How to Create a Rounded Gradient Gantt Chart in Tableau, by Golden Insights on YouTube. 8 min 40 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 40 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Connect your task data in Tableau and confirm the start date and end date fields are set as Date type. Add a calculated field for duration by subtracting the start date from the end date.
Drag the task name to Rows and the start date to Columns as a continuous date. Change the mark type to Gantt Bar.
Place the duration field on the Size shelf so each bar stretches from its start date to its end date. Adjust the size slider until bars are readable.
Build the rounded ends by adding a shape mark or a rounded image to the bar ends, or by layering a second mark type over the bar edges.
Add a gradient by placing a continuous measure such as percent complete or days elapsed on the Color shelf. Set the color palette to a two-color gradient and adjust the range.
Create a Today indicator with a calculated field that returns today's date, then add it as a reference line on the date axis. Style the line with a distinct color and label.
Build a custom axis header by creating a calculated field that returns the current month name, then place it on the Columns or as a text annotation above the axis.
Format the view: hide gridlines, remove borders, set the axis to fit the date range and align labels. Test that bars and the Today line update when the data changes.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the duration field as a number of days, not a date difference in hours, or the bars will not size correctly.
Use a fixed color range on the gradient so bars stay comparable when new tasks are added.
Check the Today line after changing the date filter, since it can fall outside the visible axis range.
Questions
Do I need special images for the rounded bars?
No. You can round the bar ends with shape marks or by layering marks. Images are optional if you want a custom look.
Will the chart update when my project dates change?
Yes, as long as the workbook connects to the live data source. Refresh the data and the bars, gradient and Today line recalculate.
Can I do this in Tableau Public?
Yes, the same mark types and calculated fields work in Tableau Public, though saving options differ from Tableau Desktop.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
