Getting Started
Start SmartDraw and the Document Browser opens. The SmartTemplates List, a list of the different diagram types, appears along the left side of the screen from where you can choose a particular graphic by type or activity; the Template Preview Area opens in the center of the screen, from where you can select among the many SmartTemplates and Examples; and SmartHelp opens on the right side of the screen, which provides help and suggestions for navigating the program.
To begin creating a Gantt chart, select an appropriate Gantt chart SmartTemplate from within the SmartTemplates List on the Document Browser. Gantt Charts is about halfway down the list of diagram types.
Click Gantt Charts on the left to expand the Gantt Charts SmartTemplate type list and also to expand the Preview Area.
From this list, you can select from a variety of SmartTemplates, including a Blank Gantt Chart SmartTemplate, to start building a new Gantt chart from scratch, right away; Gantt Chart Examples, to get an idea of what you can do with your project; or create an Activity (PERT) Networks SmartTemplate, to building an alternative chart for managing your projects.
While you can use an Example to begin building a Gantt chart from, we recommend you start with a Blank Gantt Charts SmartTemplate instead, as there are some locked settings in our examples—which may result in difficulty with editing.
From the list, we can choose from Quarter with Months, Week with Days, Months with Days or Year with Month. We should select one based on the length of the tasks of our project. To ensure the greatest flexibility, best default settings, and thus expedite the Gantt chart creation process, select a Blank Gantt chart SmartTemplate and, for this particular Gantt chart example, select "Quarter with Months."
The Application Screen will load with the Work Area in the center, SmartPanel to the left, and the ribbon of Tabbed Controls at the top. We find a blank chart is already on the Work Area, ready to accept new tasks.
