TaskJugglerLinux
vs
Microsoft Office ProjectWindows
TaskJuggler as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Office Project
Updated
Our verdict
TaskJuggler can replace Microsoft Office Project for users who are comfortable with text‑based project files and command‑line output. It covers core Gantt chart creation, resource allocation, task dependencies, milestones, and budgeting, but it lacks a native WYSIWYG editor and the rich reporting dashboards found in Office Project. It is best suited for Linux power users or teams that prefer open‑source tools and are willing to learn its scripting syntax.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both allow creation of Gantt charts and assignment of resources to tasks
- Both support task dependencies, milestones, and basic budget tracking
- Both can generate reports (TaskJuggler outputs HTML, Office Project offers built‑in dashboards)
- Both provide import/export of Microsoft Project files (via intermediate formats)
- Both handle resource constraints and workload balancing
What is different
- TaskJuggler uses text‑based project definition files instead of a GUI editor
- It lacks the interactive, drag‑and‑drop interface and real‑time visual feedback of Office Project
- Reporting in TaskJuggler is limited to static HTML; no live dashboards
- No built‑in cost analysis charts; users must rely on custom report templates
- TaskJuggler is discontinued; no active development or official support
Opening your Microsoft Office Project files
TaskJuggler can read Microsoft Project files in XML format (.mpp 2007+ can be exported to XML and then imported). Direct .mpp import is not supported; users must convert to XML first. Exporting to .mpp is not available; only HTML or CSV exports are provided.
Switching from Microsoft Office Project to TaskJuggler, step by step
- Export your Office Project file to XML (File → Export → XML).
- Install TaskJuggler on your Linux system (e.g., via package manager).
- Create a new .tjp project file and copy tasks, resources, and budgets from the XML into the text definition.
- Run the TaskJuggler engine (tj) to generate HTML reports and verify the schedule.
- Adjust resource allocations and constraints as needed using the text file.
- Keep the original Office Project file as backup until the new schedule is validated.
Key features of TaskJuggler
- Text‑based project definition files
- Advanced resource allocation and constraint handling
- Command‑line engine that outputs HTML reports
- Built with Qt and KDE libraries
- Cross‑platform (Linux, Unix, Windows)
- Free and GPL‑licensed
Frequently asked questions
Is TaskJuggler actively maintained?
No, the last stable release was in 2010 and the project is considered discontinued. There is no current support or updates.
Can I use TaskJuggler on Windows?
Yes, TaskJuggler runs on Windows, but it is primarily used on Linux and Unix systems. The Windows version is a native build of the same codebase.
Does TaskJuggler support advanced cost analysis?
It offers basic budget tracking and cost calculations, but it does not provide the detailed cost reports and dashboards that Office Project offers.
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