What is Microsoft Planner?

Microsoft Planner is a task and project management tool in Microsoft 365 that helps teams organize work visually. It uses a Kanban-style board interface where tasks can be created, assigned, tracked, and moved across buckets or stages, making it simple to manage teamwork and deadlines.

Why Use Microsoft Planner?

Microsoft Planner is ideal for teams that need a lightweight, collaborative task management solution. It helps:

• Streamline team communication around tasks
• Improve visibility and accountability
• Track progress in real time
• Integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and To Do

Whether you're planning a marketing campaign, managing a product release, or tracking internal tasks, Planner keeps everything organized in one place.

Is Microsoft Planner for Office 365 Free?

Yes, Microsoft Planner is included at no extra cost with most Microsoft 365 business, enterprise, and education plans — such as:

• Quick & Easy Data Collection – Build and publish surveys or quizzes in minutes.
• Real-Time Insights – Track responses as they arrive and visualize data instantly.
• Integration with Microsoft 365 Apps – Works seamlessly with Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook.
• Customizable Access – Control who can respond: internal users, external guests, or anonymous participants.
• Security & Compliance – Data stays within Microsoft 365, following your organization’s compliance settings.

Note:Users must have the appropriate license to access and use Planner.

Key Features

• Task Boards – Create and organize tasks in customizable columns (buckets)
• Task Assignments – Assign tasks to individuals or multiple team members
• Due Dates & Notifications – Stay on track with reminders and deadlines
• Labels & Filters – Categorize and prioritize tasks efficiently
• Charts View – Visualize progress with built-in reporting
• Integration with Teams & To Do – Sync tasks across Microsoft 365 apps

How to Access Microsoft Planner in Office 365?

You can access Microsoft Planner in several ways:

• Web App: https://tasks.office.com
• Microsoft Teams: Use the “Planner” or “Tasks by Planner and To Do” tab within any Team
• Mobile App Download Planner from iOS or Android app stores
• Microsoft 365 App Launcher: Click the waffle icon (top-left) and select Planner