Save and Use Schedule Baselines
Overview
How do I save and use a baseline for my schedule?
A baseline is a snapshot of your schedule at a specific point in time. It allows you to lock in the current state of the plan so you can track changes, compare progress, or revert to earlier versions if needed.
When and why to use this
Saving a baseline is helpful when you want to preserve the current plan before making significant changes. This can be useful in meetings or before starting new project phases.
- Capture a fixed reference of the schedule before updates.
- Compare the current schedule with a previous version.
- Maintain a record of original timelines for reporting and accountability.
- Identify deviations and delays by comparing baseline dates with actual dates.
Limitations:
- A baseline only reflects the schedule as it was at the time of saving.
- Deleted tasks after a baseline is created will be noted during activation.
How to create a baseline - step by step
- Build or open your schedule in CxPlanner.
- Before making changes, click on the Tools button or use the Quick function to create a baseline.
- Confirm the creation of the baseline.
- Make any changes to your schedule as needed.
- To compare, activate the baseline - it will appear under your current schedule as blue bars.
How to create a baseline - Video guide
Behavior and results
- Quick function indicator - If no baseline exists for “today,” the quick function button is highlighted in yellow.
- Baseline activation - Blue bars display beneath the current schedule when a baseline is active.
- Deleted tasks - If a task saved in the baseline no longer exists in the current schedule, a popup will notify you.
Baseline access points
- Tools button - Main menu for baseline creation and management.
- Quick function - Shortcut for faster baseline saving.
Baseline activation example
- Where you load the baseline
- Light blue bars = your active baseline
Troubleshooting
Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
Quick function not highlighted | Baseline already exists for today | Check existing baselines in the Tools menu |
Missing tasks when activating baseline | Task deleted since saving baseline | Review popup details for deleted task information |
Baseline not appearing under schedule | Baseline not activated | Select and activate the baseline in Tools menu |
Quick facts
- Requires: Any company or project role
- Location: Schedule → Tools → Baseline
- Affects: Schedule views, baseline comparison, progress tracking
Updated on: 08/15/2025
Thank you!