Latest Update: 7-6-2026
This article explains all the ways you can create new relationships (dependencies) between activities in Planera from the Canvas, the Gantt Chart, and the Table View.
For instructions on editing relationship types or lag, see: Defining Relationships and Lags
What Is a Relationship?
A relationship (also called a dependency) connects two activities to define their sequencing. When you create a new relationship, Planera uses a Finish-to-Start (FS) link with 0 lag by default. You can adjust the type and lag after the relationship is created.
Creating Relationships on the Canvas
The Canvas is the most visual way to create relationships. You can draw connectors directly between activities.
How to Connect Activities in the Same Group
Hover over an activity. A blue connection point appears on the left and right edges
Note: The same action starting from the left of an Activity box will create a predecessor.
Hover on the left 30% to create a predecessor relationship
Hover on the right 70% to create a successor relationship
Click and drag the blue point toward another activity
Release on the target activity creates a new FS relationship
How to Connect Activities in a Different Group
Start a connection as above, but instead of ending it on an activity, release your cursor on an empty space on the Canvas
Click on Connect to Existing
Search for the activity, select it and click Add
Note: Activities in the same group can also be connected this way
How to Switch the Direction of a Relationship
In canvas, right-click on the relationship line you want to modify
From the menu, choose Switch Direction
Switching direction converts the predecessor activity to the successor and vice versa. This is a shortcut for reversing the sequence of two connected activities without deleting and re-creating the relationship.
Note: If switching the direction would create a circular relationship, the Switch Direction option will be grayed out with the tooltip: "Circular connections are not allowed."
Modifying Relationships in the Gantt and Table
Relationships in Table:
Right-click on an activity and choose Show Relationships to see and edit its relationships
This will open the Relationship Window where you can view, add, edit, and delete relationships
Choose Add Predecessor or Add Successor to create a new relationship. Search for the activity or choose from the dropdown, then click Add
Click the 3 stacked dots next to a relationship and then click Delete Connection
Relationships in Gantt:
Right-click on an activity and choose "Show Relationships" to see and edit its relationships
This will Open the Relationship window where you can view, add, edit relationships
Choose "Add Predecessor" or "Add Successor" to create a new relationship. Search for the activity or choose from the dropdown, then click "Add"
Note: You can also click and drag from the left or right of activity bars to create relationships.
Note: In the Gantt chart, you can also select an activity and click the Relationship icon at the bottom right to open the Relationship window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reverse a relationship between two activities on the Canvas?
Right-click the relationship line connecting the two activities and choose Switch Direction from the context menu. This flips which activity is the predecessor and which is the successor without deleting and re-creating the connection.
Why is Switch Direction grayed out on some relationships?
Switch Direction is disabled when reversing the relationship would create a circular dependency, meaning Activity A would end up depending on itself through a chain of connections. Hover over the grayed-out option to see the tooltip: "Circular connections are not allowed."
Can I switch the direction of a relationship from the Gantt or Table view?
No. Switch Direction is only available on the Canvas by right-clicking a relationship line. In the Gantt and Table views, you can edit relationships through the Relationship window, but you would need to delete the existing connection and add a new one to reverse direction.
Does switching relationship direction change the relationship type (FS, SS, FF) or lag?
No. Only the direction changes. The relationship type and any lag values are preserved exactly as they were.
What is the difference between a predecessor and a successor?
A predecessor is the activity that must occur before another can start (or finish, depending on the relationship type). A successor is the activity that depends on the predecessor. For example, if Activity A is a predecessor to Activity B with an FS relationship, B cannot start until A finishes.