A single file is almost always the faster alternative, but being able to focus on just a part of the project may be worth the trade-off. If some parts of the project contain work that is broken down into more detail than others, it may make sense to make those parts into subprojects so that most users see only a rolled-up description of the subproject, but interested parties can view it in more detail. If your project contains more than a few hundred tasks, breaking it into subprojects can make it easier to manage. To determine whether you should break up a large project into a master project and subprojects, consider the following: In Project terms, creating subprojects in a master project helps project managers gain access to, and control over, their parts of the schedule. In project-management terms, assigning subprojects in this manner gives responsibility to those who do the work and matches authority with accountability. If you just must combine files to create a report or print a view of combined-project information, you can also consolidate them temporarily in a view.Ĭreating a master project and subprojects lets you break down a large project and delegate its parts to the necessary people. When you update a subproject from the master project, it is updated in its source file as well. When you insert a subproject into the master project, the two projects are linked and you can view all the information in the subproject from the master project.

In the master project, subprojects appear as summary tasks that you can easily arrange in an outline.Ĭlick the plus sign next to a subproject to expand that subproject's tasks for viewing.Įach subproject represents a different phase or other functional group in the main project. When you insert a subproject, a small Project icon distinguishes it from summary tasks that are part of the master project. Projects inserted into a master project are called subprojects. Think of a master project as a collection of consolidated projects that show a hierarchy among multiple related projects. How resources are affected when you combine files Work with subprojects in a master project You can have more control over your project by creating smaller projects in Project and then linking them into a single Project file to show where they fit in your master project. Before you know it, a simple building project becomes a collage of smaller projects, such as design, excavation, foundation work, and marketing.

Ms project timeline