If we forgot to set a baseline in MSP, is there a way to manually enter baseline dates in the current schedule that reflect the contracted scope and dates? The goal is for the client to open the file and see both the baseline dates aligned with the contract and the current start and finish dates.

Yes, this is absolutely recoverable. Even if the baseline was never formally set at the right time, Microsoft Project allows you to manually enter or reconstruct baseline dates to reflect your contracted schedule.

Option 1: Manually Edit Baseline Start and Finish Fields (Quickest Method)

MSP stores baseline data in dedicated fields that can be directly edited:

• Add the Baseline Start and Baseline Finish columns to your Gantt table


• Right-click any column header → Insert Column → select Baseline Start / Baseline Finish


• Type in the contracted dates directly for each task


• These fields are what MSP uses to display the baseline bar in Tracking Gantt view

This is the fastest approach when you already know the contracted dates.

Option 2: Create a Duplicate File and Set as Baseline

• Save a copy of your current MPP file


• In the copy, adjust all task dates to match the contracted schedule


• In your working file, go to Project → Set Baseline → Set Baseline and point to the copied plan

This is cleaner if you want a fully calculated baseline (including Baseline Duration, Baseline Work, Baseline Cost).

Option 3: Use Interim Plans for Additional Reference Points

MSP provides Start1/Finish1 through Start10/Finish10 as interim plan fields. These can store additional date snapshots but are less suited for formal baseline reporting to a client.

Displaying Both Baseline and Current Dates to the Client:

• Switch to Tracking Gantt view — this shows both the current schedule bar and the baseline bar together


• Ensure the Baseline bar style is visible: Format → Bar Styles and check that Baseline rows are enabled


• Add columns for Baseline Start, Baseline Finish, Start, and Finish side by side in the table for a clear comparison

Important Considerations:

• Ensure the manually entered baseline dates are fully consistent with the signed contract or Letter of Award


• Document why the baseline was set retrospectively, in case of future disputes


• If Earned Value reporting is required, also populate Baseline Duration, Baseline Work, and Baseline Cost fields


• Save a PDF or snapshot of the baseline view for audit purposes

Recommended Approach:

For a quick client-facing fix, Option 1 (manual entry of Baseline Start and Baseline Finish) combined with Tracking Gantt view is the most practical solution. It gives the client a clear visual comparison between the contracted baseline and the current schedule status.