TaskJugglerLinux
vs
Microsoft ProjectWindows
TaskJuggler as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Project
Updated
Our verdict
TaskJuggler can replace Microsoft Project for users who are comfortable with a text‑based project definition and who need advanced resource allocation and constraint handling. It produces detailed HTML Gantt charts and workload reports, and it is free under GPL. However, it lacks a native WYSIWYG interface, real‑time collaboration, and the extensive integration with Microsoft Office that Project offers. It is best suited for experienced Linux users or teams that prefer scriptable project files and can tolerate a steeper learning curve.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both generate Gantt charts and track task progress
- Both allow assignment of resources to tasks
- Both support budgeting and cost tracking
- Both can analyze resource workloads
- Both can import/export standard project file formats
What is different
- TaskJuggler uses a text‑based project file instead of a GUI editor
- No built‑in WYSIWYG interface for editing tasks
- No native real‑time collaboration or cloud integration
- No direct integration with Microsoft Office suite
- Limited support for complex Microsoft Project features like baseline comparison and advanced scheduling constraints
Opening your Microsoft Project files
TaskJuggler can import Microsoft Project files via the optional MS Project XML import feature, but support is limited to older .mpp formats and may lose some advanced data. Exporting to .mpp is not available; the tool can export to HTML, CSV, and XML, which can then be converted to other formats if needed.
Switching from Microsoft Project to TaskJuggler, step by step
- Export the current Microsoft Project file to XML (File → Export → XML).
- Install TaskJuggler on your Linux system (e.g., via apt or dnf).
- Create a new TaskJuggler project file and import the XML using the import command.
- Adjust any resource or task details that did not translate correctly.
- Generate HTML reports to verify Gantt charts and resource usage.
- Iterate until the reports match the original Project plan.
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
Does TaskJuggler support real‑time collaboration?
No, TaskJuggler does not have built‑in real‑time collaboration features; teams must share project files manually.
Can I run TaskJuggler on Windows?
Yes, TaskJuggler is cross‑platform and can run on Windows, but it is primarily developed and used on Linux.
Is TaskJuggler actively maintained?
The project was discontinued after 2010, so it is no longer actively maintained, but the existing codebase remains usable.
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