When starting a new project in Microsoft Project 2013, there are several ways to approach setting up your project. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through some of the most common methods.

Open an Existing Project

One way to start is by opening a project that you created in an earlier version of Project and building on it. This can be especially helpful if you already have a good understanding of your project's scope and objectives.

Another option is to open a project that you've previously set up and use it as a base for your current project. This can save you time and effort by allowing you to build on an existing schedule and avoid duplicating work.

Use a Template

If you're starting from scratch, you may want to consider using a template pre-populated with tasks from projects similar to yours. These templates have been created by industry experts to help you get started quickly and efficiently.

Alternatively, you can start with a clean slate and then populate your project with tasks, people, and other schedule information as needed.

Add Tasks and Organize Your Project

Once you've opened or set up your project, it's time to add tasks and organize them into an outline. This will help you break down the work into manageable pieces and identify dependencies between tasks.

You should also set up a project calendar so that you know what the working hours are for each task. This will help you ensure that your project stays on track and that everyone involved is aware of their responsibilities.

Start with a Simple List

If you're early in the planning process, you may not want to use Project at all just yet. Instead, try creating a simple list of tasks or ideas and sharing them with others before starting to schedule.

This can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your project's objectives are clear and well-defined.

Project Management Tips

Before you start using Microsoft Project 2013, it's important to have a good understanding of what a project is and what it isn't. Make sure you know how to define project objectives and scope, and that you're starting at the right place in your planning process.

For more articles in this series of project management instructional guides, see The Project Road Map.

Microsoft project 2013 step by step