Does Project for the Web Support Start-to-Start Dependencies?
Question details
The user wants to know if Start-to-Start task dependencies can be used in Microsoft Project for the web.
- Product
- Microsoft Project for the web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Planning a project schedule where certain tasks need to start simultaneously rather than strictly sequentially.
- Observed behavior
- Project for the web currently restricts users to Finish-to-Start dependencies, lacking the full range of advanced dependency types available in the desktop version.
Before altering your project plan, review your task list to confirm if a Start-to-Start relationship is strictly necessary, or if breaking the tasks down into smaller sequential milestones could temporarily resolve the scheduling gap.
Switch to Desktop Microsoft Project or Project Online
Use the desktop version of Microsoft Project or Project Online to access advanced scheduling tools and all dependency types.
Since Project for the web is a lightweight version of Microsoft's project management tools, it lacks complex scheduling relationships. If your project heavily relies on Start-to-Start (SS), Finish-to-Finish (FF), or Start-to-Finish (SF) dependencies, you will need to utilize the traditional desktop client or Project Online.
Check if your Microsoft 365 subscription includes Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5, which grants access to the desktop Microsoft Project application.
Launch Microsoft Project desktop and import or recreate your task list.
Double-click a linked task to open the Task Information dialog. Navigate to the 'Predecessors' tab, select the task, and change the 'Type' dropdown from Finish-to-Start (FS) to Start-to-Start (SS).
Submit Feature Feedback to Microsoft
Request the addition of Start-to-Start dependencies directly to the Microsoft Project development team.
Manage Project Timelines Easily with WPS Office
If you are frustrated by software limitations and need a flexible, cost-effective way to manage project timelines, WPS Office offers powerful spreadsheet tools to build customized Gantt charts without strict dependency restrictions. Enjoy a highly compatible, feature-rich office suite for free.
- 1. Download and install: Get WPS Office from the official website and install the lightweight application on your PC or Mac.
- 2. Open a project template: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, go to the Homepage, and search for 'Project Schedule' or 'Gantt Chart' in the templates library.
- 3. Customize your timeline: Input your task data, adjust start dates flexibly without software restrictions, and save your file in standard Office formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Start-to-Start (SS) dependency?
A Start-to-Start dependency is a task relationship where the successor task cannot start until its predecessor task has started. It is commonly used when two tasks need to be executed simultaneously or in parallel.
Will Microsoft add other dependency types to Project for the web?
Microsoft continuously updates Project for the web and may add additional dependency types like SS, FF, or SF in the future. However, there is no official release date, which is why submitting feedback is highly recommended.
Can I use lead or lag times in Project for the web to work around this?
Project for the web currently has limited capabilities regarding lead and lag times compared to the desktop version. While you can adjust task durations, simulating true parallel starts (Start-to-Start) accurately remains difficult without upgrading to Microsoft Project desktop.
