OpenProjLinux
vs
FastTrack ScheduleWindows
OpenProj as a Linux alternative to FastTrack Schedule
Updated
Our verdict
OpenProj is a solid, free alternative for individuals who need to manage projects and read Microsoft Project files on Linux. It handles Gantt charts, resource leveling, and critical path analysis well. However, it is a discontinued project, meaning no new features or security updates are coming. It lacks the collaboration and cloud features FastTrack offers, making it unsuitable for teams needing real-time shared access. If you work alone and need a lightweight, native Linux tool to maintain MS Project compatibility, OpenProj is a viable choice, but expect to handle collaboration manually.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Creates and edits Gantt charts with drag-and-drop task management
- Supports resource allocation and leveling to balance workloads
- Calculates critical path to identify schedule bottlenecks
- Manages work breakdown structures (WBS) for complex projects
- Tracks project baselines to compare planned vs. actual progress
What is different
- OpenProj is discontinued, while FastTrack Schedule is actively developed and supported
- FastTrack includes built-in collaboration and shared project features; OpenProj is a single-user desktop app
- FastTrack offers advanced portfolio management dashboards; OpenProj focuses on single-project execution
- FastTrack is commercial with dedicated customer support; OpenProj relies on community forums and documentation
- OpenProj is strictly open-source (GPL-3.0), whereas FastTrack is proprietary commercial software
Opening your FastTrack Schedule files
OpenProj was specifically designed to read and write Microsoft Project (MPP) files, which is the standard format for FastTrack Schedule exports. If you can export your FastTrack project to MPP, OpenProj should open it without issue. It also supports standard XML and CSV formats for data exchange. Since OpenProj is discontinued, very new MPP features from recent MS Project versions might not be fully supported, but core task, resource, and calendar data should transfer correctly.
Switching from FastTrack Schedule to OpenProj, step by step
- Export your current FastTrack Schedule project to Microsoft Project (MPP) format
- Install OpenProj on your Linux system via your package manager or by downloading the binary
- Open the exported MPP file in OpenProj and verify task dates and dependencies
- Check resource assignments and ensure leveling calculations match your expectations
- Save the project in OpenProj’s native format for future editing
- Export to PDF or Excel for any external reporting needs
Key features of OpenProj
- MS Project (MPP) file import/export
- Gantt chart with drag‑and‑drop tasks
- Resource allocation and leveling
- Critical path calculation
- Baseline tracking
- Work breakdown structure support
- Customizable columns and views
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenProj still maintained?
No, OpenProj is discontinued. The project is no longer actively developed, so there are no new features or bug fixes. You are using it as-is, which is fine for stable, basic project management but risky if you need long-term support.
Can I collaborate with my team using OpenProj?
Not directly. OpenProj is a single-user desktop application. You would need to manually share MPP files or use external tools for collaboration. FastTrack Schedule has built-in shared project features, which OpenProj lacks.
Does OpenProj handle cost tracking?
Yes, it supports cost and budget tracking, including resource costs and task-level budgeting. However, its financial reporting capabilities are less extensive than FastTrack’s dedicated portfolio and financial modules.
4 other alternatives to FastTrack Schedule
PlannerGNOME Planner is a free, lightweight project management tool for GNOME desktops, aimed at simple scheduling…Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedPlanner vs FastTrack Schedule
KPlatoKPlato is a KDE‑based project management and scheduling tool, formerly part of KOffice and now succeeded by…Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedKPlato vs FastTrack Schedule
TaskJugglerTaskJuggler is a free, GPL‑licensed project‑management tool for Linux, Unix and Windows, built in C++ with…Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedTaskJuggler vs FastTrack Schedule
GanttProjectGanttProject is a free, open-source tool for creating and managing project schedules using Gantt charts.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedGanttProject vs FastTrack Schedule