Skip to main content

Quickstart Guide

Get started with Gantt Maker in just 30 seconds. This guide will walk you through downloading the application, creating your first project, and building your first interactive Gantt chart.

Prerequisites

  • Windows operating system
  • Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari)
  • No internet connection required after download

Step 1: Download and Launch

1

Download the executable

Download the latest version of Gantt Maker from the official GitHub repository:

Download Gantt Maker

Click to download GANNTpixelbits.exe
Your browser may warn you about downloading .exe files. This is normal - the file is safe and open source.
2

Launch the application

Once downloaded, double-click GANNTpixelbits.exe to launch Gantt Maker.The application will open in your default web browser with a clean, ready-to-use interface.
No installation required - the executable launches directly and opens the HTML5 interface in your browser.

Step 2: Configure Your Timeline

1

Choose your timeline mode

Gantt Maker offers two timeline modes to match your project needs:
Date Mode - Plan by days and weeksPerfect for:
  • Traditional project management
  • Long-term projects (weeks to months)
  • Milestone-based planning
Click the Date Mode button to activate this view.
You can switch between modes at any time with a single click - your data is preserved.
2

Set your project dates

Define the start and end dates for your project timeline. The interface will generate the appropriate time scale based on your selected mode.

Step 3: Add Your Team

1

Add your first team member

Click the Add Team Member button to create your first team entry.Enter the following information:
  • Name: Team member’s name
  • Role/Specialty: Their role or area of expertise (e.g., “Frontend Developer”, “Designer”, “Project Manager”)
2

Assign a unique color

Each team member is automatically assigned a unique color for visual identification.
Colors make it easy to see at a glance who is working on what and identify potential over-assignments.
You can customize the color by clicking the color picker next to the team member’s name.
3

Add more team members (optional)

Repeat the process to add additional team members. Each will get their own unique color for visual distinction.

Step 4: Create Your First Task

1

Add a new task

Click the Add Task button to create your first task.Fill in the task details:
  • Task name: Brief, descriptive name
  • Description: Additional details (optional)
  • Start time: When the task begins
  • End time: When the task should complete
2

Assign the task to a team member

Assign the task to one of your team members by:
  • Selecting from the dropdown menu, or
  • Using drag-and-drop to move the task to a team member’s row
The task will automatically display in that team member’s unique color.

Step 5: Track Progress

1

Mark task as In Progress

When work begins on a task, click on it to mark it as WIP (Work In Progress).The task will update visually to show its current status.
2

Mark task as completed

When the task is finished, click it again to mark it as Completed.Completed tasks are visually distinguished so you can track your project’s progress at a glance.
All status changes happen with a single click - no forms or confirmation dialogs.

Step 6: Save Your Project

1

Automatic saving

Gantt Maker automatically saves your work to your browser’s LocalStorage as you make changes.
Your data is stored locally on your device - no cloud uploads, complete privacy.
2

Export your project (optional)

To create a backup or share your project:
  1. Click the Export button
  2. Save the JSON file to your preferred location
  3. Import it later or share it with team members
Export multiple versions of your project to explore different scheduling scenarios.

Next Steps

Congratulations! You’ve created your first Gantt chart. Here’s what to explore next:

Advanced Configuration

Learn about weekend exclusions, custom time blocks, and business rules

Team Collaboration

Discover how to manage multiple team members and detect assignment conflicts

Visual Customization

Customize color palettes to match your brand

Export & Backup

Master project export and backup strategies

Real-World Example

Here’s how a development team might use Gantt Maker for sprint planning:
  1. Timeline: Hour Mode, 2-week span
  2. Team Members:
    • Sarah (Frontend Developer) - Blue
    • Mike (Backend Developer) - Green
    • Lisa (Designer) - Purple
  3. Tasks:
    • “Design mockups” - Lisa (Days 1-3)
    • “API endpoints” - Mike (Days 2-6)
    • “UI components” - Sarah (Days 4-8)
    • “Integration” - Sarah + Mike (Days 9-10)
  4. Progress: Click tasks to mark WIP/Completed as sprint progresses
  5. Visualization: Color-coded bars show workload distribution and dependencies

Tips for Success

Switch modes freely: If your project needs both high-level and detailed views, switch between Date and Hour modes as needed.
Use color strategically: Assign colors that match your team’s roles (e.g., blue for developers, purple for designers) for faster visual parsing.
Export regularly: Create snapshots of your project at key milestones to maintain version history.
Gantt Maker stores data in your browser’s LocalStorage. Clearing browser data will delete your projects unless you’ve exported them.

Need Help?

For more detailed information about installation, troubleshooting, and advanced features, check out the Installation guide.

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love