[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve read the project management ultimate guide, you\u2019ve gone through the software solutions (including the free ones!), and now you\u2019re ready to get down to business. But in order to do that, you need some project management templates!<\/span><\/p>\n Why use a project management template, you may ask? Project managers have a lot they need to plan for, and also have a lot of wheels in motion all at once. Without documentation and checklists to cross your t\u2019s and dot your i\u2019s, it\u2019s very easy to let things slip through the cracks. Furthermore, many businesses will require extensive documentation of all your planning, tracking, and execution right from the very start of the project, through to its completion.<\/span><\/p>\n The good news is,<\/span> you can save yourself the trouble of coming up with all of these tools yourself<\/strong>.<\/strong> Though it’s possible to use one of the many software solutions now available<\/a>, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using a physical project management template the old-fashioned way. Or perhaps you are using more high-tech tools, but decide you\u2019d like to supplement your work with some more traditional methods. Whatever your preference, there are free project management templates available to track, organize, and boost your team\u2019s productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n Below you\u2019ll find a collection of project templates for <\/span>all the forms, charts, and spreadsheets that project managers and teams need<\/strong>,<\/strong> including: task managers, checklists, time and resource management tools, forms for outlining goals and deliverables, and much more.<\/span><\/p>\n And just in case that\u2019s not enough for you, <\/span>we\u2019ve also included three graphic design platforms<\/strong> for you to create your own free project management templates.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n There are two main factors that will determine what project management documents you\u2019ll need. The first is the scope of the project. As discussed in the Ultimate Guide to Project Management, the 4 stages of project management<\/strong> (sometimes divided into 5 phases of a project) include: initiation, planning,\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>execution (with monitoring and controlling), and closure.<\/strong> Depending on how big your initiative and\/or business is, each stage may require its own documentation, and you may end up with anything from a couple pieces of paper, to a full binder\u2019s worth of information.<\/span><\/p>\n The second factor that will determine the applicable management templates, is what style of project management your team adheres to. If you fall along the traditional lines, perhaps implementing a PRINCE2 or Waterfall project management methodology, you\u2019ll likely be required to provide much more documentation than someone adhering to an Agile style of project management, such as Scrum or Kanban.<\/span><\/p>\n All templates have been presented first as a full list, then once again divided into categories based on the project stage, project management style, or specific purpose. All documents have been slotted into the category where they fit best, but note that there is often crossover, especially between the project management stages. Be sure to explore the entire list to ensure you find the very best resources for you and your business.<\/span><\/p>\n It should be noted that some of the resources listed below are gated, meaning that the website requires some information from you before handing over the goods. They should all still be free, though paid-for upgrades or memberships are available for most websites as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Now without further ado, here are your 52 project management, project planning, and reporting templates (be sure to scroll to the end for the <\/span>bonus template builders<\/strong>!<\/strong>)<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Interested in learning about project management software solutions? We’ve reviewed all the top tools<\/a> on the market today.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n This is the time when you\u2019re sorting out what problems need to be addressed, how they could potentially be addressed, and if your ideas are feasible, achievable, and worth the resources they will require.<\/p>\n (Also see Risk Assessment and Management, as well as Budget and Resource) Time to get down to business! Here\u2019s where your team gets to work to achieve your goals, and where you, as their project manager, keep an eye on the whole operation to make sure it\u2019s going according to plan.<\/p>\n Starting during the planning phase and continuing throughout execution, risk assessment begins with trying to identify potential pain points before they arise, then deciding how you will respond to them if they do. Once the project begins, project managers need to keep a particularly close eye on these areas to make quick adjustments sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Like risk assessment, budgeting and resource allocation begins in the planning stage, or even in project initiation. It will continue through execution, and even into the closure and end reporting on your project.<\/p>\n There are two main styles of project management: traditional and agile. The templates below apply strictly to traditional methodologies.<\/p>\n Conversely, these templates are strictly for agile project management methodologies.<\/p>\n Ah, the Gantt Chart. It\u2019s been a cornerstone of project management for longer than many of us have been alive, so it\u2019s no surprise that there are many different teams that offer up their own versions. Check them all out and find the format that feels most comfortable for you.<\/p>\n Want one package that includes everything you need? Or some of those documents that will follow you through every stage? Here\u2019s where you\u2019ll find these beginning-to-end documents to make reporting as straightforward and organized as possible.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n If none of those quite fit your needs, or if you\u2019ve got an eye for aesthetics, you may be more interested in using one of the design tools listed below. You may recognize some of the platforms and may have even used them for creating posters, instagram posts, or other graphic design-related projects, but what you may not know is they also offer a selection of free project management templates. While all three have a free tier, and you can often do quite a lot without committing to a paid package, for full access to all of their features and tools you may find it worth it to subscribe to their pro or premium tiers.<\/p>\n You did it! You are now armed with all the tools you need to manage your team, your tasks, and your project to success.<\/p>\n If you’re still feeling a bit insecure, or if you’re interested in what it takes to become a certified project manager, be sure to read our list of the 45 Best Project Management Tools<\/a> or the 12 Best Free Project Management Software<\/a>.<\/p>\n Happy project managing![\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A wide variety of free downloads and links with all the project management templates you need from project initiation to close.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":171,"featured_media":124504,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1047],"tags":[1534,1535,1536],"silo":[3037],"class_list":["post-22121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scale","tag-free-project-management-templates","tag-project-management-template","tag-project-management-templates"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat project management (PM) templates should I use?<\/h2>\n
Finding the right template<\/h2>\n
Project management (PM) templates (uncategorized)<\/h2>\n
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Project management templates (categorized)<\/h2>\n
Initiation Stage<\/h3>\n
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Planning Stage<\/h3>\n
The planning stage is when you break down all the elements of what it will take to complete your project, including what options you have if things don\u2019t go according to plan.<\/p>\n\n
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Execution<\/h3>\n
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Risk Assessment and Management<\/h3>\n
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Budget and Resources<\/h3>\n
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Traditional Project Management<\/h3>\n
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Agile Project Management<\/h3>\n
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Gantt Charts<\/h3>\n
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Beginning-to-end Project Templates<\/h3>\n
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Bonus<\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n