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Published June 2021, Updated April 2023

How to Learn Primavera P6 Quickly

Published April 2024

How to Learn Primavera P6 Quickly: A Beginner's Guide

USACE Series Part 1: Schedule and Progress Payments

Starting with a new software can be quite intimidating, and Primavera P6 is no exception, especially if you're a newcomer. Traditional training methods can involve lengthy sessions, travel, and considerable expenses often for only a fraction of applicable knowledge.

However, with a structured approach and the right resources, mastering the basics of Primavera P6 quickly is entirely achievable. Here’s a straightforward beginner's guide to get you confidently navigating the software, utilizing essential tools, and developing an effective workflow tailored to your needs.


Example P6 Import Error Message

Example P6 Folder Structure (Enterprise Project Structure or EPS)

Learning how to import schedule files and troubleshoot any errors that may arise during the process is crucial–sometimes, these issues stem from compatibility problems with files from newer versions of the software.


P6 Error Import Message
Example Primavera P6 Folder Structure (EPS)

1. Familiarize Yourself with the P6 Folder Structure

First things first, understand the basic layout of Primavera P6. Start by creating a logical folder and subfolder structure, which is essential for importing schedule files. This organization mimics the familiar file system on your computer, helping you keep track of your projects.


Example Primavera P6 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Primavera P6 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Example Primavera P6 Interface
Example Primavera P6 Interface

Explore and customize the interface to suit your needs, adjusting visibility and access to various tools and buttons to streamline your workflow. Also, familiarize yourself with the work breakdown structure (WBS) of a schedule to review the sections within the project more effectively.


2. Navigate Through P6’s Interface

Primavera P6 has a detailed interface that might seem overwhelming at first. Take your time to explore the activity table, Gantt chart, and area to see predecessors and successors. (On the top pull-down menu in P6, click in 'View', then 'Show on Top' or 'Show on Bottom').


Primavera P6 Layouts
Primavera P6 Layouts

Primavera P6 Filters

Layouts enable you to save and recall your interface settings, including filters and column arrangements, making it easy to switch between different views. This functionality not only enhances flexibility but also improves efficiency by reducing setup time for repeated tasks.


Primavera P6 Filters

3. Practice Using Filters and Layouts

Effective use of P6 involves mastering filters and layouts to view and manage specific activities within your projects. Filters allow you to display only the relevant activities, simplifying the review and analysis of schedules.


P6 Float Path Example
P6 Float Paths Example

Primavera P6 Float Path Calculation
Primavera P6 Float Path Calculation

P6 Critical Path Example

Practice setting up and calculating the schedule to determine the critical path and experiment with settings to define what constitutes a critical activity based on your project schedule review specific needs.


P6 Critical Path Example

4. Learn to Leverage Critical Path and Top Float Paths

Understanding and utilizing the critical path and top float paths functions in Primavera P6 is powerful for risk management in your projects. These features help you identify and prioritize potential risks by identifying the most critical tasks that could impact your project timeline.


If you're looking for structured learning, consider enrolling in a specialized training course. For example, our Primavera P6 Quick Start for Beginners workshop is specifically designed for those new to P6. In just two hours, you'll be:


  • Confidently navigating the program,
  • Mastering the basic tools and functions for schedule review, and 
  • Developing a productive workflow tailored to your needs.


By focusing your efforts on these foundational aspects, you can quickly gain a solid understanding of Primavera P6, setting yourself up for successful project management. Whether through self-guided exploration or formal training, the path to mastering the basics of Primavera P6 is more accessible than it might initially seem.


5.    Fast-Track Your Learning

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This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not to be considered an official interpretation or enforcement policy of the UFGS standard specifications. As individual project requirements vary, refer to your specific contract. See our Terms and Conditions and Disclaimer for additional information.

This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not to be considered an official interpretation or enforcement policy of the UFGS standard specifications. As individual project requirements vary, refer to your specific contract. See our Terms and Conditions and Disclaimer for additional information.

Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways we can help you:

1. Blog + Free Resources. Level up your military and federal construction scheduling expertise with our free resources and in-depth scheduling articles.

2. Consulting. Reduce schedule uncertainty by making sure your schedules are accurate, proactively identifying risks, and reducing your exposure for cost and time impacts.

3. Training + Tools. Quickly understand military and federal scheduling requirements with actionable tools so you can hit the ground running.

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