Automatically Format Summary Tasks And Milestones In Microsoft Project

Table Of Contents

Automatically Format Summary Tasks : Display the Text Styles Dialog
Formatting Summary Tasks
Formatting Milestone Tasks
Apply Your Format Changes

Did you know that you can Automatically Format Summary Tasks and Milestones? One of my customers once spent many hours manually formatting every summary task with one background color and every milestone task with a unique font style and color. They were so proud of their schedule and their work when they showed it to me. Thousands of tasks later, and it was all for naught when I revealed two simple tricks to automate the whole process. Trust me, you’re going to love this. Here is how to automatically format summary tasks and milestones in your Microsoft Project schedules

Today I’ve got a game-changing trick to share with you for your Microsoft Project schedules. I’ll show you how to use Text Styles to automatically format summary tasks and milestones, saving you tons of time and effort. Let’s jump right in!

If you would rather watch a YouTube video on this subject, click here or click the thumbnail below.

Automatically Format Summary Tasks : Display the Text Styles Dialog

Click the “Gantt Chart Format” ribbon tab to display this ribbon.
In the “Format” section at the left end of the ribbon, click the “Text Styles” button.

Formatting Summary Tasks

At the top of the Text Styles dialog, click the “Item to Change” pick list button.
In the pick list, select the “Summary Tasks” item.
Click the “Background Color” pick list button and select your preferred color. For instance, you might want to select a light blue color, such 60% lighter, for example.

Formatting Milestone Tasks

While still in the Text Styles dialog, click on the “Item to Change” pick list button again.
In the pick list, select the “Milestone Tasks” item.
In the “Font Style” section, select the font style you want to use, such “Bold Italics” to make your milestones stand out.
Click the “Color” pick list button and select your desired color, such as the Red color in the Standard Colors section.

Apply Your Format Changes

Once you’re satisfied with your selections, click the “OK” button.
Microsoft Project will automatically apply the formatting to every summary task and milestone according to your preferences.

And just like that, you’ve effortlessly formatted your project schedule! If you have questions, please add them in the “Leave a Reply” section below. Or if you watched the video, add your questions or comments there. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave “Likes” if you like the videos.

If you would like to have a formal class on using Microsoft Project, here is a link for my classes.

Hello there, esteemed Microsoft Project enthusiasts! It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as Dale Howard Microsoft Project MVP, a seasoned veteran in the world of Microsoft Project. With a remarkable track record of being awarded the prestigious Microsoft Project MVP (Most Valuable Professional) title for an incredible 20 years in a row, I am humbled to share that I currently hold the distinguished position of being one of only 11 Project MVPs across the entire globe. To say that this achievement is exciting would be an understatement. It is a testament to my unwavering dedication, passion, and expertise in the Microsoft Project domain.

Why Should You Learn from Dale Howard Microsoft Project MVP?

Throughout my illustrious career, I have relentlessly pursued excellence, striving to be at the forefront of technological advancements and best practices in project management. Being a Microsoft Project MVP has endowed me with a wealth of knowledge and experience that I eagerly share with other users of this remarkable software. It has been my privilege to assist countless individuals and organizations in harnessing the full potential of Microsoft Project to effectively plan, execute, and monitor their projects. Through my extensive involvement in the Microsoft Project community, I have built a strong network of like-minded professionals, and together, we continuously strive to innovate and push the boundaries of project management excellence. As an MVP, I not only possess an in-depth understanding of Microsoft Project but also have access to exclusive resources, early product previews, and direct communication channels with the Microsoft Project development team. This unique advantage allows me to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that I can provide the most up-to-date and relevant guidance to fellow Microsoft Project lovers.

Whether you are a seasoned project manager seeking to enhance your skills or a novice navigating the intricacies of project planning, I am here to assist you every step of the way. Through my articles, webinars, and training sessions, I aim to empower individuals and organizations to unlock the true potential of Microsoft Project, enabling them to achieve their project goals efficiently and effectively. Join me on this exhilarating journey as we delve into the realm of Microsoft Project, exploring its vast capabilities, uncovering hidden gems, and conquering the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can transform the way projects are managed, revolutionizing the world of project management, one keystroke at a time. So, buckle up and prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure in the fascinating universe of Microsoft Project.

Ask Questions on the Forums or Contact Me Directly

If you post a question about any of Microsoft’s PPM tools on the public message boards, look to see who the moderator or person that has answered the questions and you see, it’s frequently me answering your questions. Some people like to golf, I love Microsoft Project helping the community get to understand Microsoft Project much better.

Books I’ve Written on Amazon

I’ve been teaching students at all levels for over 20 years and have taught thousands of users around the world. I’ve written and co-authored 23 books on Microsoft Project, Project Online, and Project Server so if you’re like me and like to read over watching a video, you can Check Out My Books on Amazon.

Check Out My YouTube Channel

For the people that like to watch videos, check out my YouTube channel. If you post a question in the comments, I’ll be happy to answer questions or create a new video to answer your question.

See Other Questions I Answer on the Message Boards

If you’ve got a question about Microsoft Project, Project Online or Project Server, check out some of these community post areas.
Microsoft Tech Community
Reddit Project Online Community
LinkedIn Project and Planner Group

Here’s some other blogs and message boards that I answer questions on:
https://www.mpug.com/author/dale-howard/
https://www.dalehowardmvp.com/microsoft-project-tips-and-tricks/
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_project
https://www.reddit.com/r/MSProject/
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/profile/029b4dc7-350c-48f1-8f44-5f01718b3b30

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