Tracking and Analyzing a Project

• Create Custom Fields

• Customize Options Settings

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 The Custom Fields Dialog Box (1 of 3)

In the Custom Fields dialog box, you configure the built-in custom fields to suit your needs.

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 The Custom Fields Dialog Box (2 of 3)

Section Options and Functions

Field • Select the Task option to customize a task field.
• Select the Resource option to customize a resource field.
• From the Type drop-down, select the type of field that you want to customize: Cost, Date,
Duration, Finish, Flag, Number, Start, Text, or Outline Code. There is a fixed number of
each type of field for both tasks and resources. For example, there are 30 customizable
text fields and 10 customizable cost fields.
• Select Rename to rename a field from its default name to something more descriptive.
• Select Delete to remove a custom field. This does not technically delete the field, but
returns it to its pre-customized state. (Note: Be careful using the Delete option, because
deleting a customized field will also delete any project data entered in it.)
• Select Import Field to import a custom field that was created in another Microsoft Project
file.
Custom attributes • Select the Lookup option to create a lookup table. A lookup table is useful when you want
to be able to populate a field by selecting a value from a drop-down list. For example, you
might create a lookup table called Priority Level which would include the values Low,
Medium, and High in a drop-down list to choose from. You will then select the Lookup
button to enter the data and set parameters for the lookup table.
• Select the Formula option to create a formula field. A formula is useful when you want
Microsoft Project to automatically perform a calculation for you based on the data that is
entered. You will then select the Formula button to create your formula.

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2015 Logical Operations, Inc. All rights reserved. 3
 The Custom Fields Dialog Box (3 of 3)

Section Options and Functions

Calculation for task and group • Select the Rollup option and then select a rollup from the drop-down list to configure how
summary Microsoft Project rolls up lower-level project information into the higher level for the
selected data type.
• Select the Use formula option if you want to use the formula field you created for the
rollup calculations.
Calculation for assignment rows • Select the Roll down unless manually entered option if you want the values of the
customized field to be spread equally across each assignment.
Values to display • Select the Data option to see the actual information entered into a field.
• Select the Graphical Indicators option to display graphical indicators in place of actual
data values in the custom field. You will then select the Graphical Indicators button to
configure what will display and when.

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 The Edit Lookup Table Dialog Box

In the Edit Lookup Table dialog box, you can enter the data for your lookup table and set
parameters for it.

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 The Formula Dialog Box

In the Formula dialog box, you can enter or build the equation for calculating the desired
value in the field.

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 The Graphical Indicators Dialog Box

In the Graphical Indicators dialog box, you will set up custom visual cues that will display in
the field based on criteria that you define.

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 The Backstage

From the Backstage, you can take various actions on your project file and on the Microsoft
Project environment.

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 Project Options

In the Project Options dialog box, you can modify a number of options and settings to
customize how the application looks and behaves.

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 Project Customizations

Screen Options and Customizations

General You can customize:
• How ScreenTips are displayed.
• The default view.
• The date format.
• Your user name and initials.
• The Office background and theme.
• Whether the Start screen displays when you open the application.
Display You can customize:
• The type of calendar to use.
• Currency options.
• Which indicators and options are displayed.
• Which elements appear in the application.
Schedule You can customize:
• They day on which your week starts.
• When your fiscal year starts.
• Default start and end times for working hours.
• Default hours per day, days per week, and day per month for working time.
• How assignment units are displayed.
• Whether new tasks are manually or automatically scheduled.
• The date from which autoscheduled tasks are scheduled.
• Which time units are used for task duration and work.
• The default task type.
• Whether warnings or suggestions are displayed for schedule issues.
• Whether calculations are performed after each edit.
• Calculation settings.

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 Project Customizations

Screen Options and Customizations

Proofing You can customize:
• AutoCorrect settings.
• Spellcheck settings.
• Which fields are spellchecked.
Save You can customize:
• The default file type.
• The default location where files are saved.
• AutoSave settings.
• The default location where templates are saved.
• Cache settings.
Language You can customize:
• The default language used for editing.
• Additional languages used for editing.
• The language(s) in which buttons, tabs, and Help information is displayed.
Advanced You can customize:
• General settings for what happens when you open the Microsoft Project application or
start a new project.
• Planning Wizard settings.
• Default standard and overtime rates.
• Advanced editing settings.
• Advanced display settings.
• Options for linking projects.
• Settings for Earned Value methods and calculations.
• Advanced calculation settings.

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 Ribbon Customizations

On the Customize Ribbon screen of the Project Options dialog box, you can change the
configuration of the ribbon.

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 Quick Access Toolbar Customizations

On the Quick Access Toolbar screen of the Project Options dialog box, you can change the
configuration of the Quick Access Toolbar.

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