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How to Expand or Collapse All Tasks in Project for the Web

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is looking for a way to expand or collapse all tasks simultaneously within Project for the Web.

Product: Microsoft Project for the Web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing large project schedules and trying to simplify the view by collapsing or expanding the entire task hierarchy at once.
Observed behavior: Unlike the desktop version of Microsoft Project, Project for the Web currently lacks a dedicated command or global keyboard shortcut to expand or collapse all tasks simultaneously.

Before you start

Ensure your project schedule is open in Project for the Web and identify the main summary tasks that contain the subtasks you wish to collapse or expand.

Solution 1Recommended

Expand or Collapse Subtasks Individually

Since a global 'Expand All' or 'Collapse All' button is unavailable, you must manage task hierarchies individually by interacting with specific summary tasks.

Project for the Web relies on individual node management. You will need to manually select the highest-level summary tasks and collapse them one by one to clean up your view.

Open your project schedule

Navigate to Project for the Web and open the specific project board or grid you want to manage.

Select a summary task

Click on a summary task (parent task) that currently contains nested subtasks.

Use keyboard shortcuts to toggle

Use the platform's supported keyboard shortcuts for expanding or collapsing the specific subtasks under your currently selected summary task.

Shortcut References: While there is no global shortcut to collapse the entire project, learning the individual expand/collapse shortcuts for Project for the Web can significantly speed up your workflow when selecting parent tasks.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Track Project Tasks Efficiently with WPS Spreadsheet

If you are frustrated by the lack of global expand/collapse features in web-based project tools, consider managing your task lists in WPS Spreadsheet. WPS Office is a free, lightweight suite that offers powerful outlining and grouping features, allowing you to collapse or expand entire task hierarchies with a single click.

1. Download WPS Office: Install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
2. Create a task list: Open WPS Spreadsheet and list your project summary tasks and subtasks.
3. Group your tasks: Highlight your subtasks, go to the Data tab, and click 'Group' to nest them under a summary task.
4. Expand or collapse all: Click the outline level numbers (1, 2, 3) in the left margin to instantly expand or collapse all grouped tasks at once.

Free, lightweight, and easy-to-use interfaceFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats for seamless migrationRobust Data Grouping tools to expand or collapse all subtasks simultaneouslyEasily create custom project timelines and Gantt charts

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an 'Expand/Collapse All' button be added to Project for the Web?

Currently, Microsoft has not implemented a native global expand or collapse button in the web version. Users migrating from the desktop client often request this feature, but there is no official timeline for its release.

Can I use desktop Microsoft Project shortcuts in the web version?

Not all shortcuts from the Microsoft Project desktop application translate to Project for the Web. The web version relies on a simplified interface and has its own specific set of browser-compatible shortcuts.

Is there a fast workaround to collapse my entire project view?

The most efficient workaround is to structure your project with only a few top-level summary tasks. By collapsing just those 2-3 main parent tasks, all nested subtasks beneath them will automatically be hidden.

How do I create a summary task in Project for the Web?

To group tasks, select the task you want to become a subtask, click the more options menu (three dots), and select 'Make subtask'. The task directly above it will automatically convert into a summary task.

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