In this post, I’ll teach you how to set task dependencies in Project for the Web. Microsoft has recently expanded its dependency planning features, and now we have more options than ever! Let’s walk through all the available features and learn how to make the most of them in your project planning.

If you would rather watch a YouTube video on this subject, click here or click the thumbnail below.

Understanding the Different Dependency Types

In Project for the Web, there are now four dependency types:

• Finish to Start (the default)
• Start to Start
• Finish to Finish
• Start to Finish

Additionally, you can now add Lag time or Lead time to any of these dependency types.

Adding Two Columns to the Grid View

Before you get started with setting task dependencies, I recommend adding two columns to your Grid view, which are:

• Depends After
• Depends On

Adding these two columns will make it easier to set and analyze task dependencies.

How to Set a Finish to Start Dependency

The Finish to Start dependency is the most commonly used, and it’s easy to set:

1. Select the tasks you want to link.
2. Right-click anywhere on the selected task list.
3. Choose Add Dependency from the shortcut menu.

Project for the Web will automatically create a Finish to Start dependency.

How to Set a Start to Start Dependency

For tasks that need to start at the same time, you’ll want to use a Start to Start dependency:

1. Click in the Depends After field for a task.
2. Project for the Web will display a list of tasks. Select the task that needs to start at the same time.
3. Click the flyout button, choose the “Start to Start” item on the menu, and then click the “Add” button.

How to Set a Finish to Finish Dependency

For tasks that need finish at the same time, you’ll use a Finish to Finish dependency:

1. Click in the Depends After field for a task.
2. Project for the Web will display a list of tasks. Select the task that needs to finish at the same time.
3. Click the flyout button, choose the “Finish to Finish” item on the menu, and then click the “Add” button.

How to Set a Start to Finish Dependency

This dependency type works in reverse, where the Start date of one task controls the Finish date of the other task. Here’s how to set a Start to Finish dependency:

1. Click in the Depends After field.
2. Project for the Web will display a list of tasks. Choose the task that needs to Finish before the Start of the selected task.
3. Click the flyout button, choose the “Start to Finish” item on the menu, and then click the “Add” button.

How to Add Lag Time

If you need to introduce a delay between tasks, you can use Lag time. For example, you may need to wait for 5 days after one task finishes before the next task begins:

1. Click in the Depends After field for the task.
2. Choose the dependent task, and keep the dependency type set to Finish to Start.
3. At the bottom of the menu, select the “Delay Type” item, and select the “Lag By” item on the flyout menu.
4. Enter the duration of the Lag (e.g., 5 days) and click the “Add” button.

How to Add Lead Time

Lead time is useful when you want to overlap tasks, such as starting a new task before the previous one finishes. Here’s how to add Lead time:

1. Click in the Depends After field for the task.
2. Choose the dependent task, and keep the dependency type set to Finish to Start.
3. At the bottom of the menu, select the “Delay Type” item, and select the “Lead By” item on the flyout menu.
4. Enter the duration of the Lag (e.g., 5 days) and click the “Add” button.

Reviewing Your Dependencies in Timeline View

Once you’ve set all your dependencies, switch to the Timeline view to visualize them in a Gantt Chart display.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to use all the new dependency types in Project for the Web, you’ll be able to create more flexible and dynamic project plans. If you have questions, please add them in the “Leave a Reply” section below. Or if you watched the video, add your questions or comments there. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave “Likes” if you like the videos.

If you would like to have a formal class on using Microsoft Project, here is a link for my classes.