Using Edit Mode and sidebar configuration

Since version 22.4.0, Gantt introduced two distinct interaction modes - View Mode and Edit Mode - to prevent unintentional changes to your plan while allowing users to browse and inspect Work Items easily.

This article explains how the Edit Mode works, how to configure the sidebar (both default and personal settings), and what to do if the Edit button is missing from your Gantt toolbar.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• View Mode
• Configuring the Work Item Sidebar 
  • How to configure default sidebar fields
  • How to configure user-specific sidebar fields
• Edit Mode
  • Add new WIs
  • Edit existing WIs
• Always Edit Mode (Legacy behaviour)
  • Always Edit globally
  • Always Edit per widget
• Troubleshooting - missing Edit button

View Mode

When you open the Gantt chart, it starts in View Mode by default.

This mode was introduced to prevent accidental changes to the timeline by disabling direct manipulation like dragging or editing tasks. It helps users safely browse the chart without the risk of unintended modifications - especially useful in larger projects or shared environments.

• You can't move items on the timeline or modify dependencies
• You can't create new Work Items
• You can click on a Work Item to open its details in the sidebar
• All other functionalities (like filters, zoom, and custom views) remain available
• It's ideal for reviewing or monitoring project progress without making changes

Configuring the Work Item Sidebar 

The sidebar displays Work Item properties when clicked in View Mode.

How to configure default sidebar fields

Admins can configure what fields appear in the sidebar by default via: Widget Properties > Work Items Sidebar > Sidebar Fields. This setup applies to all users.

How to configure user-specific sidebar fields

Users can further personalize what they see using the Select Fields button (gear icon) in the sidebar. These added fields apply only to that user and affect all Work Items of the same type.

Edit Mode

Click the Edit button in the top-left corner to switch to Edit Mode. This mode is used when you want to actively change the plan.

• You can move items on the chart
• You can create or remove dependencies
• You can add new Work Items
• You can click items to edit their details

While in Edit Mode, the sidebar is hidden so you can focus on editing. To exit, click Save and Close Edit.

Add new WIs

To add a new Work Item, use the +New button while in Edit mode. Make sure the creation dialog is properly configured. Check those articles:

• 'Create new' action & Work Item Types Configuration
• Additional fields in the "+New"/WI edit dialog

Edit existing WIs

To edit an existing item, click it directly in Edit Mode. A dialog will open with editable fields. Again, make sure those fields are configured.

Always Edit Mode (Legacy behaviour)

If you prefer the old behavior where Gantt is always editable, you have two options to set it up:

Always Edit globally

Set the following property in Polarion Administration > Configuration properties

nextedy.gantt.workitems.default.alwaysedit=true

Always Edit per widget

Go to Widget Properties > Work Items Sidebar > Always Edit. Set to YES

Note: When Always Edit is enabled, the Edit button will not be visible.

Troubleshooting - missing Edit button

If the Edit button is missing, check the following:

1. Always Edit setting is enabled

Go to Widget Properties > Work Items Sidebar > Always Edit. Set to NO.

2. Read-only is active

Go to Work Item Parameters > Advanced > Read-only. Set to NO.

3. You're using an older version

Please note that if you are using a server-dependent project and your Gantt chart version is 22.4.0 or earlier, the absence of the 'Edit' button is expected behavior. The 'Edit' functionality was introduced in later versions, so upgrading your Gantt chart may be necessary. You can check the version in the bottom right corner of your Gantt chart.

For any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out by submitting a ticket here.