# Compare against a baseline

A baseline is a saved copy of the plan a Gantt shows. Capture one, then compare the live plan against it.

## Capture a baseline

Open **Tools** and choose **Capture baseline**. The same action sits at the foot of **Tools → Baseline**. The Gantt starts comparing against the new baseline at once.

## Compare against one

Open **Tools → Baseline** and click a baseline in the list. Each bar then shows how its finish compares:

| Bar color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | finishes later than in the baseline |
| Green | finishes earlier than in the baseline |
| Gray | same finish as in the baseline |
| Blue | the baseline does not hold this item |

A thin gray ghost under a bar shows the item's dates in the baseline. Point at the ghost to read both date ranges.

To stop comparing, choose **Clear selection**. To rename or delete a baseline, use the menu at the end of its row.

## A view too large to capture

A baseline holds up to 5,000 items. On a larger view, **Capture baseline** is disabled until you filter the view to fewer items.

## Next

- [How baselines work](../../how-it-works/baselines/)
- [Gantt view](../gantt-view/)