Visio and Microsoft Project are partially included in standard Office 365 (now Microsoft 365) subscriptions, but full access to their advanced features requires additional plans. Here’s how these tools are included and what options to unlock their full potential.
Microsoft Visio in Microsoft 365
Basic viewing and editing capabilities for Visio are available in most Microsoft 365 subscriptions. This allows you to view, share, and perform simple edits on Visio diagrams directly within the Microsoft 365 environment. However, to access more advanced features, you’ll need to purchase one of the following plans:
Visio Plan 1: This plan is required if you want to create professional diagrams collaboratively online. It offers more templates and tools than the basic features included in standard subscriptions.
Visio Plan 2: For those needing to generate enterprise-level diagrams with a comprehensive set of tools, including advanced diagramming capabilities and desktop application access, Visio Plan 2 is necessary.
Microsoft Project in Microsoft 365
Microsoft Project has been integrated into the new Planner app within Microsoft 365, consolidating project management tools into a single platform.
Basic Features: The new Planner app includes basic project management features, primarily derived from the original Microsoft Planner. These features are available in most Microsoft 365 plans and cover fundamental task management and collaboration needs.
Advanced Features (Plan 3 or Plan 5): To access the advanced project management capabilities originally available in Microsoft Project—such as detailed scheduling, Gantt charts, and resource management—you need to upgrade to Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5. These plans provide a more robust project management experience within the Planner app.
Adding Visio and Project to Office 365
To get the advanced versions of Visio and Microsoft Project in Office 365, follow these steps:
Access the Microsoft 365 Admin Center: Log in with administrative credentials.
Purchase the Appropriate Plan: For Visio: Choose either Visio Plan 1 or Plan 2 based on your requirements. For Project: Opt for Project Plan 3 or Plan 5 to unlock advanced project management tools.
Assign Licenses: Allocate the acquired licenses to users within your organization.
Install and Access: For Project: Install the Planner app in Microsoft Teams by searching for “Planner” in the Teams app store and clicking “Add.” For Visio: Use Visio through the web or desktop application according to the selected plan.
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