GanttProjectLinux
vs
Microsoft Office ProjectWindows
GanttProject as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Office Project
Updated
Our verdict
GanttProject can replace Microsoft Office Project for basic Gantt‑chart based planning and resource tracking, especially for small to medium projects. It offers task dependencies, milestones, WBS, and resource allocation, and can export reports to PDF or HTML. However, it lacks the advanced cost analysis, detailed dashboards, and full Microsoft Project file support that larger teams rely on. Users who need lightweight scheduling without the premium features will find it adequate.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Creates Gantt charts with task dependencies
- Assigns resources and tracks workload
- Supports milestones and deadlines
- Breaks projects into tasks and subtasks
- Exports reports (PDF/HTML)
What is different
- No native Microsoft Project (.mpp) import/export – only XML
- No advanced cost tracking or budget analysis
- No built‑in dashboards or KPI widgets
- Limited WBS depth compared to Office Project
- No integration with other Microsoft Office tools
- No active development – project is discontinued
Opening your Microsoft Office Project files
GanttProject can import and export projects in XML format, but it does not support the proprietary .mpp files used by Microsoft Office Project. Users will need to convert .mpp files to XML (or use a third‑party converter) before opening them in GanttProject, and exported files will not be directly usable in Office Project without conversion.
Switching from Microsoft Office Project to GanttProject, step by step
- Export the Office Project file to XML or CSV using the built‑in export option or a third‑party converter.
- Open the converted XML file in GanttProject to review tasks, dependencies, and resources.
- Adjust any missing fields (e.g., cost data) that GanttProject does not import.
- Save the project in GanttProject’s native format for future edits.
- Export reports or PDFs as needed for stakeholders.
- Keep a backup of the original .mpp file in case you need to revert.
Key features of GanttProject
- Create Gantt charts with task dependencies
- Assign resources and track workload
- Break projects into tasks and subtasks
- Import/export projects in XML format
- Generate PDF and HTML reports
- Supports milestones and deadlines
- Basic WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) support
- Runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS via Java
Frequently asked questions
Is GanttProject free to use?
Yes, it is released under the GPL‑2.0 license and can be downloaded and used at no cost.
Can I run GanttProject on Linux?
Yes, it runs on Linux (and Windows/macOS) via Java; no native Linux binary is required.
Does it support resource leveling like Office Project?
It offers basic resource assignment and workload tracking, but it does not provide advanced resource leveling or optimization features found in Office Project.
2 other alternatives to Microsoft Office Project
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