GanttProjectLinux
vs
Microsoft ProjectWindows
GanttProject as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Project
Updated
Our verdict
GanttProject can replace Microsoft Project for small‑to‑medium teams that need basic Gantt charting, task dependencies, and resource tracking without a budget. It covers core scheduling and workload analysis, but it lacks advanced cost management, detailed reporting, and enterprise‑level integration. Users who only need free, cross‑platform scheduling will find it sufficient; larger organizations relying on Microsoft Project’s budgeting, resource leveling, and API hooks will need a more feature‑rich solution.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both allow creation of Gantt charts with task dependencies and milestones
- Both support assigning resources to tasks and tracking workload
- Both can import/export project data in XML format
- Both generate reports in PDF and HTML
- Both support basic Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Both run on Linux, Windows, and macOS
What is different
- GanttProject is free and open source; Microsoft Project is commercial
- GanttProject lacks advanced budget and cost tracking features
- GanttProject does not support detailed resource leveling or optimization
- GanttProject has limited reporting options compared to Microsoft Project
- GanttProject is discontinued; Microsoft Project is actively maintained
Opening your Microsoft Project files
GanttProject can open and export projects in its own XML format, but it does not natively read or write Microsoft Project’s .mpp files. Users must convert .mpp files to XML (or CSV) via third‑party tools before importing into GanttProject, and exported XML cannot be directly opened in Microsoft Project without conversion.
Switching from Microsoft Project to GanttProject, step by step
- Export the Microsoft Project file to XML or CSV using the export function in Microsoft Project.
- Open the exported file in GanttProject and verify that tasks, dependencies, and resources appear correctly.
- Adjust any missing fields (e.g., budgets or custom fields) that GanttProject does not support.
- Save the project in GanttProject’s XML format for future editing.
- Generate PDF or HTML reports if needed for stakeholders.
- Re‑import the GanttProject XML into Microsoft Project if a round‑trip is required, using a conversion tool.”
- faq
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
3 other alternatives to Microsoft Project
KPlatoKPlato is a KDE‑based project management and scheduling tool, formerly part of KOffice and now succeeded by…Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedKPlato vs Microsoft Project
OpenProjOpenProj is a free, open‑source project‑management tool that reads and writes Microsoft Project files.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedOpenProj vs Microsoft Project
TaskJugglerTaskJuggler is a free, GPL‑licensed project‑management tool for Linux, Unix and Windows, built in C++ with…Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedTaskJuggler vs Microsoft Project