Microsoft Project is still a Windows-only application, so Mac users need either a compatible replacement, a browser-based work-management platform or a Windows environment to run the original software.
The right choice depends on what you are replacing. If you regularly exchange .MPP files with Windows-based Project users, choose a tool built for file compatibility. If you are starting new work, a modern collaborative platform may be easier to use than reproducing Microsoft Project’s traditional interface.
This guide focuses on genuine Microsoft Project alternatives for Mac rather than every task-management app with a timeline view. We have prioritised scheduling depth, Gantt charts, dependencies, resource planning, Microsoft Project file handling, collaboration and the quality of the Mac experience.
Quick Answer: The Best Microsoft Project Alternatives for Mac
| Need | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Closest replacement for Microsoft Project and .MPP files | Project Plan 365 |
| Best native Mac project-planning app | Merlin Project |
| Best advanced Apple-only alternative | OmniPlan Pro |
| Best completely free option | ProjectLibre |
| Best spreadsheet-style alternative | Smartsheet |
| Best easy-to-use Gantt-chart tool | GanttPRO |
| Best enterprise work-management platform | Wrike |
| Best for existing Microsoft 365 customers | Microsoft Planner |
| Best collaborative free-plan alternative | ClickUp |
| Best visual team-work alternative | monday.com |
Important: Check Microsoft Project File Compatibility First
Not every app described as a Microsoft Project alternative can open or save .MPP files. A Gantt chart alone does not make an app a drop-in replacement.
If your team needs to send the same plan back and forth with people using Microsoft Project on Windows, start with Project Plan 365 or OmniPlan Pro. Merlin Project, Smartsheet, GanttPRO and Wrike can be useful migration routes, but they do not offer the same kind of direct, lossless round-trip file exchange.
Before moving a live project, import a copy of a real plan and compare:
- task hierarchy and dependencies
- calendars, constraints and critical paths
- resources, costs and baselines
- custom fields, formulas and reports
- how the plan looks after it is exported again
Complex enterprise plans are rarely transferred perfectly between two products.
| Software | Microsoft Project file handling | Mac experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Plan 365 | Opens, edits and saves .MPP files directly | Mac desktop app and web access | Teams that must keep using .MPP files |
| Merlin Project | Imports .MPP files; exports Microsoft Project XML | Native Mac, iPhone and iPad apps | Mac focused professional planning |
| OmniPlan Pro | Imports and exports .MPP and XML files | Native Apple app | Advanced Mac-only project managers |
| ProjectLibre | Opens .MPP files; test complex plans carefully | Local Java desktop app | Free single-user project planning |
| Smartsheet | Imports .MPP and exports Microsoft Project XML | Browser-based | Spreadsheet-oriented teams |
| GanttPRO | Imports .MPP files | Browser-based | Easy collaborative Gantt planning |
| Wrike | Imports .MPP, MPX and XML; no export back to Project | Mac desktop app and browser | Larger cross-functional teams |
| Microsoft Planner | No direct .MPP file exchange | Browser and mobile apps | Existing Microsoft 365 teams |
| ClickUp | No direct .MPP file exchange | Mac desktop app and browser | New collaborative projects |
| monday.com | No direct .MPP file exchange | Mac desktop app and browser | Visual, flexible team setups |
How We Chose These Microsoft Project Alternatives
We looked for products that solve one or more of the jobs Microsoft Project users actually need done on a Mac:
- opening or exchanging Microsoft Project plans
- building dependency-based schedules and critical paths
- managing resources, costs, baselines and workloads
- sharing live plans with colleagues and clients
- working locally on a Mac rather than only through a browser
- replacing rigid scheduling software with an easier collaborative tools
We have deliberately left out presentation-only timeline tools and personal organisers. They can be useful in their own right, but they are not strong replacements for Microsoft Project.
1. Project Plan 365 (Closest Microsoft Project Alternative for Mac)
Why we recommend it: Project Plan 365 is the strongest choice for anyone who needs to open, edit and save native Microsoft Project .MPP files from a Mac without changing the way their organisation works.
Its interface, terminology and scheduling model will feel familiar to anyone who has used Microsoft Project on Windows. It supports Gantt charts, task links, calendars, critical paths, resources, costs, baselines and reporting, while giving Mac users a desktop app instead of forcing them into a Windows virtual machine.
The key advantage is direct .MPP support. That makes Project Plan 365 the most practical option for consultants, contractors and project managers who routinely receive plans from Windows users and need to return updated files.
It is not as elegant or Mac-like as Merlin Project or OmniPlan, and its familiarity can also mean inheriting some of Microsoft Project’s old-fashioned complexity. But if file fidelity matters more than a modern interface, it is the first product to try.
Best for: Existing Microsoft Project users, mixed Mac/Windows teams and anyone who must exchange .MPP files regularly.
Check out our full Project Plan 365 review for more.
Pricing: Free Trial / Plans start at $8.99/m (20% off)
Pros
- Opens, edits and saves native .MPP files directly
- Familiar to Microsoft Project users
- Strong scheduling, resource and cost-management tools
- Available on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, Android and the web
- Works with local files and common cloud-storage solutions
Cons
- Interface is functional rather than especially Mac-like
- More complex than most teams need for everyday task management
- Paid subscription required after the trial
2. Merlin Project (Best Native Mac Project-Planning App)
Why we recommend it: Merlin Project is the best choice for Mac-focused project managers who want serious scheduling tools without using software that feels transplanted from Windows.
It combines Gantt charts, dependencies, critical-path calculation, resource planning, baselines, reports, mind maps and Kanban boards in a polished native Mac interface. It is especially well suited to consultants, architects, construction planners and creative or technical teams that need structured planning but value a genuinely Apple-focused project management software.
Merlin Project can import Microsoft Project .MPP files, but it should be treated as a migration tool rather than a direct .MPP round-trip editor. It exports Microsoft Project XML rather than native .MPP, so test a representative file if Windows-based colleagues need to continue working in Microsoft Project.
The full version is expensive for a single lightweight project, although Merlin Project Express is worth considering for simpler personal planning.
Best for: Professional Mac users who want powerful planning features, offline work and an Apple-native experience.
Pricing: 30-day free trial; Merlin Project for Mac starts at $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year. iPad and iOS app $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Merlin Project Express is cheaper for smaller projects.
Pros
- Excellent native Mac interface
- Gantt, Kanban, mind-map and calendar views
- Critical paths, baselines, resources and reports
- Imports Microsoft Project files
- Mac, iPhone and iPad versions available
Cons
- Does not save back to native .MPP format
- More expensive than many web-based alternatives
- Less suitable for teams that need a Windows or browser client
3. OmniPlan Pro (Best Advanced Apple-Only Alternative)
Why we recommend it: OmniPlan Pro is a serious project-management application for people who want desktop-grade scheduling power across their Apple devices.
It offers dependency-based planning, critical paths, multiple baselines, resource levelling, cost tracking, earned-value analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, reporting and automation. The Pro edition can import and export Microsoft Project .MPP and XML files, making it one of the few native Mac products with a credible file-exchange story. Omni’s documentation lists support through Microsoft Project 2019, so test any newer or unusually complex plan before committing to a migration.
OmniPlan is particularly strong for project managers who work independently or in Apple-centric organisations. Its universal purchase also covers Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro, which can be attractive if you need to review and update plans away from your desk.
It is not a cheap option, and its depth is unnecessary if your work is mainly shared task lists and status updates. It is best for formal schedules rather than casual team coordination.
Best for: Advanced individual project managers and Apple-only teams that need sophisticated scheduling and .MPP exchange.
Read our full OmniPlan review for more.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee; $199.99 for OmniPlan Standard, $399.99 for OmniPlan Pro, or $199.99 per year for the Pro subscription.
Pros
- Native Apple experience across Mac, iPhone and iPad
- OmniPlan Pro imports and exports .MPP files
- Strong resource, cost, baseline and risk-planning features
- One-time purchase option
- Powerful automation and reporting tools
Cons
- Pro edition is expensive
- Overkill for simple collaborative task management
- Microsoft Project file conversions should still be tested before a full migration
4. ProjectLibre (Best Free Microsoft Project Alternative)
Why we recommend it: ProjectLibre is the best truly free desktop alternative for Mac users who need traditional project scheduling rather than a limited trial or stripped-back free plan.
The open-source Desktop app runs locally on macOS and provides Gantt charts, task dependencies, work breakdown structures, calendars, critical paths, resource assignments and cost tracking. It can open Microsoft Project files, making it a sensible first stop for individuals who need an inexpensive way to keep working with existing plans.
ProjectLibre Desktop is designed for one person managing individual project files. It does not offer the real-time collaboration, portfolio management or shared enterprise resource pools that larger teams need; ProjectLibre’s Cloud product is aimed at those use cases.
The interface is more utilitarian than Merlin Project or OmniPlan, and you should test important .MPP files before relying on it for a client or enterprise project. But for a free tool, it offers unusual scheduling depth.
Best for: Individuals, students and solo consultants who need a fully free, offline Microsoft Project-style tool.
Pricing: Free and open source for ProjectLibre Desktop.
Pros
- Completely free desktop application
- Opens Microsoft Project files
- Gantt charts, WBS, dependencies and critical paths
- Resource and cost tracking for individual projects
- Runs locally on a Mac
Cons
- Dated interface
- No live collaboration in the free desktop edition
- Complex .MPP files may need adjustment after import
5. Smartsheet (Best Spreadsheet-Style Alternative)
Why we recommend it: Smartsheet is ideal for teams that like the familiarity of a spreadsheet but need Gantt charts, forms, automations, dashboards, permissions and reporting around it.
It can import Microsoft Project files in .MPP, .MPX, .MSPDI and XML formats, then turns the data into a collaborative sheet. You can export a Gantt sheet back to Microsoft Project XML, but it is not a direct .MPP editor, so it is better for moving away from Project than for maintaining a perfect two-way file exchange.
Smartsheet is particularly useful when operations, marketing and business teams need to work in the same plan without learning traditional project-management software. It scales from a small project tracker to a broader work-management system with dashboards and automation.
It is a cloud service rather than a true offline Mac app. Smartsheet’s desktop app is being retired on or after 6 January 2027, so new users should expect to work primarily in the browser.
Best for: Teams that think in rows, columns, formulas and reports but need better project visibility.
Pricing: From $9 per member per month when billed annually; free contributors are supported.
Check out our full Smartsheet review for more.
You can also check out our in-depth look at Smartsheet vs Microsoft Project to see how it measures-up to Microsoft’s product.
Pros
- Familiar spreadsheet-style interface
- Imports Microsoft Project files
- Gantt, board, calendar and table views
- Strong forms, automations, dashboards and reporting
- Good fit for operational and cross-functional teams
Cons
- Not a direct .MPP round-trip editor
- Browser-based and requires an internet connection
- Advanced capabilities can become expensive
6. GanttPRO (Best Easy-to-Use Gantt-Chart Alternative)
Why we recommend it: GanttPRO is a strong choice for teams that want the visual planning strengths of Microsoft Project without its steep learning curve.
The browser-based app makes it straightforward to build schedules with dependencies, milestones, critical paths, resources, workload management, budgets and time tracking. It can import .MPP files, which makes it useful for turning an existing Microsoft Project plan into something easier for a team to understand and maintain.
GanttPRO is a more focused product than Smartsheet, Wrike or monday.com. That is an advantage if the Gantt chart is genuinely the centre of your work, rather than just one of many views. It is less appealing if you need extensive document collaboration, CRM-style records or sophisticated enterprise needs.
Best for: Teams that want a clear, visual Gantt tool with less complexity than Microsoft Project.
Pricing: 14-day free trial; Core plans start at $7 per user per month when billed annually.
Check out our full GanttPRO review for more.
Pros
- Clear, approachable Gantt-chart interface
- Imports Microsoft Project .MPP files
- Dependencies, critical paths, resources and workload planning
- Useful budget and time-tracking tools on higher plans
- Strong option for sharing live schedules with clients
Cons
- No native offline Mac app
- Not designed for direct .MPP round-trip editing
- More specialist than broader work-management platforms
7. Wrike (Best Enterprise Alternative)
Why we recommend it: Wrike is the best choice for larger organisations replacing Microsoft Project with a connected work-management platform rather than another standalone scheduling application.
It can import Microsoft Project files and brings across tasks, durations, dependencies and assignees. It does not export data back into Microsoft Project, so think of it as a migration path rather than a compatibility layer.
Once projects are inside Wrike, teams gain request forms, custom setups, approvals, dashboards, reporting, workload visibility and integrations with Microsoft 365 and other business tools. Its Mac desktop app and browser access make it easy for mixed-device teams to work in one system.
Wrike’s flexibility is a strength, but it also takes care to configure well. It is a better fit for a multi-team organisation than for someone who simply wants to create a Gantt chart on their Mac.
Best for: Larger teams and departments that need customised management controls, visibility and scalable reporting.
Pricing: Free plan available; Team plans start at $10 per user per month and Business plans at $25 per user per month.
Check out our full review of Wrike for more.
Pros
- Imports Microsoft Project files
- Good project, resource and management tools
- Mac desktop app, browser and mobile apps
- Strong dashboards, approvals and integrations
- Scales well across teams and departments
Cons
- Does not export back to Microsoft Project
- Can take time to configure well
- Advanced plans are priced for businesses rather than individuals
8. Microsoft Planner (Best for Microsoft 365 Users)
Why we recommend it: Microsoft Planner is the logical starting point for teams already invested in Microsoft 365, Teams, Outlook and SharePoint.
Microsoft has consolidated its modern project-planning direction around Planner. Project for the web and the Project/Roadmap apps in Teams were retired in 2025, and Project Online retired on 30 September 2026. That does not mean Planner is a like-for-like replacement for every Microsoft Project deployment, but it is the service Microsoft is developing for collaborative cloud planning.
Basic Planner features are included with eligible Microsoft 365 plans and cover task boards, schedules, charts and Teams integration. Planner Plan 1 adds premium planning capabilities including Timeline/Gantt view, task dependencies, reports, backlogs and sprints.
Planner is easy to recommend to existing Microsoft 365 teams that want shared work tracking without adding another vendor. It is not the best choice if you need to open, edit and exchange .MPP files or reproduce the deepest scheduling, cost and portfolio features of Project Desktop.
Best for: Microsoft 365 organisations that want integrated team planning and do not rely on .MPP file exchange.
Pricing: Basic Planner features are included with eligible Microsoft 365 plans. Planner Plan 1 starts at $10 per user per month, paid annually.
Check out our comparison of Microsoft Project vs Microsoft Planner to see how it compares to the full version of MS Project.
Pros
- Tight integration with Microsoft 365 and Teams
- Familiar choice for organisations already paying for Microsoft 365
- Simple shared boards, schedules and charts
- Premium plans add Timeline/Gantt, dependencies and reporting
- Works in any modern Mac browser
Cons
- No native Mac desktop app
- No direct .MPP file support
- Premium scheduling tools need a paid Planner plan
- Not a full replacement for complex Project Desktop use cases
9. ClickUp (Best Collaborative Free-Plan Alternative)
Why we recommend it: ClickUp is a compelling option for teams that want to abandon Microsoft Project’s file-based system and manage the actual work, documents, discussions and timeline in one shared space.
Its free plan includes unlimited tasks, collaborative documents, boards and a limited allocation of Gantt-view use. Paid plans remove those limits and add unlimited Gantt charts, native time tracking, resource management and wider integrations.
ClickUp’s Gantt view supports dependencies and critical-path planning, making it more capable than a typical task board. However, it does not support direct Microsoft Project .MPP imports or exports, so it is best when you are starting fresh or can migrate from a spreadsheet rather than preserving Project files.
Best for: Teams wanting a modern all-in-one workspace with a worthwhile free starting point.
Pricing: Free Forever plan available; Unlimited plans start at $7 per user per month when billed annually.
Read our in-depth ClickUp review
Pros
- Generous free plan
- Tasks, docs, boards, dashboards and Gantt views in one product
- Native Mac app and browser access
- Good collaboration and customisation options
- Paid plans add time tracking and resource-management tools
Cons
- No direct .MPP file support
- Free-plan Gantt usage is limited
- Can feel overwhelming without clear workspace rules
10. monday.com (Best Visual Team-Work Alternative)
Why we recommend it: monday.com is a good option for teams moving away from Microsoft Project because it makes project status, ownership and management much easier to see at a glance.
Instead of treating the project plan as a specialist file maintained by one project manager, monday.com gives teams flexible boards, automations, dashboards, timelines and a Mac desktop app. It is especially effective for marketing, operations, product and client-service teams that need everyone to update work in one shared system.
It does not support native .MPP files, so it is not suitable for organisations that must retain Microsoft Project compatibility. Its free plan is useful for very small teams, but Gantt view is available from the Standard plan upwards, while milestone and critical-path tools require Pro or Enterprise.
Best for: Teams that want a visual, highly configurable replacement for Microsoft Project’s day-to-day tools.
Pricing: Free plan for up to two seats and three boards; Standard starts at $12 per seat per month when billed annually.
Check out our Monday.com review for more.
Pros
- Attractive, approachable visual interface
- Mac desktop app, browser and mobile access
- Flexible boards, dashboards and automation
- Strong choice for cross-functional collaboration
- Useful reporting and portfolio views on higher plans
Cons
- No .MPP import or export
- Gantt and critical-path features require paid plans
- Less suitable for formal, complex scheduling than Project Plan 365 or OmniPlan
Which Microsoft Project Alternative Should You Choose?
Use this shortcut:
- Choose Project Plan 365 if you must keep opening, editing and saving .MPP files.
- Choose Merlin Project if you want a professional, native Mac planner and can use Microsoft Project XML for exchange.
- Choose OmniPlan Pro if you need advanced, Apple-only scheduling and MPP import/export.
- Choose ProjectLibre if budget is the priority and you can work as a single user.
- Choose Smartsheet if your team prefers spreadsheet-style work with automation and reporting.
- Choose GanttPRO if you want an easy, Gantt-first planning tool for a team.
- Choose Wrike if you are replacing Microsoft Project with broader enterprise work management.
- Choose Microsoft Planner if you already live in Microsoft 365 and do not need .MPP files.
- Choose ClickUp or monday.com if the goal is more transparent, collaborative work rather than replicating Project’s traditional scheduling model.
If your requirements are broader than Microsoft Project replacement, see our guide to the best project management software for Mac.
Best Free Microsoft Project Alternatives For Mac
There are very few genuinely free Microsoft Project alternatives for Mac. Most “free” tools are either limited plans for collaborative task management or require a Microsoft 365 subscription.
If you need a free desktop replacement for Microsoft Project with Gantt charts, dependencies and resource planning, ProjectLibre is the best place to start. If you are starting a new collaborative project rather than opening existing Microsoft Project files, ClickUp or Microsoft Planner may be a better fit.
| Software | Best For | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| ProjectLibre | A fully free, desktop-style Microsoft Project replacement | Limited collaboration and less polished than paid apps |
| ClickUp | Collaborative teams starting new projects | Not designed as a direct .MPP replacement |
| Microsoft Planner | Teams already using Microsoft 365 | Advanced planning features require a paid Planner plan |
| GanttProject | Simple offline Gantt charts and schedules | Basic interface and limited team features |
| OpenProject Community | Technical teams that want self-hosting | Requires server setup and administration |
ProjectLibre (Best Fully Free Microsoft Project Alternative)
ProjectLibre is the best free option for Mac users who want something closest to the traditional Microsoft Project experience.
Its desktop edition is free and open source, works locally on a Mac and includes the features many project managers expect, including Gantt charts, task dependencies, work breakdown structures, critical-path planning, resources and cost tracking.
It can open many Microsoft Project files, although it is sensible to test an important .MPP file before fully moving a project across—particularly if it contains complex custom fields, formatting or enterprise features.
The compromise is that ProjectLibre feels more utilitarian than modern Mac-native software, and it lacks the live team collaboration features found in tools such as monday.com, Smartsheet and ClickUp.
ClickUp (Best Free Collaborative Alternative)
ClickUp is a better choice if you are starting a project from scratch and need a free way for a team to organise work together.
Its free plan provides task management, shared documents, multiple views and limited Gantt-chart use, making it far more flexible than a simple to-do list. It also works in a browser and has a Mac app, so team members can access the same project from almost anywhere.
However, ClickUp is not a direct replacement for Microsoft Project if you need to open, edit and preserve existing .MPP files. Think of it as a modern collaborative alternative rather than a Microsoft Project clone.
Microsoft Planner (Best If You Already Have Microsoft 365)
Microsoft Planner can be a good-value option for organisations that already pay for an eligible Microsoft 365 plan.
The basic version is included with qualifying Microsoft 365 subscriptions and gives teams shared task boards, schedules, charts and Microsoft Teams integration. It is particularly convenient for teams already using Outlook, Teams and SharePoint.
However, it should not be mistaken for a completely free standalone Microsoft Project replacement. Features such as Timeline/Gantt view, task dependencies and more advanced planning tools require a paid Planner plan, and it is not designed for complex .MPP file conversions.
GanttProject (Best for Basic Offline Gantt Charts)
GanttProject is a free, open-source desktop app for creating straightforward schedules, dependencies and Gantt charts offline.
It is a sensible choice if you simply need to map out a project visually without paying for a subscription or sharing it with a large team. The current Mac installer includes the runtime it needs, so you should not need to install Java separately.
The trade-off is a fairly basic interface, limited collaboration and fewer of the advanced resource-management features available in ProjectLibre or paid Microsoft Project alternatives.
OpenProject Community (Best for Self-Hosted Teams)
OpenProject Community is a powerful free option for technically confident teams that want full control over where their project data is stored.
Its Community edition is open source and free to use, with project planning, Gantt charts, work packages and collaboration tools. You access it through a web browser on a Mac, but it must be installed and maintained on your own server or through Docker.
That makes it overkill for most individuals, but it can be an excellent no-licence-cost solution for businesses with in-house technical support and strict data-control requirements.
Which Free Microsoft Project Alternative Should You Choose?
For most people, ProjectLibre is the best fully free Microsoft Project alternative for Mac. Choose ClickUp if collaboration is more important than .MPP compatibility, Microsoft Planner if your organisation already has Microsoft 365, and GanttProject if you only need a simple offline schedule.
We have not included tools such as Trello, Asana and MeisterTask here because they are better suited to general task management than replacing Microsoft Project. For those, see our guide to the best project management software for Mac.
FAQ
What Is the Best Microsoft Project Alternative for Mac?
For most people who need to keep using Microsoft Project files, Project Plan 365 is the best alternative because it can open, edit and save native .MPP files directly on a Mac.
For a more native Mac experience, choose Merlin Project or OmniPlan Pro. For a fully free option, choose ProjectLibre.
Are There Any 100% Free Microsoft Project Alternatives for Mac?
Yes. ProjectLibre is the best fully free Microsoft Project alternative for most Mac users. Its desktop app is open source and includes Gantt charts, task dependencies, critical-path planning, resource tracking and support for opening many Microsoft Project files.
GanttProject is another genuinely free option if you only need simple offline schedules and Gantt charts. Technically confident teams can also use the free, self-hosted OpenProject Community edition, although it requires server setup rather than working as a normal Mac desktop app.
Tools such as ClickUp offer free plans for collaborative project management, but they are not direct .MPP replacements. Microsoft Planner is included with eligible Microsoft 365 plans, while its more advanced Timeline/Gantt and dependency features require a paid Planner plan.
Can You Open Microsoft Project Files on a Mac?
Yes. Project Plan 365, OmniPlan Pro, Merlin Project and ProjectLibre can all open Microsoft Project files on a Mac. Smartsheet, GanttPRO and Wrike can also import Project plans as part of a move to their platforms.
If you only need read-only access to an .MPP file, a dedicated Microsoft Project viewer can be less expensive than a full project-management application.
Which Alternative Has the Best .MPP File Compatibility?
Project Plan 365 is the strongest choice for direct .MPP support because it opens, edits and saves the native Microsoft Project format.
OmniPlan Pro is another good option for MPP import and export, although you should test a representative plan before using it for an important migration. Merlin Project imports .MPP files but exports Microsoft Project XML rather than native .MPP.
Is Microsoft Project Available for Mac?
No. Microsoft does not offer a native macOS edition of Microsoft Project.
You can run the Windows desktop app through a Windows virtual machine, a remote Windows PC or a cloud Windows service, but this adds the cost and maintenance of a Windows environment. It makes most sense when you need exact Project Desktop compatibility that another Mac app cannot provide.
Does Microsoft Planner Replace Microsoft Project?
Microsoft Planner is Microsoft’s main collaborative cloud-planning product, but it is not a like-for-like replacement for every Microsoft Project Desktop features.
Planner is a good fit for shared task planning, Teams-based collaboration and straightforward timelines. Complex schedules, detailed cost/resource analysis and .MPP exchange may still require Project Plan 365, OmniPlan Pro or a Windows-based copy of Microsoft Project.
Is Microsoft Project Online Still Available?
No. Microsoft Project Online retired on 30 September 2026. Project Desktop was not affected by that retirement.
Microsoft has moved its modern cloud-planning direction toward Planner. Organisations that previously used Project Online should assess their migration needs carefully, especially where they rely on Project Web App customisation, portfolios, reporting or integrations.
What Is the Closest Mac Alternative to Microsoft Project?
Project Plan 365 is the closest match for Microsoft Project’s interface, terminology and .MPP file format.
If you care more about a high-quality Mac app than reproducing Microsoft’s approach exactly, Merlin Project and OmniPlan Pro are better choices.
Which Microsoft Project Alternatives Support Gantt Charts?
All the main apps in this guide support some form of timeline or Gantt planning. For the deepest traditional scheduling, look at Project Plan 365, Merlin Project, OmniPlan Pro, ProjectLibre and GanttPRO.
Smartsheet, Wrike, ClickUp, Microsoft Planner and monday.com also offer timeline or Gantt-style views, but their strongest use case is collaborative work management rather than classic desktop project scheduling.
Which Alternatives Support Resource Management?
Project Plan 365, Merlin Project, OmniPlan Pro, ProjectLibre, GanttPRO and Wrike offer resource-management capabilities. The precise depth varies by plan, so check whether you need resource levelling, workload forecasting, cost rates, shared resource pools or portfolio-level capacity planning before choosing.
Does Apple Make Its Own Project-Management Software?
No. Apple does not make a dedicated equivalent to Microsoft Project for Mac.
Numbers, Calendar, Reminders and Freeform can help with simple planning, but they do not provide the dependency tracking, critical paths, resource allocation or project-file compatibility needed for professional project management.
What Is the Best Way to Migrate Away from Microsoft Project?
First, decide whether you need to preserve .MPP compatibility or whether you are happy to move to a new shared platform.
For continuing .MPP work, trial Project Plan 365 or OmniPlan Pro with a copy of a real project. For a macOS solution, test Merlin Project. For a move to team work management, import a pilot project into Smartsheet, GanttPRO or Wrike and compare the schedule, dependencies, workload data and reporting before transferring your entire portfolio.
Never delete your original Microsoft Project plans until you have validated the imported version with the people who use it.