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Is there a way to automatically add predecessors?

Anonymous
2017-05-17T12:13:01+00:00

Is there a faster way (similar to a fill handle in excel) to link tasks as predecessors to tasks?

For example I need tasks 60-80 to have tasks 1-20 as predecessors. So instead of manually typing 1 through 20 in the predecessor column, is there a faster way?

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  1. John Project 49,705 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2017-05-17T17:57:39+00:00

    Michael,

    If you have a group of tasks that are not both visible (e.g. 1 through 20 and 100 through 120, it might be worthwhile to do a quick filter to isolate those two groups, then use the link icon. Otherwise, I'm afraid it will be a manual operation, but, once it's done, you're all set. It's all part of the process of developing a good plan.

    John

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-05-17T17:49:18+00:00

    John, 

    Yes, the tasks to be linked are not both visible. Guess I'll have to do them manually?

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  3. John Project 49,705 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2017-05-17T13:43:01+00:00

    Michael A,

    The fill handle in Excel works great for adding a continuous series of items but not so great if you're trying to link non-contiguous cells.

    There are several ways to create links in Project. The most labor intensive is to manually enter task IDs into the Predecessor field. You can also select a task's Gantt bar in the middle and drag the mouse down to the task to be linked. Or, you can alternate select two tasks and use the link icon found under Task > Schedule group. If the tasks to be linked are not both visible, (e.g. task 1 and task 100), you could create a filter that isolates the two tasks and then use one of the above methods. Of course, by the time you get the filter set up, you could have already entered the link data in the Predecessor field.

    If you have a series of tasks you want to link, just select them all and then use thelink icon.

    Hope this helps.

    John

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-05-18T11:35:26+00:00

    John,

    How do I create a quick filter to isolate those two groups?

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-05-17T22:42:36+00:00

    If the tasks that are to be linked to tasks 1-20 are next to each other then you could do a copy and paste in the predecessors column.

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