in google docs
in google docsuse the schedule template Documents for your benefit and give yourself an overview of your project’s progress. It will help you visualize, stay on track, and allow you to see your progress over time so you can share information with relevant stakeholders, both internal and external.
6. Gantt Chart for Editorial Calendar
Take your editorial calendar to the next level with a Gantt chart. Include publication dates as milestones, add sub-blocks for each stage of content creation, and add tasks to your outline.
7. Gantt chart for project management
Project management is one of the most popular sectors that rely on Gantt charts. These charts help project managers identify the tasks involved in each project, create a schedule for each task, and assign dates, tools, and progress updates to each of the tasks within the project.
8. Marketing Campaign Gantt Chart
There are many tools available that help marketers create Gantt charts specifically for marketing campaigns. This example, from GanttPro offers ready-made campaign templates with predefined tasks, subtasks, and milestones. 
9. Gantt chart for design projects
Designers, you can also use Gantt charts. Launch plan design, track brainstorming, and share draft progress using a carefully organized chart, like the example below. 
10. Gantt chart for product launch
Product launches have many moving parts. Track research, budgets, team roles, and even risk assessments in a customizable Gantt chart like this one. You can even assign dependencies and assign tasks to specific people.
11. Social Media Campaign Gantt Chart
When you set up a social media marketing campaign with a Gantt chart, be sure to include the tools you’ll need, the content you’ll share, and the assets used in each channel. We loved this example, from Fabrik. 
12. Event Marketing Gantt Chart
From pre-event outreach to “thank you” emails once it’s over, planning an event requires high levels of organization. Use a Gantt chart like this one to track your strategy, team progress, and key actions before, during, and after an event.
When you’re ready to start creating your Gantt chart, review the high-quality examples in this list and download the free Excel template to get started.
