Lesson2.7.Editing Task Links

Lesson 2.7. Editing Task Links

Figure 2-8. The Task Dependency dialog box.

By default, a Finish-to-Start dependency is created when tasks are linked. But there are other types of task dependencies Project can use. For example, tasks can be linked by a Start-to-Start dependency, which means they begin at the same time. Here's how to change the type of link between tasks.

1. Select the Check functionality task and click the Go To Selected Task button on the Standard toolbar.

   The Gantt chart shows the relationship between the "Check functionality" and "Edit and proof text" tasks. The "Edit and proof text" task can really be done at the same time as the "Check functionality" task, so change the link type.

2. Double-click the link line between the "Check functionality" and "Edit and proof text" tasks.

   The Task Dependency dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 2-8.

   Notice that the dialog box displays which tasks the link is from and to.

3. Click the Type list arrow and select the Start-to-Start (SS) option. Click OK.

   Notice that the schedule of the "Edit and proof text" task changes so that it will start on the same day as the "Check functionality" task. Check out Table 2-1 for information on other links you can use in your project.

Table 2-1. Types of Links

Link Type	Description	Looks Like...
Finish-to-Start (FS)	The successor task will begin when the predecessor task ends. This is the default type of link.
Start-to-Start (SS)	Both the predecessor and successor tasks begin at the same time. The start date of the predecessor task determines the start date for the successor task.
Finish-to-Finish (FF)	Both the predecessor and successor tasks end at the same time. The end date of the predecessor task determines the end date for the successor task.
Start-to-Finish (SF)	The successor task will end when the predecessor task begins. Use this link to minimize the risk of a task finishing late, such as for a milestone or a project end date.

QUICK REFERENCE

TO EDIT A TASK LINK:

1. DOUBLE-CLICK THE LINK LINE BETWEEN THE LINKED TASKS.

2. CLICK THE TYPE LIST ARROW AND SELECT THE TYPE OF LINK YOU WANT TO USE.

3. CLICK OK.