ProjectLibre as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Office Project
Updated
Our verdict
ProjectLibre is a solid replacement for Microsoft Office Project on Linux. It covers the core Gantt chart creation, task dependencies, resource allocation, critical‑path analysis, and basic reporting. It is best suited for project managers who need a free, cross‑platform tool and are comfortable with an open‑source interface. Those who rely on advanced cost‑management, integration with other Microsoft services, or enterprise‑grade support may find it lacking.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.9.8
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Gantt chart visualization with task dependencies
- Resource and workload management
- Import/export of Microsoft Project (.mpp) files
- Critical path analysis
- Multiple view modes (Gantt, Network, Task Sheet)
What is different
- No native integration with Microsoft Office suite or cloud services
- Limited advanced cost and budget tracking features
- No built‑in enterprise‑level support or SLA
- Fewer customization options for dashboards
- Interface is less polished compared to Microsoft Project
Opening your Microsoft Office Project files
ProjectLibre can open and save Microsoft Project (.mpp) files. Importing large or complex projects may occasionally lose formatting or custom fields, but basic task data and dependencies are preserved. Export to PDF and print are supported for reporting. Export to newer .mpp formats is possible, but compatibility with the latest Microsoft Project versions is not guaranteed.
Switching from Microsoft Office Project to ProjectLibre, step by step
- Export your current project from Microsoft Project as an .mpp file.
- Launch ProjectLibre and choose File → Open to load the .mpp file.
- Verify that tasks, dependencies, and resources appear correctly; adjust any missing fields.
- Save the project in ProjectLibre’s native format (.pmp) for future editing.
- Export to PDF or print if you need a static report for stakeholders.
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
How to install ProjectLibre on Linux
sudo zypper install projectlibreFrequently asked questions
Is ProjectLibre free to use on Linux?
Yes, ProjectLibre is open‑source under the GPL‑3.0 license and can be installed from most Linux distributions’ repositories or downloaded as a binary.
Can I use ProjectLibre on Windows as well?
Yes, ProjectLibre is cross‑platform; the same binary works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it easy to share files across teams.
What if my project uses advanced cost tracking?
ProjectLibre offers basic cost fields, but it does not support the full range of cost‑management features found in Microsoft Project. You may need to supplement with spreadsheets or other tools for detailed budgeting.
2 other alternatives to Microsoft Office Project
GanttProjectGanttProject is a free, open-source tool for creating and managing project schedules using Gantt charts.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedGanttProject vs Microsoft Office Project
TaskJugglerTaskJuggler is a free, GPL‑licensed project‑management tool for Linux, Unix and Windows, built in C++ with…Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedTaskJuggler vs Microsoft Office Project