gantt to show diff in substasks

[Mariam]

Hi, I have a project database that has multiple projects listed. Currently,
the gantt chart shows one long solid line to show the length of the task(s)
for each project. Each project has multiple tasks and subtasks.
task1 ---------
task2 -----------------
task3 ------

I would like for these tasks to show different bar shapes for each subtask.

task1 --***^^^
task2 ---**^^^^^
task3 --**^

Does anyone know how I can achieve this?

Thanks, I would really appreciate any help.

Mariam

 

[John]

Hi, I have a project database that has multiple projects listed. Currently,
the gantt chart shows one long solid line to show the length of the task(s)
for each project. Each project has multiple tasks and subtasks.
task1 ---------
task2 -----------------
task3 ------

I would like for these tasks to show different bar shapes for each subtask.

task1 --***^^^
task2 ---**^^^^^
task3 --**^

Does anyone know how I can achieve this?

Thanks, I would really appreciate any help.

Mariam

Marian,
Since you are talking about a Gantt Chart display I will assume you mean
a Project .mpp file instead of a direct database. I also assume that
tasks 1,2 & 3 are Summary lines in the view. Although it is possible to
show each subtask portion of the Summary line in different bar forms, if
there is any overlap the result will not provide a very meaningful
graphic presentation.

Nonetheless, if the subtasks are non-overlapping and simply linked (i.e.
finish-to-start) use the following method.
1. Apply the "Summary line" filter. Select all Summary linse and go to
Project/Task Information. On the General tab check the "Hide task bar"
option.
2. For each subtask go to Format/Bar and set up the Bar Shape as
desired. You could also go to Format/Bar Styles and set up a general bar
style for each like subtask (i.e. one style for all subtasks 1, another
for all subtasks 2, etc.). Then use a spare flag field to identify each
like subtask.
3. Apply a filter to only show subtasks (i.e. no Summary lines). Then
select all subtasks and go to Project/Task Information. On the General
tab, check the "roll up Gantt bar to summary".

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP

 

[Mariam]

Thanks for your fast response. Yes, you are correct it is an mpp file. I
tried what you suggested and my summary bars for each project (when not
expanded) are still a solid line (even though when I expand the project into
tasks/subtasks the bars are different. The main summary bar for each line
(each project) is not changing. Perhaps I am doing something wrong, but it
is not working. I am using Project 2003. (Is this easier in Visio?)

Thanks for all of your help!
Mariam