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Free Project Planner Template (PowerPoint & Google Slides)

Plan phases, owners and dates on one slide. Start from a template, or open the project planner and type your own tasks.

How to use this project planner template

  1. Name the phases (for example Plan, Build, Launch, Review) and type them in the group field.
  2. Add key tasks under each phase with a date and a short note, such as the owner.
  3. Pick a layout. Roadmap columns show phases side by side; switch to the arrow or Gantt style with the same data.
  4. Download the .pptx and share it in your kickoff or status meeting.

What a good project plan slide shows

  • Phases in order, so everyone sees the shape of the project at a glance.
  • 3-5 key tasks per phase, not every to-do.
  • Owners for each task or phase, which prevents “I thought you had it”.
  • Decision points such as approvals and go-live, which stakeholders care about most.
  • Status in the subtitle when you reuse the slide for updates.

Project planner vs. timeline vs. Gantt chart

FormatShowsUse when
Project plannerPhases, tasks, ownersKickoff, scoping, resourcing
Project timelineKey dates and milestonesExecutive or client updates
Gantt chartDurations, overlaps, dependenciesDay-to-day delivery planning

Project planning tips

  • Plan backwards from the fixed date (launch, event, contract end) and add buffer before it.
  • Keep one source of truth. Use the slide to communicate the plan, and the project tool to run it.
  • Revisit the planner at each phase gate and update dates honestly; a slide with stale dates loses trust fast.

Project planner template FAQ

What is a project planner template?

A one-page plan that shows a project's phases, key tasks, owners and dates. It's the slide you use to kick off a project or update stakeholders, while detailed tasks stay in your project tool.

What should a project plan include?

Goal and scope, phases, key tasks or deliverables per phase, an owner for each, dates or durations, and the decision points such as sign-offs and go-live.

Project planner, timeline or Gantt chart: which do I need?

Use a project planner to show phases and responsibilities, a project timeline to show key dates, and a Gantt chart to show task durations and overlaps. The maker can switch between all three with the same data.

Can I use the project planner in Google Slides or Excel?

The planner downloads as an editable .pptx that opens in PowerPoint, Google Slides and Keynote. With Pro you can import your task list from Excel or CSV.