How to Build a Project Tracking System Using SharePoint Custom Lists

Learn how to create a project tracking system using SharePoint custom lists. This step-by-step guide covers list setup, dynamic views, and conditional formatting to streamline project management and improve team visibility.
Modern office with SharePoint dashboard
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Introduction

Managing projects without a centralized system leads to missed deadlines and poor visibility. In this tutorial, you’ll build a structured SharePoint custom list to track tasks, owners, deadlines, and status in real time.

What You’ll Learn in This Tutorial

  • How to create a custom SharePoint list.
  • Designing structured columns.
  • Creating views for stakeholders.
  • Adding validation rules.

Prerequisites

  • Microsoft 365 account.
  • SharePoint site access.
  • Basic understanding of lists.

Getting Started

Navigate to Site Contents → New → List → Blank List.
Name it “Project Tracker“.

Step 1: Create Core Columns

Add columns: Project Name (Text), Owner (Person), Due Date (Date), Status (Choice).

Step 2: Create Filtered Views

Create views for Active Projects and Completed Projects.

Step 3: Add Conditional Formatting

Use JSON formatting for status highlighting.

Final Output and Testing

Add test records and verify views filter correctly.

Why It Matters

Structured tracking improves accountability and reporting accuracy.