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CPM software

Lucidchart is an intelligent diagramming application that makes creating a CPM diagram easy with drag-and-drop shapes, ready-to-use templates, and more.

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Optimize project management with the critical path method

cpm software

Create a CPM chart to visualize and scope project tasks

The critical path method is a standard technique used to identify and schedule the sequence of critical tasks and events that determine the duration and completion of a project. A clearly outlined critical path lets project managers and stakeholders efficiently manage expectations and deadlines from the outset of the project. Use our critical path generator to easily envision your entire project outline. You can calculate time durations, determine the importance of individual tasks, and compare planned and actual progress of your project through completion.
critical path generator

Add formulas to shapes for an automated critical path experience

Lucidchart’s intuitive diagramming features, customizable templates, and easy-to-use formulas support a more innovative approach to project management. Our CPM software lets project managers visualize and measure progress at a glance with automatically updated dates and task durations. Save yourself the time and hassle of updating your entire critical path diagram, also known as a project network diagram, manually. Add formulas and custom data fields to shapes that will update proceeding values in real time based on changes you make in any location of your project flow. 
critical path project management

Collaborate and share to create universal understanding amongst stakeholders

No other critical path method software lets project managers instantly communicate project expectations and task ownership to your entire team. Easily update your diagram to adjust to project developments or reflect newly forecasted needs—you never need to worry about missing revisions, feedback, or updates. Share your critical path analysis with team members and stakeholders with the appropriate access level to allow your collaborators to track progress and stay updated on project changes as they occur. 
database diagram tool

Access, edit, and share your CPM chart using powerful integrations

Communicate your project plan easily when you insert your critical path analysis directly into the apps your team already uses. Lucidchart is fully integrated with many of today’s most popular apps, including G Suite, Microsoft Office, Atlassian, and Slack, so your CPM chart can be easily added to any document, spreadsheet, or slideshow presentation. With your diagram as a reference point, you can make sure your team is constantly aligned on project goals and updates within Confluence wiki pages, Jira tickets, Microsoft Teams conversations, and more.

Master the basics of Lucidchart in 3 minutes

Master the basics of Lucidchart in 3 minutes

master the basics of Lucidchart in 5 minutes

  • Create your first CPM diagram from a template or blank canvas or import a document.
  • Add text, shapes, and lines to customize your diagram.
  • Learn how to adjust styling and formatting.
  • Locate what you need with Feature Find.
  • Share your diagram with your team to start collaborating.
Make a CPM diagram

Explore our CPM templates

cpm pert chart example

PERT Chart Example with Critical Path

Go to PERT Chart Example with Critical Path template

pert chart example

PERT Chart Example

Go to PERT Chart Example template

vertical pert chart

Vertical PERT Chart Example

Go to Vertical PERT Chart Example template

Lucidchart integrations

Connect Lucidchart to your favorite industry-leading apps.

Lucidchart Integrations

See why teams choose Lucidchart

Diagram, visualize data, and collaborate all in one platform.

Collaborating with team members in Lucidchart

Collaboration

Create an online critical path method diagram on any device with ease. Lucidchart helps teams collaborate in real time from anywhere in the world. Enhance productivity while working together with your team to achieve your product goals.

Clarity

Lucidchart brings clarity to the complex. Intelligent diagramming allows you to quickly visualize projects and processes from start to finish.

Alignment

Drive alignment with your team by collaborating in the same space. Quickly map out processes and ideas together in real time so that you never miss a beat.

Better Together

The Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite transforms the way you work from ideation to project completion. Brainstorm and plan in Lucidspark then map it out in Lucidchart. Create a living blueprint of your organization.

What is critical path method?

If your team is like most, it has several projects competing for attention with multiple contingencies and fixes looming on the horizon. Often used along with PERT charts, the critical path method, or CPM, prioritizes the most crucial tasks first to keep projects in line and on time. Since the 1950s, critical path project management has provided the ability to outline a project’s longest sequence of tasks, referred to as the critical path, so project managers can determine the minimum amount of time a project will take.

Frequently asked questions about our critical path method software

What templates should I use to get started?

We have over 1,000 templates to choose from, including project network diagrams, PERT charts, work breakdown structures, Gantt charts, Kanban boards, timelines, and other popular project management diagrams.

How do I apply formulas to shapes in my CPM chart?

Use the data panel on the left side of your canvas to add custom fields with specific formulas where needed. You can apply calculations to individual shapes or grouped shapes.

Can I show original and new critical paths within the same diagram?

Apply Layers to your chart to depict your original and updated critical paths within the same document. You can use Hotspots to easily bounce between your layers.