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How to Create a Project Dashboard with Microsoft 365 Project

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to create a project dashboard using Microsoft 365 Project.

How to Create a Project Dashboard in Microsoft 365 Project

Product: Microsoft 365 Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating visual reports and dashboards for project or portfolio management.
Observed behavior: The dashboard capabilities differ depending on whether the user is utilizing Project Online Professional, the Project desktop application, or Project for the web.

Before you start

Verify which version of Microsoft Project you are currently using (Project Online Professional, the Project desktop application, or Project for the web), as the available dashboard features and required tools differ significantly between these versions.

Solution 1Recommended

Create Dashboards in Project Desktop Application

Use this method if you are using Project Online Professional or the Project desktop application to create dashboards for individual projects.

The Microsoft Project desktop application includes robust built-in reporting tools that allow you to generate visual dashboard views without needing external software. This is ideal for managing project-level data, tracking resource allocation, and monitoring task progress.

Open your project

Launch the Microsoft Project desktop application and open the specific project file you want to analyze.

Navigate to the Report tab

Click on the 'Report' tab in the top ribbon to view the available reporting options.

Select Dashboards

Click on 'Dashboards' and choose a pre-built option such as 'Project Overview', 'Cost Overview', or 'Upcoming Tasks'.

Customize the dashboard

Click on any chart or table within the dashboard to open the Field List pane, where you can modify the data fields, adjust chart types, and format the visual elements to suit your needs.

Create Dashboards in Project Desktop Application

Built-in Convenience: These project-level reports are highly customizable and automatically update as you change the data in your project schedule.

Solution 2

Build Portfolio Dashboards with Power BI

Essential for users of Project for the web or for organizations requiring portfolio-level reporting across multiple projects.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Track Your Projects Easily with WPS Office

If you are looking for a simpler way to track tasks and create dashboards without an expensive Microsoft Project subscription, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. With WPS Spreadsheet, you can utilize professional project management templates, build visual progress charts, and maintain full compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats.

1. Download and install WPS Office: Get the free version of WPS Office from the official website and install it on your PC or Mac.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch the application and click on 'Spreadsheet' to open a new workspace, then click on 'Templates'.
3. Use a project dashboard template: Search for 'Project Dashboard' or 'Gantt Chart' in the template library, select one that fits your needs, and input your data to visualize project progress instantly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file formatsAccess to free project management and Gantt chart templatesLightweight and fast-running application with low system requirementsFamiliar ribbon interface for a seamless migration from Microsoft Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a dashboard in Project for the web without Power BI?

Project for the web includes basic built-in views like Grid, Board, and Timeline (Gantt chart). However, for comprehensive visual dashboards and portfolio reporting, integrating with Power BI is required.

What is the difference between Project desktop reports and portfolio dashboards?

The Project desktop application allows you to create built-in visual reports for individual project files. Portfolio dashboards, typically built with Power BI, aggregate data across multiple projects to give executives a high-level overview of resources, costs, and overall progress.

Are Power BI templates available for Microsoft Project?

Yes, Microsoft provides official, free Power BI templates designed specifically to connect with Project Online and Project for the web, allowing you to generate instant portfolio dashboards.

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