Difference between revisions of "Testing Article1"

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==Using Multiple Level Rows and Swimlanes==
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==Overview==
  
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This article introduces you to OnePager’s version 7.0 '''multiple level rows''' and '''swimlane''' management features.  Using '''rows''' and '''swimlanes''' is a common way to organize your chart so that task bars and milestone symbols in the '''rows''' can be '''grouped''' together in an organized fashion like a '''work breakdown structure'''.
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OnePager Pro and Express can create Gantt charts or Timeline layout charts by '''collecting''' tasks from your '''source plans''' and placing them into '''rows''' in your OnePager Pro or Express charts.  A Gantt chart, in this context, is organized such that each row contains only one task.  A Timeline layout, on the other hand, can have multiple tasks in a single row, based upon a field that you specify from your '''source plan'''. In a timeline layout, tasks that share the same value for a given field will automatically appear together in the same row.  
  
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===Multiple Swimlane Level Feature===
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===Gantt Chart and Timeline Layout Chart Examples===
  
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OnePager version 7.0 now supports three (3) '''swimlane levels''' versus the one (1) '''swimlane level''' supported in previous versions.  An example of a chart with three '''swimlane levels''' is shown below:
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The Gantt chart and Timeline layout chart shown below are examples of each chart layout organization:
  
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<center>[[File:P70-0_4-70-(20)-03102020.png]]</center>
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<center>'''Gantt Chart'''</center>
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<!--<center>P70-0_4-70-(20)-03102020.png</center>-->  
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<center>[[File:P70-12_0_1-(1)-06092020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-12_0_1-(1)-06092020.png</center>-->
  
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Supporting the new '''multiple swimlane level''' feature is a redesigned '''Template Properties''' and ''' Chart Properties''' form's '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab as shown below:
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The visual characteristic of the Gantt chart above is that all tasks are placed in their own individual '''row'''.
  
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<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(0)-04302020.png]]</center>
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<center>'''Timeline Layout Chart'''</center>
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<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(0)-04302020.png</center>-->
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(21)-06222020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(21)-06222020.png</center>-->
  
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===Schedule Presentation Considerations===
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The Timeline layout chart above has all task bars and milestone symbols associated with the same Project organized into a single '''row '''in the chart.  These task bars and milestone symbols are all associated with the same field value (in this case '''Project '''name).  The arrangement shown above is sometimes called a '''ribbon'''.
  
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It is always important to give consideration to your schedule presentation's '''goals and objectives''' and select the chart organization that best meets these.  If you are anticipating using one or more '''swimlane levels''' in a OnePager version 7.0 chart, the organization and structure of the selected '''swimlane levels''' and the information they are to present are key decisions.  It may be that no '''swimlane levels''' are needed in the chart at all or that just one or two meets your '''goal and objectives'''.  Once the desired chart organization is determined, the steps below are provided as guidelines for creating the most beneficial chart.  The steps follow the organization of the '''Template Properties''' form and the '''Chart Properties''' form's '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab such that you can start establishing your settings in the top control group and work your way through them from top to bottom left to right.
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===Gantt Chart Versus Timeline Layout Chart Selection===
  
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==Creating Charts Using Rows and Swimlanes==
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Both chart layout organizations have uses in supporting schedule conversations and the controls and examples provided in this article for '''managing rows''' are here to help you implement your choices.  Typically, when building a Microsoft Project or Excel '''source plan''' you have a mental picture of how the '''source plan '''should look when presented visually.  Accordingly, we find that users structure their '''source plans''' initially with the '''intent''' of creating '''either''' a Gantt chart '''or''' a Timeline Layout chart.  OnePager Pro and Express version 7.0 are structured to support the '''creation''', '''formatting''', and '''editing''' of both the Gantt charts and Timeline Layout charts.
  
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As the '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab above illustrates, there is a step-wise approach to constructing an informative and useful OnePager Pro or Express chart.
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This series of articles assumes that the reader is interested in '''creating''', '''formatting''', and '''editing''' either a Gantt chart or Timeline Layout chart for a specific purpose and can consult the appropriate sub-section of this article when considering the controls available in the '''Chart Properties''' form’s '''Rows/Swimlanes '''tab’s '''Rows''' control group.
  
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The general methodology is for you to create or modify the chart by making setting determinations based upon the '''goals and objectives''' you intend to meet with your schedule conversation:
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==Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel Source Plans==
  
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:'''Step 1''') Determine carefully how the chart is going to look - '''swimlane levels''', '''text columns''', the '''collection''' of task bars into chart '''rows''', and the '''grouping of rows''' into the chart's '''swimlane levels'''.  
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The '''Chart Properties '''form’s '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab are essentially the same for OnePager Pro version 7.0 and OnePager Express version 7.0.  The controls described in this article and the remainder in the series applies to both Microsoft Project and Excel '''source plans imported '''into OnePager Pro and Excel, respectively.  Where there are differences between Microsoft Project and Excel, there is a separate article covering specifically the requirements for using the features with Microsoft Excel.
  
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:'''Step 2''') Determine how '''source plan''' tasks are going to be '''collected''' and '''sorted''' into chart '''rows'''.  This determination includes determining if only one task bar occupies a chart '''row''' or if multiple task bars occupy a single '''row'''.
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==Creating Gantt Charts==
  
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:'''Step 3''') Determine how chart's '''rows''' are going to be '''grouped''' into '''swimlane levels'''.
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In this and following sub-sections, it is assumed that you have '''created''' or are '''using''' a distributed '''Template Properties''' form that supports either the Gantt chart or Timeline layout chart.  Accordingly, this article and the others articles that make up this series deals with '''creating''' and '''editing''' charts with the assumption that an appropriate '''Template Properties''' form is selected as the starting point.  The Gantt chart is the most typical task bar/milestone symbol organization used in general practice.
  
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:'''Step 4''') Determine how many '''text columns''' are needed to adequately provide  information from the '''source plan''' for the audience without making the chart too busy.
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The '''Chart Properties '''form’s '''Rows/Swimlanes '''tab is shown below with the '''Rows''' control group highlighted for the discussion that follows:
  
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:'''Step 5''') Determine how '''row and swimlane borders''' are going to be '''formatted'''.
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(1)-06122020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(1)-06122020.png</center>-->
  
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The five step process suggested above can be iterative as OnePager assists you in these steps because you can always go back to the '''Chart Properties''' form after a chart creation iteration, reassess your settings, and make changes so the chart communicates with respect to your '''goals and objectives'''.
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In the illustration above, the '''Gantt chart (one task per row)''' radio button is selected indicating that the chart is intended to be a Gantt chart with one task bar/milestone symbol per '''row'''.  With this decision made, the next step is to determine how '''imported source plan''' tasks/milestones and their '''rows''' are '''sorted''' in the chart.
  
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The discussion that follows is divided into five (5) sub-sections, one each for the steps listed above.
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There are two options available to provide maximum flexibility:
  
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===Step 1 - Determine Carefully How the Chart is Going to Look===
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:1) '''Sort rows like Project''' or
  
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In majority of schedule presentation situations when you anticipate using '''multiple swimlane levels''', the organization of the '''swimlane levels''' and their associated '''source plan''' fields you are going to use are straightforward.  When this is not the case, it is recommended that consideration be given to reviewing the '''goals and objectives''' of the schedule conversation where the chart is used and the information needs of audience members.  Every schedule presentation situation is different, so our suggestion is to spend some time in '''Step 1''' to lay out how you are going to address the remaining steps.  Adding '''swimlane levels''' can make the chart look busy and distract from the intended theme.  Too few '''swimlane levels''' can cloud the message you are trying to communicate.  The same logic applies to the determination of how many '''text columns''' to include in the chart.
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:2) '''Sort on field:''' where you have the further option to select the '''source plan field''' to control the '''sorting of rows''' and controls to determine which direction (lowest to highest or highest to lowest) the '''sort on rows''' is done.   
  
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Since there are three (3) '''swimlane levels''' available, they appear in the chart from left to right as '''Left#1''', '''Left#2''', and '''Left#3''' as shown in the '''Chart Properties''' form's '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab above.
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The '''Row Border Formatting…''' button is discussed in this article at this link: [[Collecting, Formatting, and Sorting Task/Milestones into Rows for Version 7.0#Row Border Formatting | Row Border Formatting]] <!-12.01.1-70-->
  
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:1) The '''highest swimlane level''' in a chart is the '''left-most swimlane level''' and successively '''lower swimlane levels''' appear moving to the right.
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===Sort Rows Like Project===
  
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:2) This means that you are encouraged to place the '''highest organizational level''' of the chart in the '''left-most swimlane level''' and so on.  It can be useful to think of the '''multiple swimlane levels''' in the context of your project's '''Work Breakdown Structure'''.
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Typically, Microsoft Project '''source plans '''are organized by ascending task/milestone '''start dates'''.   
  
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:3) Doing so avoids repeating '''swimlane level cells''' within a '''lower swimlane level cell''' which can make the chart confusing and distract from it communication value.
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:1) Microsoft Project provides an '''ID field''' where the '''source plan '''tasks are numbered sequentially from the top of the Microsoft Project grid to the bottom.  OnePager Pro keys on the '''ID field''' for '''sorting rows like Project'''.
  
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:4) It is also recommended that you use as few '''swimlane levels''' as possible consistent with your schedule conversation message and the makeup of the audience.
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:2) Microsoft Excel does not provide a corresponding internal sequence field as described for Microsoft Project.  Our recommendation is that for Microsoft Excel '''source plans''' that you provide such a field which can be used for this purpose. OnePager Express looks for such a field which is typically called '''Task ID''', but any name suffices.
  
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After making these decisions, OnePager keeps track and provides consistent charts whenever you update your '''source plan''' and create an additional or modified snapshot.
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'''Sorting rows like Project''' takes place within the entire chart when there are '''no swimlane levels''' defined.  '''Sorting rows like Excel''' where a '''sequence field''' is not found or defined results in the chart being sorted from the '''source plan’s''' top '''row '''to the bottom '''row'''.
  
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===Step 2 – Collect Source Plan Tasks into OnePager Chart Rows===
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However, when '''multiple swimlane levels''' are present in the chart, the '''Sort rows like Project''' is performed within the '''lowest swimlane level '''defined even if these '''multiple swimlane levels''' are '''hidden'''.  In this respect, the '''multiple swimlane levels''' defined in the chart dictate the chart’s overall visual organization which can be controlled in the '''Swimlanes''' control group of the '''Chart Properties '''form’s '''Rows/Swimlanes '''tab.
  
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'''Collecting source plan''' tasks into '''rows''' in the chart is usually done by selecting the '''Gantt chart layout''' where each chart '''row''' contains one task bar.  You have the option to use the '''Timeline''' layout where multiple task bars occupy one '''row''' in the chart.
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For more information on the '''controls for managing multiple swimlane levels''', please see the article at: [[Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels for Version 7.0 | Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels]] <!-12.02.1-70-->
  
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====Task Layout Sub-Control Group====
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The organization of the chart in terms of '''sorting rows''' is more visible when the '''Sort on field: '''option is used as discussed next.
  
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The controls for making these settings are found in the '''Template Properties''' form or '''Chart Properties''' form at the '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab's '''Rows''' control group's '''Task Layout''' sub-control group shown below:
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===Sort Rows Like Project – Basic Example===
  
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<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(1)-04302020.png]]</center>
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The most basic Gantt chart with no '''text columns''' and no '''swimlanes''' looks like this:
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<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(1)-04302020.png</center>-->
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For more information on '''Collecting Tasks into Rows''', please see these articles at:  [[Creating and Editing Rows and Swimlanes for Version 7.0 (Portal) | Creating and Editing Rows and Swimlanes (Portal)]] <!--12.0.1-70 and [[Collecting Tasks/Milestones into Rows for Version 7.0 | Collecting Tasks/Milestones into Rows]] <!--12.1.1-70-->
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(1A)-06152020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(1A)-06152020.png</center>-->
  
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====Row Border Formatting...====
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The chart above provides the most basic project information by displaying the '''task bar name labels''' and the '''time axis''' so that '''task bar start/finish dates''' can be seen. Adding '''swimlanes '''and informative '''text columns '''can enhance the information content of the chart and help focus an audience’s attention to the specific issues of the schedule presentation.
  
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The '''Row Border Formatting...''' button accesses the '''Row Formatting''' form as shown below:
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For more information on '''Managing Swimlane Levels''', please see the article at: [[Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels for Version 7.0 | Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels]] <!-12.02.1-70-->
  
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<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(4)-05012020.png]]</center>
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For more information on '''Managing Text Columns''', please see the article at: [[Creating and Formatting Text Columns for Version 7.0 | Creating and Formatting Text Columns]] <!-12.03.1-70-->
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<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(4)-05012020.png</center>-->
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'''Row borders''' can be set at this point.  However, we recommend setting '''row and swimlane level borders''' in '''Step 5''' discussed below.
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===Sort on Field:===
  
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For more information on '''Row borders''', please see the article at: [[Row and Swimlane Borders for Version 7.0 | Row and Swimlane Borders]] <!--12.7.1-70-->
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When the '''Sort on field:''' radio button is clicked, the window below the radio button and the two directional buttons are '''enabled'''. The '''default '''setting for Microsoft Project '''source plans''' is the '''ID field'''.  
  
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====Row Sorting Sub-Control Group====
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For Microsoft Excel '''source plans''', OnePager Express attempts to find a '''source plan field''' in the Microsoft Excel file that is a numeric sequential file. 
  
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Once the selection between '''Gantt chart''' and '''Timeline''' layout is made, you have additional controls over how '''rows''' are '''sorted'''.  Most OnePager Pro users select the option to '''Sort rows like Project''' to maintain correspondence with their '''source plan''' organization.  Most OnePager Express users select the option to '''Sort rows like Excel''' for the same reason.
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:1) Accordingly, we recommend to OnePager Express users that you add a sequential '''numeric field''' to your Microsoft Excel '''source plans '''specifically for this purpose.   
  
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Selecting the '''Sort on field:''' allows you to select a '''source plan''' field upon which to base the '''sorting of rows''' in the chart.  
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:2) Users typically add a numeric field called '''Task ID''' and populate it in their Microsoft Excel '''source plans''' sequentially.
  
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:1) '''Rows''' are '''sorted''' chart-wise if there are no '''swimlane levels''' present.
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When the '''Sort on field''' radio button is clicked, the '''enabled '''sub-control groups looks like this with the window’s dropdown selected:
  
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:2) When one or more '''swimlane levels''' are present in the chart, '''rows are sorted''' '''within''' the lowest swimlane level only'''.  
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(2)-06122020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(2)-06122020.png</center>-->
  
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:3) There are implications on '''sorting rows within the lowest swimlane level''' when there are task bars containing '''duplicate source plan field values''' in the set to be '''sorted'''.
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The dropdown list shown above is divided into two parts with the '''fields''' above the '''dotted line''' being those Microsoft Project '''source plan fields''' specifically '''imported '''into OnePager Pro because these '''fields '''are mentioned as settings in the '''Chart Properties''' form.  Below the '''dotted line''', you have the option to scroll down and select any other of the remaining '''source plan fields''' to which OnePager has access.
  
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For more information on '''collecting and sorting source plan tasks into OnePager chart rows''', please see the article at: [[Row and Swimlane Sorting for Version 7.0 | Row and Swimlane Sorting]] <!--12.6.1-70-->
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For a list of all the Microsoft '''source plan fields''' that OnePager Pro has access, please see the article at: [[Microsoft Project Fields Available to OnePager Pro for Version 7.0 | Microsoft Project Fields Available to OnePager Pro]] <!-29.0.1-70-->
  
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After task bar '''collection''' into chart '''rows''' and the '''sorting of rows''' are determined, you can move on to determine how chart '''rows''' should be '''grouped''' into '''swimlane levels'''.
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To the immediate right of the dropdown window are two directional buttons that specify the direction of the '''Sort on field:''' operation: (1) '''Top to Bottom (Lowest to Highest)  – A to Z''' or (2) '''Bottom to Top (Highest to Lowest) – Z to A''' as shown below:
  
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===Step 3 – Group Chart Rows into Swimlane Levels===
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(2A)-06222020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(2A)-06222020.png</center>-->
  
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When the decision is made to incorporate '''swimlane levels''' in the chart as well as the number of '''swimlane levels''', you can use the '''Swimlanes''' control group in the '''Chart Properties''' form's '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab to implement these decisions. The '''Chart Properties''' form's '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab's '''Swimlanes''' control group is shown below:
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The '''default '''setting is '''Top to Bottom (Lowest to Highest)  – A to Z'''.  '''Numeric''', '''date''', and '''Boolean''' Microsoft Project '''source plan fields''' are processed in a similar way as '''alphabetical fields'''.  As discussed above, the '''Sort on field: '''option is conditional on the definition of '''one or more multiple swimlane levels''' in the chart.  '''Sorting of rows''' is done when '''multiple swimlane levels''' are present at the '''lowest swimlane level'''. That is, '''sorting of rows''' is performed within the '''lowest swimlane level''' defined for the chart.
  
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<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(2)-04302020.png]]</center>
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For more information on the '''controls for managing multiple swimlane levels''', please see the article at: [[Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels for Version 7.0 | Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels]] <!-12.02.1-70-->
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<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(2)-04302020.png</center>-->
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====Swimlane Level Sub-Tabs====
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===Sort On Field: - Examples===
  
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Each '''sub-tab''' shown above as '''Left#1''', '''Left#2''', and '''Left#3''' are identical in terms of their controls.  Checking the '''Group by''' checkbox '''ON''' in the '''sub-tab enables''' the '''swimlane level''' and the other controls in the '''sub-tab'''.  Use the window dropdown next to the '''Group by''' checkbox to implement your '''swimlane level''' decision with respect to how the chart's '''rows''' are '''grouped''' with respect to the '''source plan''' field to be used.
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====Example 1====
  
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For more information on '''grouping chart rows into swimlane levels''', please see the article at: [[Grouping Rows into Swimlanes for Version 7.0 | Grouping Rows into Swimlanes]] <!--12.18.1-70-->
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As a first example, there are no '''swimlane levels''' in the chart below with the '''three''' '''text columns '''showing:  
  
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====Swimlane Formatting...====
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(3-1)-06122020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(3-1)-06122020.png</center>-->
  
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You can  now use the '''Swimlane Formatting...''' button to access the '''Swimlane Formatting - Left#n''' form to make settings pertaining to '''swimlane level heading cell labeling''', '''swimlane level cell labeling''',  and '''swimlane level border''' settings as shown below:
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Since there are no '''swimlane levels''' defined, all task bars/milestone symbols are considered in total as the basis of the '''Sort on field: '''option using the '''source plan’s ID field''' sorted from lowest to highest.
  
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<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(3)-04302020.png]]</center>
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====Example 2====
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<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(3)-04302020.png</center>-->
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Note in the illustration above that the form's title includes the '''swimlane level number'''.  The '''Column Heading''' control group in the above form contains all the controls for OnePager to set the '''swimlane level heading cell's label''' or for you to select the '''text content''' for this location in the chart.  Additionally, all the '''text formatting''' controls are provided in this sub-group.  The '''Swimlane Text''' control group shown above in the middle section of the form, contains all the controls for setting the '''swimlane level cell's labels''' within the '''swimlane level'''.
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As a second example, we can reverse the '''sort order''' by clicking on the right-most directional button '''(Bottom to Top – Highest to Lowest)'''.  When this is done, the chart looks like this after the sort is complete:
  
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The '''Label by:''' checkbox must be checked '''ON''' for the '''swimlane level''' to be '''shown''' in the chart and for the other controls in this control group to be '''enabled'''.
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(4)-06122020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(4)-06122020.png</center>-->
  
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As with the '''Column Heading''' control group, the '''Swimlane Text''' control group contains all the '''text formatting''' controls for the '''text content''' of '''swimlane level cells for level n''' in the chart.
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====Example 3====
  
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The '''Swimlane Borders''' control group in the bottom section of the this form has all the controls for managing the '''borders''' associated with the '''swimlane level''' selected.  However, we recommend setting '''row and swimlane level borders''' in '''Step 5''' discussed below.
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For a third example, suppose we add a '''swimlane level''' and leave the third '''text column – ID''' to compare with previous '''sort operations'''.  When we add the '''Level 1 summary name '''as the '''swimlane''', '''Sort rows on field: ID in Ascending Order (Lowest to Highest)''', and make sure that the '''sort''' for the '''Level 1 summary name swimlane''' is '''Sort swimlanes like Project''' the result is shown here:
  
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For more information on '''formatting swimlane components''', please see the article at:  [[Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlanes Levels for Version 7.0 | Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlanes Levels]] <!--12.02.1-70-->
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(5)-06122020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(5)-06122020.png</center>-->
  
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====Swimlane Sorting Sub-Control Group====
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The illustration above shows that '''rows are sorted within each swimlane''' in '''ascending order''' by the '''source plan’s ID field'''.  To better reinforces how '''row order''' is done within each '''swimlane''', reversing the '''order for row sorting by ID field''' to '''descending order (highest to lowest)''' is shown in the last example.
  
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'''Swimlane sorting'''  is done within '''swimlane levels''' involving all the '''rows''' found in the '''swimlane level'''.
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====Example 4====
  
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There are two '''swimlane level sorting''' options for OnePager Pro:  (1) '''Sort swimlanes like Project''' or (2) '''Sort on field'''.  For OnePager Express the '''swimlane level sorting''' options are: (1) '''Sort swimlanes like Excel''' or (2) '''Sort on field'''.  Most OnePager Pro users select the option to '''Sort swimlanes like Project''' to maintain correspondence with their '''source plan''' organization. OnePager Express users select the option to '''Sort swimlanes like Excel''' for the same reason.
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For the last example, we can reverse the '''sort direction for the rows''' to '''descending order (highest to lowest)''', and with all other settings remaining the same, the chart looks like this:
  
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Selecting the '''Sort on field:''' allows you to select a '''source plan''' field upon which to base the '''sorting of swimlane levels''' in the chart.  
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(6)-06122020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(6)-06122020.png</center>-->
  
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:1) The options for '''sorting swimlane levels''' is only available if the '''swimlane level''' is '''showing''' in the chart.
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====Summary for Sort on Field:====
  
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:2) When one or more '''swimlane levels''' are present in the chart, '''rows are sorted''' '''within''' each '''swimlane level''' where '''sorting''' is to be performed by OnePager.  
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Rows are always '''ordered''' within the '''swimlanes''', so when the number of '''swimlane levels '''or '''number of swimlanes changes''', expect to see changes in the '''row ordering'''.  Adding '''swimlanes or swimlane levels''' to a chart in the context of '''row sorting''' has a tendency to complicate this discussion significantly.
  
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:3) Care should be exercised when '''sorting swimlane levels''' where there are '''multiple swimlane levels''' present in the chart.
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For more information on '''managing swimlane levels''', please see the article at:  [[Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels for Version 7.0 | Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels]] <!-12.02.1-70-->
  
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For more information on '''sorting swimlane levels''', please see the article at:  [[Row and Swimlane Sorting for Version 7.0 | Row and Swimlane Sorting]] <!--12.6.1-70-->
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==Creating Timeline Layout Charts==
  
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===Step 4 – Determine Text Column Needs===
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Timeline layout charts are useful where the purpose is to track progress from milestone to milestone for many activities that are homogeneous and underway simultaneously.  For example, the two illustrations below are examples of Timeline layout charts where the first organizes '''source plan''' tasks into projects and the second organizes multiple projects (shown as task bars) into programs:
  
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There are five (5) optional '''Text Columns''' that you can place to the right of any '''shown swimlane levels''' and to the left of the '''graph'''.  Their purpose is to highlight information pertinent to '''rows''' in the '''graph''' and the task bars and/or milestone symbols in the chart's '''rows'''.  A typical example for the content of two '''text columns''' is to show task bar '''start date''' and '''finish date''' as illustrated in the partial chart below:
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===Multi-Project Timeline Layout Chart Example===
  
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<center>[[File:P70-0_4_1-(7)-06112020.png]]</center>
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(10)-06172020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-0_4_1-(7)-06112020.png</center>-->
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(10)-06172020.png</center>-->
  
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The controls for managing '''text columns''' are found in the '''Template Properties''' and '''Chart Properties''' form's '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab at the '''Text Columns''' control group shown here:
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===Multi-Program Timeline Layout Chart Example===
  
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<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(6)-05012020.png]]</center>
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<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(11)-06172020.png]]</center>
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<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(6)-05012020.png</center>-->
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<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(11)-06172020.png</center>-->
  
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====Text Column Sub-Tabs====
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The  Multi-Project Timeline layout chart and Multi-Program Timeline layout chart above, consist of OnePager task bars arranged horizontally in a '''ribbon-like''' sequence for each of the chart '''rows''' shown.
  
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Each '''sub-tab''' shown above as '''Left#1''', '''Left#2''', '''Left#3''', '''Left#4''', and '''Left#5''' are identical in terms of their controls.  Checking the '''Display data from''' checkbox '''ON''' in the '''sub-tab enables''' the '''text column''' and the other controls in the '''sub-tab'''.  Use the window dropdown next to the '''Display data from''' checkbox to implement your '''text column''' decisions with respect to the '''source plan''' data for the task bar or milestone symbol that are displayed.
+
OnePager Pro and Express support the Timeline layout chart format with a distributed '''Template Properties''' forms called '''Birds on a Wire Chart''' that can be used as a reference for creating your own tailored '''Template Properties '''form for this format.
  
−
For more information on '''text columns''', please see the article at:  [[Editing Text Columns or Swimlane Labels for Version 7.0 | Editing Text Columns or Swimlane Labels]] <!--12.3.1-70-->
+
===Template Properties Form Settings for Timeline Layout Chart===
  
−
====Text Column Formatting...====
+
What distinguishes Timeline layout charts from Gantt charts in OnePager is that the radio button for '''Timeline (multiple task per row) '''is selected in the '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab of the '''Template Properties''' form shown below
  
−
You can  now use the '''Text Column Formatting...''' button to access the '''Text Column Formatting - Left#n''' form to make settings pertaining to '''text column heading cell labeling''' and '''text column cell labeling''' settings as shown below:
+
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(12)-06192020.png]]</center>
 +
<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(12)-06192020.png</center>-->
  
−
<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(7)-05012020.png]]</center>
+
The '''Align task on''' window is provided as a dropdown list of '''source plan field names''' from which you can select the '''source plans '''task’s '''property or variable''' upon which OnePager creates the '''rows''' with the multiple task bars that appear in the Timeline layout chart.
−
<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(7)-05012020.png</center>-->
+
  
−
Note in the illustration above that the form's title includes the '''text column number'''.  The '''Column Heading''' control group in the above form contains all the controls for OnePager to set the '''text column heading cell's label''' or for you to select the '''text content''' for this location in the chart.  Additionally, all the '''text formatting''' controls are provided in this sub-group.  The '''Column Text''' control group shown above in the bottom section of the form contains all the controls for setting the '''text columns cell's labels''' within the '''text column'''.
+
The Timeline layout chart is best applied to situations where '''source plan '''tasks do not overlap with respect to '''start/finish dates''' allowing OnePager to display them in the Timeline layout chart sequentially from left to right in their assigned '''rows'''.   
  
−
As with the '''Column Heading''' control group, the '''Column Text''' control group contains all the '''text formatting''' controls for the '''text content''' of '''text column cells for level n''' in the chart.
+
Where '''source plan '''tasks have '''start/finish dates''' that result in OnePager rendering them as '''overlapping''' in their assigned '''rows''', you can remedy this by checking the '''Stagger overlapping tasks''' checkbox '''ON'''.
  
−
There are no '''border controls''' in this form as '''text columns''' are considered part of a chart's '''row''' and the controls for '''row borders''' are contained in the '''Rows''' control group of the '''Chart Properties''' form's '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab.
+
====Creating a Timeline Layout Chart====
  
−
For more information on '''formatting text columns''', please see these articles at:
+
As mentioned earlier, a Timeline layout chart has a specific purpose; one of which is to show milestone symbols on a timeline reflecting a chart being discussed at a high level.  The Microsoft Project '''source plan''' shown below shows task bars at the '''Level 1 summary name '''level and milestone symbols at the level below:  
  
−
<center>
+
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(13)-06192020.png]]</center>
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(13)-06192020.png</center>-->
−
| [[Snapshot-Dependent Text Columns for OnePager Pro for Version 7.0 | Snapshot-Dependent Text Columns for OnePager Pro]] <!--12.4.1-70-->
+
−
| [[Snapshot-Dependent Text Columns for OnePager Express for Version 7.0 | Snapshot-Dependent Text Columns for OnePager Express]] <!--12.5.1-70-->
+
−
|-
+
−
| [[Resizing the Width of Text Columns and Swimlanes for Version 7.0 | Resizing the Width of Text Columns and Swimlanes]] <!--12.8.1-70-->
+
−
|}
+
−
</center>
+
  
−
====Text Type Formatting for Date and Numeric Formats====
+
Using a “Birds on a Wire” configured '''Template Properties '''form such as the one shown above with the '''Timeline '''radio button clicked in the '''Rows/Swimlanes '''tab’s '''Rows''' control group, we create the Timeline layout chart shown here:
  
−
When a '''text column's''' designated '''source plan''' field is a '''date type field''', the '''Text Columns''' sub-group in the main form has an additional sub-group added for you to '''edit''' the '''date field''' as it appears in the '''text column cells'''. This is shown in the illustration below:
+
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(14)-06192020.png]]</center>
 +
<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(14)-06192020.png</center>-->
  
−
<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(6)-05012020.png]]</center>
+
In the above Timeline layout chart, milestone symbols are organized by Project which is the '''source plans Level 1 summary name field''' and all milestone symbols are on individual '''rows''' for each '''Level 1 summary name field value'''.  We can bring in the '''source plan’s summary tasks''' by modifying the '''source plan '''by changing all their '''Flag20 '''entries to '''Yes '''and build a '''replacement '''Timeline layout chart that looks like this:
−
<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(6)-05012020.png</center>-->
+
  
−
When a '''text column's''' designated '''source plan''' field is a '''numeric type field''', the '''Text Columns''' sub-group in the main form has an additional sub-group added for you to '''edit''' the '''numeric field''' as it appears in the '''text column cells'''. This is shown in the illustration below:
+
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(15)-06192020.png]]</center>
 +
<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(15)-06192020.png</center>-->
  
−
<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(8)-05012020.png]]</center>
+
The above illustration does, indeed, place all task bars and milestone symbols in the same '''row''' but because of the '''color '''selection''' '''and the placement of the '''task bar name labels''' for the milestone symbols some '''task bar name labels '''for milestone symbols are '''hidden'''. This situation can be addressed by clicking the '''Stagger overlapping tasks''' checkbox to '''ON''' in the '''Chart Properties '''form’s '''Rows/Swimlanes '''tab’s '''Rows '''control group as shown here:
−
<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(8)-05012020.png</center>-->
+
  
−
===Step 5 – Formatting Row and Swimlane Level Borders===
+
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(16)-06192020.png]]</center>
 +
<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(16)-06192020.png</center>-->
  
−
As the final step in preparing your schedule discussion presentation chart with '''rows''' and '''swimlane levels''' is to choose '''row''' and '''swimlane borders'''. 
+
Clicking the '''Stagger overlapping tasks''' checkbox to '''ON''' changes the Timeline layout chart to look like this:
  
−
====Formatting Row Borders====
+
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(17)-06192020.png]]</center>
 +
<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(17)-06192020.png</center>-->
  
−
To format '''row borders''' click the '''Row Borders Formatting... button in the '''Rows''' control group of the '''Chart Properties''' form's '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab to access the '''Row borders''' form again shown here:
+
Of course, there is some '''editing''' that can be done to place the milestone symbols in the above chart back over the summary task bars. 
  
−
<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(9)-05012020.png]]</center>
+
[[Conditional Formatting for Version 7.0 (Portal) | Conditional Formatting]] <!-11.0.1-70--> can be used to change the '''fill color''' of the milestone symbols in the chart above by assigning a specific '''color''' to each category of milestone symbol. Changing the '''fill color '''of each of the three sets of milestone symbols for each of the four projects (A through D) changes the Timeline layout chart to look like this:
−
<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(9)-05012020.png</center>-->
+
  
−
To '''show all row borders''' including the '''borders in text columns''', check the '''Show Row Borders''' checkbox '''ON'''.  This '''enables''' all the controls in the form.  These controls include using the OnePager standard '''Color Chooser''' form to select the '''color''' for the '''row borders''', the '''width''' control for the thickness of the '''row borders''', and the '''Dash-type''' which has five (5) options.  These controls apply to both the '''top and bottom row borders'''.  Be aware that '''row borders''' may be shared with '''swimlane level borders''' whose controls are discussed shortly.
+
<!--
 +
:1) Select each of the three milestone symbols in groups and use the '''Paint Bucket''' on the '''Home '''ribbon tool bar tab to change their '''fill color''' as shown here:
  
−
====Formatting Swimlane Level Borders====
+
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(18)-06212020.png]]</center>
 +
<center>P70-12_01_1-(18)-06212020.png</center>
 +
-->
 +
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(19)-06212020.png]]</center>
 +
<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(19)-06212020.png</center>-->
  
−
'''Swimlane border controls''' are provided for each '''swimlane level showing''' in the chart up to three (3).  This means that there are three (3) '''Swimlane Formatting...''' forms available, one for each possible '''swimlane level''' shown. 
+
At this point it would be a simple matter to uncheck the '''Stagger overlapping task '''checkbox to '''OFF''' to put all the milestone symbols back into the same '''row''' as the summary task bars.
−
When the '''Swimlane Formatting...''' button is clicked, the associated '''Swimlane Formatting...''' form is accessed as shown below:
+
  
−
<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(10)-05012020.png]]</center>
+
If you glance back to that illustration above, you see that many of the milestone symbols are '''hidden behind''' the task bars.  This is because milestone symbol’s '''Z-ordering on the screen''' and in any '''media output '''does not let them show in the '''graph.''' Changing the '''Z-ordering''' of the milestone symbols by '''bringing them to the front''' remedies this situation. To accomplish this, select all milestone symbols with the '''CTL+Left-Click '''technique, right-click on one of these selected milestone symbols to access the '''task bars '''right-click '''context menu''', and click the '''Order '''command and its '''Bring to front''' sub-command as shown here:
−
<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(10)-05012020.png</center>-->
+
  
−
To '''show a swimlane level's borders''', check the '''Show Borders''' checkbox '''ON'''. This '''enables''' all the controls in the form.  These controls include using the OnePager standard '''Color Chooser''' form to select the '''color''' for the '''swimlane level borders''', the '''width''' control for the thickness of the '''swimlane level borders''', and the '''Dash-type''' which has five (5) options. These controls apply to both the '''top and bottom swimlane level borders'''. 
+
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(20)-06212020.png]]</center>
 +
<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(20)-06212020.png</center>-->
  
−
'''Caution:''' Be aware that '''swimlane level borders''' may be shared with other '''swimlane level borders''' and with '''row borders''' as mentioned above.
+
At the completion of the above operation, go back to the '''Chart Properties '''form’s '''Rows/Swimlanes''' tab’s '''Rows''' control group and uncheck the '''Stagger overlapping task '''checkbox '''OFF'''. After a few '''editing '''steps to take care of the '''task bar name label collisions''', the results are shown below:
  
−
For more information on managing '''swimlane level borders''', please see the article at: [[Row and Swimlane Borders for Version 7.0 | Row and Swimlane Borders]] <!--12.7.1-70-->
+
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(21)-06222020.png]]</center>
 +
<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(21)-06222020.png</center>-->
  
−
====Other Borders in the Chart====
+
====Links to Other Information on Timeline Layout Charts====
  
−
The '''Inner Frame border''' and the '''Outer Frame border''' of the chart are managed by the controls in the '''Template Properties'''  and '''Chart Properties''' form's '''Main''' tab's '''Borders, frames, and time cursor properties''' button which accesses the '''Set line properties''' form shown here:
+
For more information on '''Timeline Layout Charts''', please use the links below:
  
−
<center>[[File:P70-4_0_1_5-70-(11)-05012020.png]]</center>
+
:* [https://www.onepager.com/support/faqs/faq-115-timeline-layout--lining-up-multiple-tasks-in-one-row.html Timeline Layout - Lining Up Multiple Tasks in One Row]
−
<!--<center>P70-4_0_1_5-70-(11)-05012020.png</center>-->
+
  
−
For more information on managing '''Inner and Outer chart borders''', please see the article at: [[Main Tab for Version 7.0 | Main Tab]] <!--21.1.1-70-->
+
:* [https://www.onepager.com/howto/project-timeline.html How to: Build a Project Timeline from Microsoft Project Using OnePager Pro]]
  
−
==Related Links==
+
:* [https://www.onepager.com/howto/swimlane_project_timelines.html How to: Make a Timeline with Swimlanes Using Data from Microsoft Project]
  
−
[[Creating and Editing Rows and Swimlanes for Version 7.0 (Portal) | Creating and Editing Rows and Swimlanes (Portal)]] <!--12.0.1-70-->
+
:* [https://youtu.be/rp2KVyndCNQ YouTube Video: Building a Project Timeline with Swimlanes]
  
−
[[About OnePager's Rows and Swimlanes | About OnePager's Rows and Swimlanes]] <!--12.0.2-70-->
+
==Row Border Formatting==
  
−
[[Collecting Tasks/Milestones into Rows for Version 7.0 | Collecting Tasks/Milestones into Rows]] <!--12.1.1-70-->
+
The third sub-control group found in the '''Rows''' control group of the '''Rows/Swimlanes '''tab of the '''Chart Properties''' form is the '''Row Border Formatting… '''button. Clicking the '''Row Border Formatting… '''button accesses the '''Row Formatting '''form shown below:
  
−
[[Editing Text Columns or Swimlane Labels for Version 7.0 | Editing Text Columns or Swimlane Labels]] <!--12.3.1-70-->
+
<center>[[File:P70-12_01_1-(9)-06162020.png]]</center>
 +
<!--<center>P70-12_01_1-(9)-06162020.png</center>-->
  
−
[[Snapshot-Dependent Text Columns for OnePager Pro for Version 7.0 | Snapshot-Dependent Text Columns for OnePager Pro]] <!--12.4.1-70-->
+
'''Row formatting''' consists only of '''formatting borders for rows''' globally in the chart.  In order for '''row borders '''to show in the chart and '''graph''', the '''Show Row Borders''' checkbox must be checked''' ON'''. When the '''Show Row Borders '''checkbox is checked '''ON''', the '''Color''', '''Width''', and '''Dash:''' controls are '''enabled'''.  Click the '''Color''' dropdown button accesses the standard '''Color Chooser '''form where you can select the '''line color''' for the '''row border'''.  The '''Width dial control''' lets you set the '''width '''of the '''row border’s '''line''' '''in terms of the selected '''standard measure (centimeters or inches)'''. Finally, the '''Dash: '''dropdown has five (5) line '''dash types''' to select from including '''Solid''', '''Dot''', '''Dash''', '''Dash dot''', and '''Dash dot dot'''.
  
−
[[Snapshot-Dependent Text Columns for OnePager Express for Version 7.0 | Snapshot-Dependent Text Columns for OnePager Express]] <!--12.5.1-70-->
+
Since '''row borders '''can be '''shared with swimlane level borders''', the subject of '''managing these two border types''' in the chart is the subject of a separate article located at this link:  [[Row and Swimlane Borders for Version 7.0 | Row and Swimlane Borders ]] <!-12.04.1-70-->
  
−
[[Row and Swimlane Sorting for Version 7.0 | Row and Swimlane Sorting]] <!--12.6.1-70-->
+
==Related Links==
  
−
[[Row and Swimlane Borders for Version 7.0 | Row and Swimlane Borders]] <!--12.7.1-70-->
+
[[Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels for Version 7.0 | Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels]] <!-12.02.1-70-->
  
−
[[Resizing the Width of Text Columns and Swimlanes for Version 7.0 | Resizing the Width of Text Columns and Swimlanes]] <!--12.8.1-70-->
+
[[Creating and Formatting Text Columns for Version 7.0 | Creating and Formatting Text Columns]] <!-12.03.1-70-->
  
−
[[Grouping Rows into Swimlanes for Version 7.0 | Grouping Rows into Swimlanes]] <!--12.18.1-70-->
+
[[Row and Swimlane Borders for Version 7.0 | Row and Swimlane Borders ]] <!-12.04.1-70-->
  
−
[[Main Tab for Version 7.0 | Main Tab]] <!--21.1.1-70-->
+
[[Microsoft Project Fields Available to OnePager Pro for Version 7.0 | Microsoft Project Fields Available to OnePager Pro]] <!-29.0.1-70-->
  
−
(12.0.3-70)
+
[https://www.onepager.com/support/faqs/faq-115-timeline-layout--lining-up-multiple-tasks-in-one-row.html Frequently Asked Question: Timeline Layout: Lining Up Multiple Tasks in One Row]
 +
 
 +
[https://www.onepager.com/howto/project-timeline.html How to: Build a Project Timeline from Microsoft Project Using OnePager Pro]
 +
 
 +
[https://www.onepager.com/howto/swimlane_project_timelines.html How to: Make a Timeline with Swimlanes Using Data from Microsoft Project]
 +
 
 +
[https://youtu.be/rp2KVyndCNQ YouTube Video: Building a Project Timeline with Swimlanes]
 +
 
 +
(12.01.1-70)
  
 
[[Category:Version 7.0]]
 
[[Category:Version 7.0]]
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[[Category:Getting Started with Version 7.0]]
 
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[[Category:Core Concepts]]
 
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[[Category:Chart Properties Form]]
 
 
[[Category:Charts]]
 
[[Category:Charts]]
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[[Category:Templates]]
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[[Category:Chart Properties Form]]
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[[Category:Ribbon]]
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[[Category:Editing a Chart]]
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[[Category:OnePager - Tool Bar]]
 
[[Category:Task/Milestone Editing]]
 
[[Category:Task/Milestone Editing]]
 
[[Category:Rows and Swimlanes]]
 
[[Category:Rows and Swimlanes]]
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[[Category:Swimlane Labels]]
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[[Category:Multiple Swimlane Levels]]
 
[[Category:Text Columns]]
 
[[Category:Text Columns]]
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[[Category:Swimlane Labels]]
 
[[Category:Row/Swimlane Borders]]
 
[[Category:Row/Swimlane Borders]]
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[[Category:Labels]]
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[[Category:Name Label Collision Avoidance]]
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[[Category:Snapshots]]
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[[Category:Snapshot Dependent/Independent]]
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[[Category:Row Stripes]]
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[[Category:Swimlane Stripes]]
 
[[Category:OnePager Pro]]
 
[[Category:OnePager Pro]]
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[[Category:OnePager Express]]
 

Revision as of 15:59, 14 January 2021

Overview

OnePager Pro and Express can create Gantt charts or Timeline layout charts by collecting tasks from your source plans and placing them into rows in your OnePager Pro or Express charts. A Gantt chart, in this context, is organized such that each row contains only one task. A Timeline layout, on the other hand, can have multiple tasks in a single row, based upon a field that you specify from your source plan. In a timeline layout, tasks that share the same value for a given field will automatically appear together in the same row.

Gantt Chart and Timeline Layout Chart Examples

The Gantt chart and Timeline layout chart shown below are examples of each chart layout organization:

Gantt Chart
P70-12 0 1-(1)-06092020.png

The visual characteristic of the Gantt chart above is that all tasks are placed in their own individual row.

Timeline Layout Chart
P70-12 01 1-(21)-06222020.png

The Timeline layout chart above has all task bars and milestone symbols associated with the same Project organized into a single row in the chart. These task bars and milestone symbols are all associated with the same field value (in this case Project name). The arrangement shown above is sometimes called a ribbon.

Gantt Chart Versus Timeline Layout Chart Selection

Both chart layout organizations have uses in supporting schedule conversations and the controls and examples provided in this article for managing rows are here to help you implement your choices. Typically, when building a Microsoft Project or Excel source plan you have a mental picture of how the source plan should look when presented visually. Accordingly, we find that users structure their source plans initially with the intent of creating either a Gantt chart or a Timeline Layout chart. OnePager Pro and Express version 7.0 are structured to support the creation, formatting, and editing of both the Gantt charts and Timeline Layout charts.

This series of articles assumes that the reader is interested in creating, formatting, and editing either a Gantt chart or Timeline Layout chart for a specific purpose and can consult the appropriate sub-section of this article when considering the controls available in the Chart Properties form’s Rows/Swimlanes tab’s Rows control group.

Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel Source Plans

The Chart Properties form’s Rows/Swimlanes tab are essentially the same for OnePager Pro version 7.0 and OnePager Express version 7.0. The controls described in this article and the remainder in the series applies to both Microsoft Project and Excel source plans imported into OnePager Pro and Excel, respectively. Where there are differences between Microsoft Project and Excel, there is a separate article covering specifically the requirements for using the features with Microsoft Excel.

Creating Gantt Charts

In this and following sub-sections, it is assumed that you have created or are using a distributed Template Properties form that supports either the Gantt chart or Timeline layout chart. Accordingly, this article and the others articles that make up this series deals with creating and editing charts with the assumption that an appropriate Template Properties form is selected as the starting point. The Gantt chart is the most typical task bar/milestone symbol organization used in general practice.

The Chart Properties form’s Rows/Swimlanes tab is shown below with the Rows control group highlighted for the discussion that follows:

P70-12 01 1-(1)-06122020.png

In the illustration above, the Gantt chart (one task per row) radio button is selected indicating that the chart is intended to be a Gantt chart with one task bar/milestone symbol per row. With this decision made, the next step is to determine how imported source plan tasks/milestones and their rows are sorted in the chart.

There are two options available to provide maximum flexibility:

1) Sort rows like Project or
2) Sort on field: where you have the further option to select the source plan field to control the sorting of rows and controls to determine which direction (lowest to highest or highest to lowest) the sort on rows is done.

The Row Border Formatting… button is discussed in this article at this link: Row Border Formatting <!-12.01.1-70-->

Sort Rows Like Project

Typically, Microsoft Project source plans are organized by ascending task/milestone start dates.

1) Microsoft Project provides an ID field where the source plan tasks are numbered sequentially from the top of the Microsoft Project grid to the bottom. OnePager Pro keys on the ID field for sorting rows like Project.
2) Microsoft Excel does not provide a corresponding internal sequence field as described for Microsoft Project. Our recommendation is that for Microsoft Excel source plans that you provide such a field which can be used for this purpose. OnePager Express looks for such a field which is typically called Task ID, but any name suffices.

Sorting rows like Project takes place within the entire chart when there are no swimlane levels defined. Sorting rows like Excel where a sequence field is not found or defined results in the chart being sorted from the source plan’s top row to the bottom row.

However, when multiple swimlane levels are present in the chart, the Sort rows like Project is performed within the lowest swimlane level defined even if these multiple swimlane levels are hidden. In this respect, the multiple swimlane levels defined in the chart dictate the chart’s overall visual organization which can be controlled in the Swimlanes control group of the Chart Properties form’s Rows/Swimlanes tab.

For more information on the controls for managing multiple swimlane levels, please see the article at: Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels <!-12.02.1-70-->

The organization of the chart in terms of sorting rows is more visible when the Sort on field: option is used as discussed next.

Sort Rows Like Project – Basic Example

The most basic Gantt chart with no text columns and no swimlanes looks like this:

P70-12 01 1-(1A)-06152020.png

The chart above provides the most basic project information by displaying the task bar name labels and the time axis so that task bar start/finish dates can be seen. Adding swimlanes and informative text columns can enhance the information content of the chart and help focus an audience’s attention to the specific issues of the schedule presentation.

For more information on Managing Swimlane Levels, please see the article at: Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels <!-12.02.1-70-->

For more information on Managing Text Columns, please see the article at: Creating and Formatting Text Columns <!-12.03.1-70-->

Sort on Field:

When the Sort on field: radio button is clicked, the window below the radio button and the two directional buttons are enabled. The default setting for Microsoft Project source plans is the ID field.

For Microsoft Excel source plans, OnePager Express attempts to find a source plan field in the Microsoft Excel file that is a numeric sequential file.

1) Accordingly, we recommend to OnePager Express users that you add a sequential numeric field to your Microsoft Excel source plans specifically for this purpose.
2) Users typically add a numeric field called Task ID and populate it in their Microsoft Excel source plans sequentially.

When the Sort on field radio button is clicked, the enabled sub-control groups looks like this with the window’s dropdown selected:

P70-12 01 1-(2)-06122020.png

The dropdown list shown above is divided into two parts with the fields above the dotted line being those Microsoft Project source plan fields specifically imported into OnePager Pro because these fields are mentioned as settings in the Chart Properties form. Below the dotted line, you have the option to scroll down and select any other of the remaining source plan fields to which OnePager has access.

For a list of all the Microsoft source plan fields that OnePager Pro has access, please see the article at: Microsoft Project Fields Available to OnePager Pro <!-29.0.1-70-->

To the immediate right of the dropdown window are two directional buttons that specify the direction of the Sort on field: operation: (1) Top to Bottom (Lowest to Highest) – A to Z or (2) Bottom to Top (Highest to Lowest) – Z to A as shown below:

P70-12 01 1-(2A)-06222020.png

The default setting is Top to Bottom (Lowest to Highest) – A to Z. Numeric, date, and Boolean Microsoft Project source plan fields are processed in a similar way as alphabetical fields. As discussed above, the Sort on field: option is conditional on the definition of one or more multiple swimlane levels in the chart. Sorting of rows is done when multiple swimlane levels are present at the lowest swimlane level. That is, sorting of rows is performed within the lowest swimlane level defined for the chart.

For more information on the controls for managing multiple swimlane levels, please see the article at: Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels <!-12.02.1-70-->

Sort On Field: - Examples

Example 1

As a first example, there are no swimlane levels in the chart below with the three text columns showing:

P70-12 01 1-(3-1)-06122020.png

Since there are no swimlane levels defined, all task bars/milestone symbols are considered in total as the basis of the Sort on field: option using the source plan’s ID field sorted from lowest to highest.

Example 2

As a second example, we can reverse the sort order by clicking on the right-most directional button (Bottom to Top – Highest to Lowest). When this is done, the chart looks like this after the sort is complete:

P70-12 01 1-(4)-06122020.png

Example 3

For a third example, suppose we add a swimlane level and leave the third text column – ID to compare with previous sort operations. When we add the Level 1 summary name as the swimlane, Sort rows on field: ID in Ascending Order (Lowest to Highest), and make sure that the sort for the Level 1 summary name swimlane is Sort swimlanes like Project the result is shown here:

P70-12 01 1-(5)-06122020.png

The illustration above shows that rows are sorted within each swimlane in ascending order by the source plan’s ID field. To better reinforces how row order is done within each swimlane, reversing the order for row sorting by ID field to descending order (highest to lowest) is shown in the last example.

Example 4

For the last example, we can reverse the sort direction for the rows to descending order (highest to lowest), and with all other settings remaining the same, the chart looks like this:

P70-12 01 1-(6)-06122020.png

Summary for Sort on Field:

Rows are always ordered within the swimlanes, so when the number of swimlane levels or number of swimlanes changes, expect to see changes in the row ordering. Adding swimlanes or swimlane levels to a chart in the context of row sorting has a tendency to complicate this discussion significantly.

For more information on managing swimlane levels, please see the article at: Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels <!-12.02.1-70-->

Creating Timeline Layout Charts

Timeline layout charts are useful where the purpose is to track progress from milestone to milestone for many activities that are homogeneous and underway simultaneously. For example, the two illustrations below are examples of Timeline layout charts where the first organizes source plan tasks into projects and the second organizes multiple projects (shown as task bars) into programs:

Multi-Project Timeline Layout Chart Example

P70-12 01 1-(10)-06172020.png

Multi-Program Timeline Layout Chart Example

P70-12 01 1-(11)-06172020.png

The Multi-Project Timeline layout chart and Multi-Program Timeline layout chart above, consist of OnePager task bars arranged horizontally in a ribbon-like sequence for each of the chart rows shown.

OnePager Pro and Express support the Timeline layout chart format with a distributed Template Properties forms called Birds on a Wire Chart that can be used as a reference for creating your own tailored Template Properties form for this format.

Template Properties Form Settings for Timeline Layout Chart

What distinguishes Timeline layout charts from Gantt charts in OnePager is that the radio button for Timeline (multiple task per row) is selected in the Rows/Swimlanes tab of the Template Properties form shown below

P70-12 01 1-(12)-06192020.png

The Align task on window is provided as a dropdown list of source plan field names from which you can select the source plans task’s property or variable upon which OnePager creates the rows with the multiple task bars that appear in the Timeline layout chart.

The Timeline layout chart is best applied to situations where source plan tasks do not overlap with respect to start/finish dates allowing OnePager to display them in the Timeline layout chart sequentially from left to right in their assigned rows.

Where source plan tasks have start/finish dates that result in OnePager rendering them as overlapping in their assigned rows, you can remedy this by checking the Stagger overlapping tasks checkbox ON.

Creating a Timeline Layout Chart

As mentioned earlier, a Timeline layout chart has a specific purpose; one of which is to show milestone symbols on a timeline reflecting a chart being discussed at a high level. The Microsoft Project source plan shown below shows task bars at the Level 1 summary name level and milestone symbols at the level below:

P70-12 01 1-(13)-06192020.png

Using a “Birds on a Wire” configured Template Properties form such as the one shown above with the Timeline radio button clicked in the Rows/Swimlanes tab’s Rows control group, we create the Timeline layout chart shown here:

P70-12 01 1-(14)-06192020.png

In the above Timeline layout chart, milestone symbols are organized by Project which is the source plans Level 1 summary name field and all milestone symbols are on individual rows for each Level 1 summary name field value. We can bring in the source plan’s summary tasks by modifying the source plan by changing all their Flag20 entries to Yes and build a replacement Timeline layout chart that looks like this:

P70-12 01 1-(15)-06192020.png

The above illustration does, indeed, place all task bars and milestone symbols in the same row but because of the color selection and the placement of the task bar name labels for the milestone symbols some task bar name labels for milestone symbols are hidden. This situation can be addressed by clicking the Stagger overlapping tasks checkbox to ON in the Chart Properties form’s Rows/Swimlanes tab’s Rows control group as shown here:

P70-12 01 1-(16)-06192020.png

Clicking the Stagger overlapping tasks checkbox to ON changes the Timeline layout chart to look like this:

P70-12 01 1-(17)-06192020.png

Of course, there is some editing that can be done to place the milestone symbols in the above chart back over the summary task bars.

Conditional Formatting <!-11.0.1-70--> can be used to change the fill color of the milestone symbols in the chart above by assigning a specific color to each category of milestone symbol. Changing the fill color of each of the three sets of milestone symbols for each of the four projects (A through D) changes the Timeline layout chart to look like this:

P70-12 01 1-(19)-06212020.png

At this point it would be a simple matter to uncheck the Stagger overlapping task checkbox to OFF to put all the milestone symbols back into the same row as the summary task bars.

If you glance back to that illustration above, you see that many of the milestone symbols are hidden behind the task bars. This is because milestone symbol’s Z-ordering on the screen and in any media output does not let them show in the graph. Changing the Z-ordering of the milestone symbols by bringing them to the front remedies this situation. To accomplish this, select all milestone symbols with the CTL+Left-Click technique, right-click on one of these selected milestone symbols to access the task bars right-click context menu, and click the Order command and its Bring to front sub-command as shown here:

P70-12 01 1-(20)-06212020.png

At the completion of the above operation, go back to the Chart Properties form’s Rows/Swimlanes tab’s Rows control group and uncheck the Stagger overlapping task checkbox OFF. After a few editing steps to take care of the task bar name label collisions, the results are shown below:

P70-12 01 1-(21)-06222020.png

Links to Other Information on Timeline Layout Charts

For more information on Timeline Layout Charts, please use the links below:

Row Border Formatting

The third sub-control group found in the Rows control group of the Rows/Swimlanes tab of the Chart Properties form is the Row Border Formatting… button. Clicking the Row Border Formatting… button accesses the Row Formatting form shown below:

P70-12 01 1-(9)-06162020.png

Row formatting consists only of formatting borders for rows globally in the chart. In order for row borders to show in the chart and graph, the Show Row Borders checkbox must be checked ON. When the Show Row Borders checkbox is checked ON, the Color, Width, and Dash: controls are enabled. Click the Color dropdown button accesses the standard Color Chooser form where you can select the line color for the row border. The Width dial control lets you set the width of the row border’s line in terms of the selected standard measure (centimeters or inches). Finally, the Dash: dropdown has five (5) line dash types to select from including Solid, Dot, Dash, Dash dot, and Dash dot dot.

Since row borders can be shared with swimlane level borders, the subject of managing these two border types in the chart is the subject of a separate article located at this link: Row and Swimlane Borders <!-12.04.1-70-->

Related Links

Creating, Formatting, and Sorting Swimlane Levels <!-12.02.1-70-->

Creating and Formatting Text Columns <!-12.03.1-70-->

Row and Swimlane Borders <!-12.04.1-70-->

Microsoft Project Fields Available to OnePager Pro <!-29.0.1-70-->

Frequently Asked Question: Timeline Layout: Lining Up Multiple Tasks in One Row

How to: Build a Project Timeline from Microsoft Project Using OnePager Pro

How to: Make a Timeline with Swimlanes Using Data from Microsoft Project

YouTube Video: Building a Project Timeline with Swimlanes

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