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The Four Presentation Modes

Each work item type in your Gantt chart is assigned a presentation mode through the Work Item Types Configuration panel in the chart parameters. The four available modes are:
ModeDisplay LabelVisual AppearanceDate Behavior
ItemItemStandard task barDates come from data mapping fields; directly editable
Derived ScheduleDerived ScheduleSummary bar spanning childrenDates computed from child extents; not directly editable
MilestoneMilestoneDiamond symbolSingle target date; no duration
Auto-ModeAuto-ModeVariesAutomatically selects Item or Derived Schedule based on children

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Item Mode

Item is the default presentation mode. Work items in this mode appear as standard task bars whose start and end dates come directly from the configured data mapping fields (e.g., startField, endField). Users can drag, resize, and edit these tasks freely in edit mode. This mode is appropriate for any work item that has its own independently managed schedule — individual tasks, features, user stories, or any leaf-level work.

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Derived Schedule Mode

Derived Schedule mode is designed for parent containers. Rather than storing their own start and end dates, these items compute their schedule from the extents of their children. The task bar stretches from the earliest child start date to the latest child end date. Because dates are derived, these items are not directly editable on the Gantt chart. Dragging or resizing is disabled. To change the parent’s schedule, you adjust its children’s dates instead. This mode is useful for work packages, epics, or any container type where the parent’s timeline should automatically reflect the aggregate schedule of its contents.

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Milestone Mode

Milestones appear as diamond symbols on the Gantt chart, representing a single point in time with no duration. They are commonly used for deadlines, review gates, release dates, or any significant target date. A milestone uses only a target date — there is no start-to-end range. In the lightbox, you edit a single date field rather than separate start and end fields.

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Auto-Mode

Auto-Mode is a convenience setting that automatically determines the presentation based on whether the work item has children. If a work item has child items linked through the configured parent roles, it behaves as a Derived Schedule (summary bar). If it has no children, it behaves as an Item (standard task bar). This is particularly useful when a single work item type (e.g., workpackage) can serve as both a leaf task and a parent container depending on the project structure.
Auto-Mode works best when your project hierarchy is not strictly defined in advance. If a work package might or might not have sub-items depending on the project phase, Auto-Mode ensures it always renders correctly without manual reconfiguration.

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Default Type Configuration

Out of the box, the Gantt defines three default work item types with their presentation modes:
Work Item TypeDefault Presentation ModePurpose
featureItemLeaf tasks shown as standard bars
workpackageDerived ScheduleParent containers shown as summary bars
releaseMilestoneRelease milestones shown as diamonds
These defaults serve as a starting reference. You can add, modify, or remove type configurations through the Work Item Types Configuration panel to match your project’s work item taxonomy.

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How Presentation Mode Affects Editing

The presentation mode directly determines what editing actions are available:
ActionItemDerived ScheduleMilestoneAuto-Mode
Drag to moveYesNoYesDepends on children
Resize to change durationYesNoNoDepends on children
Edit dates in lightboxYesNoYes (single date)Depends on children
Progress barYesComputed from childrenNoDepends on children

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Interaction with Parent Mode

Presentation mode works alongside Parent Mode, which controls where in the hierarchy a work item type can be placed:
  • No Parent (Root Item) — can only exist at the top level
  • Parent Allowed (Anywhere) — can be placed at any hierarchy level
  • Parent Required (Child Only) — must be nested under another item
Together, Presentation Mode and Parent Mode define the complete behavior of a work item type in the Gantt chart — how it looks, where it sits in the hierarchy, and how its dates are managed.
KB ArticlesSource Code
  • prod-gantt-src/com.nextedy.polarion.gantt/src/com/nextedy/polarion/gantt/model/impl/types/PresentationMode.java
  • prod-gantt-src/com.nextedy.polarion.gantt.client/src/js/default.json
  • prod-gantt-src/com.nextedy.polarion.gantt.client/src/js/config.js