Linux · Office
ProjectLibre
ProjectLibre is an open-source project management tool for planning and tracking tasks, similar to Microsoft Project.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Latest version
- 1.9.8
What is ProjectLibre?
ProjectLibre is a desktop project management application designed as a free alternative to Microsoft Project. It was first released in 2012 by a team including former OpenProj developers, after Oracle discontinued that project. The software has seen steady updates and remains actively maintained, with a focus on compatibility and usability for mid-sized project planning.
It's best suited for project managers, small teams, or individuals who need Gantt charts, task scheduling, and resource allocation without relying on cloud services. Users familiar with Microsoft Project will recognize the layout and core functions. It’s particularly useful in environments where offline, desktop-based tools are preferred over web apps.
Compared to Microsoft Planner, which is lightweight and task-board oriented, ProjectLibre offers deeper scheduling and dependency tracking. It feels more complex but also more powerful for traditional project planning. It lacks real-time collaboration and modern UI polish but compensates with full local control and file compatibility with older Microsoft Project formats.
Best for: Users needing a free, desktop-based alternative to Microsoft Project for detailed project planning.
Key features of ProjectLibre
- Gantt chart visualization with task dependencies
- Resource and workload management
- Task scheduling and critical path analysis
- Import and export of Microsoft Project (.mpp) files
- Cross-platform desktop application (Linux, Windows, macOS)
- Print and PDF export for project reports
- WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) support
- Multiple view modes: Gantt, Network, Task Sheet
Pros
- Free and open-source with active community support
- Good compatibility with .mpp files from older MS Project versions
- Full-featured offline project planning tool
- Available in multiple languages
- Stable and mature codebase
Cons
- Does not support the latest .mpp formats reliably
- UI feels outdated compared to modern tools
- Limited real-time collaboration features
- Slower performance on large projects
Windows programs ProjectLibre replaces
How to install ProjectLibre on Linux
sudo zypper install projectlibreTips for Windows users
When moving from Microsoft Planner or Project, note that ProjectLibre uses .mpp files but may not fully support versions beyond MS Project 2010. Save files in older .mpp formats for compatibility. Keyboard shortcuts are similar but not identical—rely on the File and Tools menus initially. Workflow shifts from Planner’s Kanban-style tasks to structured Gantt-based planning, so expect a steeper learning curve for scheduling and dependencies.
ProjectLibre: frequently asked questions
Can ProjectLibre open Microsoft Project files?
Yes, it can open .mpp files, especially from MS Project 2010 and earlier. Support for newer versions is limited and may result in formatting or feature loss.
Is ProjectLibre available in Linux repositories?
Yes, it is packaged in openSUSE and available via third-party repositories or direct download for other distributions.
Does ProjectLibre support collaboration?
No, it is a single-user desktop application. Team sharing requires external file syncing or manual coordination.
How does ProjectLibre compare to LibreOffice Calc for project planning?
ProjectLibre offers dedicated project management features like Gantt charts and task dependencies, while Calc requires manual setup and lacks built-in scheduling tools.
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