jsonantt

jsonantt is a command-line tool designed to convert structured project data described in a JSON file into a Gantt chart image with a single command. It enables users to visually represent project timelines, tasks, and dependencies without writing code, making it accessible for those who prefer to define project schedules in JSON and generate polished PNG charts directly from the terminal.

The tool supports hierarchical task bars with automatic color assignment for different phases, the inclusion of milestones, tick marks, and gridlines to enhance chart readability. Users can generate formatted tables of tasks as images, with options to filter for milestone-only or exclude milestones entirely. jsonantt offers a compare mode, allowing side-by-side visualization of baseline and actual project schedules in both chart and table formats. For tracking project progress or resource consumption, it can produce burn charts based on any numeric task field, such as cost, hours, or points.

jsonantt accommodates flexible scheduling by allowing tasks to be defined either with explicit end dates or by specifying durations in units like days, weeks, months, or years. Dependency chaining is supported through not_before links, which automatically cascade start dates across tasks and phases. The tool is capable of handling deep nesting, enabling unlimited parent/child hierarchies where summary bars automatically span their children. Extensive style control is provided, with over 25 style fields covering layout, typography, colors, tick marks, gridlines, and table appearance, giving users the ability to customize the visual output to their preferences.

Installation is available via pip, and the tool operates entirely from the command line. jsonantt is suitable for anyone needing to visualize project schedules, compare timelines, or present project data in a structured visual format, particularly those comfortable working with JSON and command-line interfaces.