Below you will find out how to create a new project in MS Project. This step-by-step guide will take you through all the essential steps and settings so you can start successfully.
Key Insights
- You will create a new project in MS Project.
- You can set the start date of your project.
- Project settings such as calendar and priority can be adjusted.
Step 1: Open MS Project and Start a New Project
Launch MS Project. To create a new project, you can click on "Blank Project" directly on the homepage. Alternatively, you can go to "New" in the top left corner. I recommend the more comprehensive way via "Blank Project." If you already have a project open and want to create a new project, go to the "File" tab and open a new project from there.
Step 2: Enter Project Data
After creating the new project, you will be in the editing view. Now it is important to set the project data. Switch to the "Project" tab and click on "Project Information." Here you have access to various settings that are relevant for the start of your project.
Step 3: Set Start Date
In the project information dialog box, you can now set the start date for your project. Let's say you want your project to start on Saturday. You can enter the date manually here. Make sure that the current date you are working on is correct to avoid confusion.
Step 4: Consider Calendar
_check_The default calendar in MS Project is set to a 5-day week with 40 hours per week. You can adjust this calendar in the basic settings if necessary for your project. For example, you can switch to a 24-hour calendar or night shifts. This information is important for managing working hours according to the plan.
Step 5: Status Date and Priority
The status date is not required at the current stage, as it will be used later, especially when creating the status report. However, you can already set the priority of your project. The priority value can range from 0 to 1000 and influences how important the project is compared to others. For now, you can leave the priority at a neutral value such as 500.
Step 6: Project Statistics and Overview
In the "Statistics" tab, you can get a brief overview of the status of your project. Here you get insights into the planned and actual state of your project. It also lists the expected duration, work, and costs. This information is particularly useful for monitoring the progress of your project.
Step 7: Successfully Create Project
After setting all the important information, your project is now ready. You have set the start date, made general project settings, and received an overview of the statistics. The next step will be to enter the first tasks into your project, which will be covered in the following video.
Summary
In this guide, you have learned how to create a new project in MS Project. You have adjusted the start date, the calendar, and the project statistics. You are now well prepared for the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open MS Project?You can open MS Project by double-clicking on the program icon in your Start menu or on your desktop.
Can I change my project at any time?Yes, you can make changes to your project at any time, including project data.
How can I set the priority of my project?You can set the priority in the Project Information section by entering a value between 0 and 1000.
Do I need to set the status date immediately?The status date is not required initially and can be set later when documenting project progress.
Can I customize the calendar for my project?Yes, the default calendar can be changed in the basic settings to meet the specific requirements of your project.
