How to highlight a Time period in Gantt chart in Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project does not offer a built-in tool to directly highlight a specific time period in the Gantt chart. However, you can achieve this effect by using a custom calendar. Here’s how:

Create a New Calendar

• • Go to the Project tab and select Change Working Time.
  • Click Create New Calendar and name it something like “Gantt Shade”.

Define the Highlighted Time Period

• In the Exceptions tab of the new calendar, add a new exception for the time period you want to highlight (e.g., January to March).
• Set the Start and Finish dates accordingly.

Apply the Calendar to the Gantt Chart

• Right-click anywhere on the Gantt chart and select Nonworking Time….

• In the Non-working Time tab:
  • Set Calendar to Gantt Shade.
  • Set Draw to Behind task bars.
  • Choose a Color (e.g., Gray) to visually distinguish the time period.

Result

• The selected time period (e.g., January to March) will now appear shaded in the background of your Gantt chart.