Beyond the Excel Gantt chart
Excel is fine for a quick list. Once dependencies and changing dates arrive, the spreadsheet starts to fight you.
| Task | In Excel | In GenuinePlan |
|---|---|---|
| Dates after a change | You update formulas or dates by hand | Recalculated from durations and links |
| Dependencies | Possible with formulas, easy to break | Built in, four types with lag |
| Gantt bars | Conditional formatting or stacked chart | Drawn automatically with sprint bands |
| Critical path | Manual | Calculated and highlighted |
| Weekends | Needs WORKDAY formulas | Working days by default |
| Sharing | Send a file | Live read-only link |
Keep Excel in the loop
You do not have to give up your spreadsheet. Import an .xlsx to turn a task list into a plan, and export back to Excel whenever someone needs it.
When Excel is enough
For a short list with no links between tasks, a spreadsheet is fine. When you start asking "what moves if this slips?", a planner pays for itself.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import my Excel task list?
Yes. Import an .xlsx or CSV and GenuinePlan builds the task table from it.
Related
Import and export
You do not have to start over. Bring an existing plan in, and take your data out whenever you like.
Read more →Gantt chart maker
Type your tasks into a work breakdown structure. The Gantt chart next to it redraws on every change, on working days, with sprint bands and the critical path highlighted.
Read more →Microsoft Project alternative
If you mostly need a task table, dependencies, a Gantt chart and a critical path, a browser tool may be enough. Here is an honest comparison.
Read more →Plan your first project in a few minutes.
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