Fix Cannot Move Finish End of Custom Gantt Bar in Project 2016
Question details
The user is unable to visually drag or move the finish end of a custom Gantt bar in Microsoft Project 2016.
- Product
- Microsoft Project 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adjusting task durations visually on a Gantt chart created from data retrieved via a TFS add-in, utilizing custom date fields.
- Observed behavior
- The start end of the Gantt bar can be dragged, but the finish end cannot be moved independently when the bar criteria are linked to custom Start1 and Finish1 fields.
Ensure you have saved your current project file and check if the standard Start and Finish fields allow dragging before applying workarounds to your custom fields.
Manually Update Dates in Custom Finish Fields
Bypass the visual dragging limitation by typing the exact dates directly into your custom Finish1 field.
Because Microsoft Project 2016 restricts dragging the finish end of bars tied to custom fields, manual entry is the most direct workaround when retaining custom mappings.
Navigate to your task list and ensure that the custom Start1 and Finish1 columns are visible in your current view.
Click directly on the Finish1 cell for the specific task and type the new end date, rather than trying to drag the bar on the chart.
Press Enter. Observe the custom Gantt bar on the right; it will automatically adjust its length to match the newly entered finish date.
Revert to Standard Start and Finish Fields
Switch the Gantt bar criteria from custom fields to standard fields to restore full visual drag-and-drop functionality.
Manage Projects Effortlessly with WPS Office
While Microsoft Project handles complex TFS integrations, WPS Office offers a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative for everyday project tracking. Use WPS Spreadsheet's built-in templates to create flexible, easily adjustable Gantt charts without the hassle of complex custom field limitations.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free and follow the quick installation prompts.
- 2. Open Spreadsheet Templates: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, go to the Homepage, and click on 'Templates'.
- 3. Apply a Gantt Chart Template: Search for 'Gantt Chart' and download a template to start dragging and tracking your project timelines visually without complex configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I drag the start but not the finish of a custom Gantt bar?
This is a known behavior limitation in Microsoft Project 2016. When custom fields (like Start1 and Finish1) are used for the 'From' and 'To' criteria of a Gantt bar, the software restricts visually dragging the finish end.
Does the TFS add-in cause issues with Gantt bar dragging?
While the TFS add-in imports data into custom fields, the dragging limitation itself is tied to how Project 2016 handles custom fields for bar criteria, rather than being a direct fault of the add-in.
How do I submit feedback about this Project 2016 behavior?
You can report this limitation directly to Microsoft by navigating to File > Feedback within Microsoft Project 2016 and detailing the issue with custom Gantt bars.
Will creating a new project file fix the custom field dragging issue?
Creating a new project file may not resolve the visual dragging limitation if you continue to map the Gantt bars to custom Start and Finish fields, as it is a core behavior of the software.
