KPlatoLinux
vs
Microsoft ProjectWindows
KPlato as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Project
Updated
Our verdict
KPlato can serve as a basic replacement for Microsoft Project for small‑to‑medium teams that need Gantt charts, resource allocation and simple cost tracking, but it lacks many of the enterprise‑grade features and native Microsoft Project file support that power users rely on. If you are comfortable with a more manual workflow, open‑source tools and can tolerate limited reporting, KPlato is a viable option; otherwise you may need a more feature‑complete solution such as ProjectLibre or a cloud service.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Gantt chart view with drag‑and‑drop editing
- Task dependencies and critical‑path calculation
- Resource assignment and workload tracking
- Baseline comparison for progress monitoring
What is different
- No native .mpp import/export; only CSV exchange
- Limited budgeting and cost‑tracking fields
- No advanced reporting or earned‑value analysis
- No integrated collaboration or cloud sync features
Opening your Microsoft Project files
KPlato does not understand Microsoft Project's .mpp format. The only practical interchange is via CSV export from Project and CSV import into KPlato, which preserves basic task data but loses detailed resource calendars, custom fields, and links. If you need to move full Project files, an intermediate conversion step using a tool like ProjectLibre or a paid converter is required.
Switching from Microsoft Project to KPlato, step by step
- Export your Microsoft Project file to CSV (File → Export).
- Open KPlato and create a new project.
- Import the CSV file (File → Import) and map columns to tasks, dates, and resources.
- Verify task dependencies and resource assignments; adjust any missing links manually.
- Set up project calendars and baselines in KPlato.
- Save the project in KPlato's native format for future work.
Key features of KPlato
- Gantt chart view with drag‑and‑drop task editing
- Resource assignment and workload tracking
- Task dependencies and critical path calculation
- Baseline comparison for progress monitoring
- Export to CSV and import from CSV for simple data exchange
- Integration with other Calligra applications
- Support for multiple project calendars
Frequently asked questions
Can KPlato open .mpp files directly?
No, KPlato cannot read Microsoft Project's native .mpp files; you must use CSV or another intermediate format.
Is KPlato suitable for large, multi‑project portfolios?
It is geared toward single‑project use; handling many large projects becomes cumbersome compared to Project.
What happens to cost and budget data when migrating?
Only basic cost columns survive CSV export; detailed budgeting, cost rates, and earned‑value metrics are lost and must be re‑entered manually.
3 other alternatives to 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
GanttProjectGanttProject is a free, open-source tool for creating and managing project schedules using Gantt charts.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedGanttProject vs Microsoft Project