ProjectLibre: Free Open-Source Alternative to Microsoft Project

ProjectLibre is designed as a direct replacement for Microsoft Project. Its desktop application opens existing Microsoft Project files, so you can keep working on schedules created by others without buying a Project license.

What the desktop app includes

• Gantt charts with tasks, dependencies and durations.
• Resources and costs assigned to tasks.
• Microsoft Project compatibility: open and keep working on .mpp files instead of rebuilding schedules.
• Cross-platform: the same application on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Desktop and cloud

There are two products with the same name:

• ProjectLibre desktop is free and open source, licensed under the Common Public Attribution License 1.0 (CPAL). It is distributed through SourceForge, linked from the official site.
• ProjectLibre Cloud is a paid, browser-based service for teams, aimed at organizations moving from Microsoft Project, Project Online and Primavera P6. It has a free trial.

How to download the desktop version

1. The Download button opens the official ProjectLibre files on SourceForge.
2. Pick the installer for Windows, macOS or Linux.
3. On macOS, if the system blocks the installer, the project’s instructions say to allow it under the security settings.

Alternatives

GanttProject is a lighter open-source scheduler that also reads MPP files. If your organization standardizes on Microsoft’s tool, see Microsoft Project. For writing project reports alongside your schedule, LibreOffice is free.