MS Project for the web visualize dependencies

[NickDekker]

We have created a PowerBI report from MS Project for the web data. This works pretty good and we get all the data. 
However, showing the tasks dependencies in a nice way is pretty hard though. 

Like in MS Project for the web, lines are drawn between tasks if they are dependent but we are not able to get a visualization that shows lines between the tasks (as shown in picture below). 

There is a paid alternative but we don't want to use it. Has anyone an idea which visual to use to show the dependencies between tasks? 

[v-pagayam-msft]

Hi @NickDekker ,
Can you please confirm whether you have resolved issue. If yes, you are welcome to share your workaround and mark it as a solution so that other users can benefit as well. This will be helpful for other community members who have similar problems to solve it faster.
Thank you.

[NickDekker]

@v-pagayam-msft not solved yet. Pretty hard! Trying with Deneb and Charticulator right now. 

[v-pagayam-msft]

Hi @NickDekker ,
Thanks for the update! Please do let us know how it goes after trying out Deneb or Charticulator , we are happy to assist you further if you run into any challenges or have questions along the way.

Regards,
Pallavi G.

[NickDekker · Accepted solution]

Hi @v-pagayam-msft, 

Got it working! Managed to use a template from David Bacci. 
GitHub - PBI-David/Deneb-Showcase: A collection of advanced dataviz examples using Vega, Vega-Lite, ...

He created a visual using DenneB. So, I need to accept my own response as a solution based with the help of your steering. 😉

[burakkaragoz]

Hi  @NickDekker ,

This is a common challenge with Power BI. Unfortunately, the built-in Gantt and bar chart visuals in Power BI do not support drawing dependency lines between tasks (like the arrows/lines you see in MS Project). Among the free visuals, there isn’t a Gantt chart that visually displays dependencies with lines.

Here are a few alternatives you can consider:

• You can try using custom visuals like Deneb or Charticulator to create your own Gantt or dependency chart. These tools let you customize visuals and can technically draw lines/arrows for dependencies, but they require some knowledge of Vega/JSON or custom visual logic. It’s a free but more technical solution.
• Most of the third-party visuals (like Gantt Chart by MAQ Software) that support dependency lines are paid, and you mentioned you want to avoid that.
• As a workaround, you can display the “predecessor” information (which task depends on which) as a tooltip or in an extra column. While this doesn’t draw a line, it at least shows the dependency information in a practical way.

In summary, there’s no easy and free way to visually show task dependencies with lines in Power BI. Your options are to either build a custom visual (with Deneb/Charticulator) or show the relationship in data form (like a tooltip or extra column).

If my response resolved your query, kindly mark it as the Accepted Solution to assist others. Additionally, I would be grateful for a 'Kudos' if you found my response helpful.

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[v-pagayam-msft]

Hi @NickDekker ,
Thank you for reaching out to us on Microsoft Fabric Community Forum!

Upon my understanding, Power BI does not currently support drawing dependency lines between tasks like MS Project. While the built-in Gantt visual shows task durations, it does not include those connecting lines.

An alternative is tools like Deneb  might help. This may allow you to create custom visuals, including bars and lines based on your task dependency data. It takes a bit of setup, but it is a flexible option.

Hope this helps.If so,give us kudos and consider accpting it as solution.

Regards,
Pallavi G.