Open Source Java Project Management Tool

Getting Started with GanttProject

To begin using GanttProject, clone the official repository from [ganttproject GitHub](https://github.com/bardsoftware/ganttproject) and initialize submodules using `git submodule update`. For a quick start, run `gradle run` to launch the core application without export/import features. To build the full-featured desktop app, use `gradle runapp` or build a distributable binary with `gradle distbin` and execute the launcher script. GanttProject is built with Java and supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Users can also download pre-built binaries directly from the official website at [ganttproject.biz](http://ganttproject.biz) for immediate installation and use.

# Clone repository and submodules
git clone https://github.com/bardsoftware/ganttproject.git
cd ganttproject
git submodule update

# Run core version
gradle run

# Run full desktop app
gradle runapp

Task Dependencies & Hierarchy Management

GanttProject provides robust support for defining complex task relationships, including parent-child hierarchies, task dependencies (finish-to-start, start-to-start, etc.), and milestones. Users can easily create, reorder, and link tasks visually within the Gantt chart view, while also managing task durations, start/end dates, and progress percentages. The application automatically recalculates project timelines when changes are made, ensuring realistic scheduling based on defined constraints. Dependencies are clearly visualized with arrows connecting tasks, and users can adjust lag or lead times as needed. This makes it ideal for managing large projects with interdependent activities, enabling teams to identify critical paths and avoid scheduling conflicts efficiently.

// Example: Programmatically create a task dependency using GanttProject API (simplified)
Task task1 = project.addTask("Task A");
Task task2 = project.addTask("Task B");
task2.addPredecessor(task1, Dependency.Type.FINISH_START, 0);

Resource Management & Load Chart

GanttProject includes comprehensive resource management capabilities, allowing users to assign people, equipment, and materials to tasks, track availability, and monitor workload distribution. The resource load chart provides a visual representation of how resources are allocated across the project timeline, highlighting over-allocations and idle periods. Users can define resource costs, working calendars, and availability constraints to ensure realistic planning. This feature helps project managers balance workloads, prevent burnout, and optimize team utilization. By integrating resource assignments with task scheduling, GanttProject ensures that project timelines reflect actual capacity, supporting more accurate forecasting and decision-making.

// Example: Assign a resource to a task (conceptual API usage)
Resource engineer = project.addResource("John Doe");
Task development = project.getTask("Develop Module");
development.assignResource(engineer, 100); // 100% allocation

Export & Interoperability Options

GanttProject supports exporting project data to multiple formats including PDF, HTML, and PNG for sharing with stakeholders who may not have the application installed. It also offers strong interoperability with Microsoft Project and Excel, enabling import of existing project plans and export for further analysis or reporting. The WebDAV integration allows teams to store and synchronize project files on remote servers, facilitating basic collaboration without requiring a dedicated cloud service. For enhanced collaboration, users can opt for GanttProject Cloud, a commercial service that provides real-time synchronization and team sharing. These features ensure seamless integration into existing workflows and support diverse reporting and collaboration needs across organizations.

# Export current project to PDF (using built-in export functionality)
./ganttproject --export-pdf "Project_Plan.pdf"

# Export to HTML for web sharing
./ganttproject --export-html "Project_Plan.html"

Project Baselines & Cost Tracking

GanttProject enables users to save project baselines, which capture the current schedule and budget for later comparison against actual progress. This feature is essential for monitoring deviations and measuring performance over time. Users can define multiple baselines to track different planning phases or revisions. Additionally, the application supports detailed cost calculation by linking task durations, resource assignments, and hourly rates to compute total project expenses. Cost data is displayed alongside schedule information, helping project managers stay within budget while adjusting timelines. These capabilities make GanttProject suitable not only for scheduling but also for financial oversight and stakeholder reporting.

// Example: Save baseline and compare with current state (API concept)
project.saveBaseline("Baseline v1");
// ... after work progresses ...
Baseline baseline = project.getBaseline("Baseline v1");
double variance = project.calculateScheduleVariance(baseline);
System.out.println("Schedule variance: " + variance + " days");