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Create and manage Gantt charts in Canva Whiteboards


A Gantt chart is a visual timeline used to plan projects and track progress. These charts help teams align on complex initiatives by showing task durations, dependencies, and ownership at a glance.

Canva Whiteboards offer an infinite canvas that grows with your timeline, so you can collaborate in real time without space limits.

Key terms

  • Infinite canvas: A workspace that automatically expands as you add content.
  • Node: A shape (such as a square or circle) that represents a task or data point.
  • Dependency: A connection where one task relies on another to start or finish.
  • Milestone: A key event or checkpoint that marks progress in a project.

Create a Gantt chart

  1. Go to
    Home. Then select
    Create a design and choose Whiteboard.
  2. Select
    Design tab, then search for Gantt Chart to use a template or start from scratch.
  3. Add shapes or tables to create a task list on the left side of the canvas.
  • Add horizontal bars to show when each task starts and ends. To define dependencies, select a task bar and drag an arrow from a connection point to another task.

4. Use diamond shapes or other icons to mark milestones.

Collaborate with your team

  • Go to
    Share to invite team members as Editors, Viewers, or Commenters.
  • Lock important elements by selecting them, then select
    (Lock).
  • Admins on Canva Enterprise plans can assign group-level permissions to manage access.

Keep your chart on-brand

  • Apply your team’s approved colors and fonts using your Brand Kit.
  • Use Version History, go to File, then click
    Version history to view or restore past versions of the chart.

When to build Gantt charts on desktop vs. mobile

  • Desktop: Best for building charts, mapping dependencies, and aligning elements with rulers and guides.
  • Mobile app: Best for checking project status or leaving sticky note comments on the go.

Tips and limitations

  • Can’t edit the chart? Go to Share to check your access level. If you have view-only permission, ask the owner or admin to update your access.
  • Can’t find your Brand Kit? Make sure you're logged into your organization's Enterprise account. Brand Kits aren't available in free or personal workspaces.

Troubleshooting

  • Canva Gantt charts are visual tools, they don’t automatically calculate schedules or adjust tasks.
  • Export your chart as a PDF (Print) or high-quality PNG for sharing or printing.

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