Latest Update: 9-1-2026
Use WBS Edit Mode to create and reorganize WBS elements before or after you add schedule activities. WBS moves do not affect CPM logic because WBS elements are containers only. This mode is ideal for large-scale restructuring without disrupting your schedule.
Note: Changes made in WBS Edit Mode happen live, a list of team members actively in your schedule will be shown in the upper right hand corner while in WBS Edit Mode.
Access WBS Edit Mode From Any View
From Canvas
Open the Project Navigator and select "Edit WBS" to the right of the search bar
From Table
In the Element Name header, select "Edit WBS"
From Gantt
In the Element Name header, select "Edit WBS"
Organizing WBS Elements
From WBS edit mode, you can reorganize or create new groups 3 ways:
Hover over a WBS, grab the handle from the left side and drag to reorder
Hover over a WBS and use the buttons on the right side to move groups inside or outside of their parent group
Click on a WBS and use keyboard shortcuts: Tab to indent and Shift+Tab to Outdent
Creating and Deleting WBS Elements
From WBS edit mode, you can create new groups groups 3 ways:
Hover over a WBS and use the buttons on the right side. Click "Add a sibling group below" to add to your WBS on the same canvas level as the WBS level you clicked from or "Add a child group" to add a group inside of the WBS level you clicked from
Use the Add Group button in the bottom left
Use the keyboard shortcuts to create: G for new groups, Enter for sibling groups and Ctrl/Cmd+Enter for child groups.
To delete a group in WBS Edit mode, hover over a WBS and click the 3 dot menu. Select "Delete Group"
Note: Deleting a group will delete all elements inside that group just as it does on canvas. Use the undo button or Ctrl/Cmd + Z to undo actions as needed.
When finished, exit WBS Management Mode. Your schedule activities and task relationships remain unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move WBS elements while activities are assigned to them?
Yes. Moving a WBS element does not affect the schedule activities assigned to it or their relationships.
Does WBS reorganization affect my critical path?
No. WBS is a pure hierarchical structure. Changes to WBS do not affect task dependencies, durations, or schedule logic.
Can I undo changes made in WBS Management Mode?
Yes. Use Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (Mac) to undo recent changes.
Can multiple people edit the WBS at the same time?
Planera is built for collaborative editing, so more than one person can be working in a project at once. If two people change the same item, the last change saved is the one that sticks. Coordinate with your team before a large WBS restructure so your changes don't overwrite each other.
Does moving a WBS element change my activity dates?
No. WBS elements are containers. Moving one changes where activities appear in the hierarchy, not their durations, relationships, or calculated dates.