OpenProj is a user-friendly program for project planning. Its functionality includes all the necessary functions, such as a Gantt chart, network diagram, resource allocation, and reports. Moreover, it supports the import and export of Microsoft Project documents. This software is cross-platform and can be run on macOS devices. We will tell you more about this program.

What is this program?

The first version of the program was created in Java by Marc O'Brien, Laurent Chrettieneau, and Howard Katz. It was released in 2007 and was available for the most common operating systems. OpenProj was later translated into 10 languages. Today, OpenProj for Mac is available in two versions:

• The paid version, Projects On Demand (POD), allows you to perform multi-user management;

• The free version, OpenProj, is installed on a personal computer and is intended for personal use (this version is also included in Star Office).

Difference from other programs

The name of the free cross-platform software, OpenProj, hints at the similarity to the famous Microsoft Project system. The interface and the ability to work with Ms. Project files (import documents) directly emphasize the similarity of the approaches to planning and managing project tasks and resources. The same ability to import files is also suitable for sharing files with other software of the same functionality and purpose.

However, the similarity of the interfaces and the possibility of partial interaction is another advantage of OpenProj. The program does not require additional training to work with it and has all the necessary functions for managing simple single-user projects.

Program features

The functionality of OpenProj for Mac allows you to manage projects using special tools, including:

• Resources (first of all, employees, but resources can also include materials, equipment, and premises);

• Reports (by tasks, resources, and performers);

• Network diagram;

• Gantt charts.

You can also specify the resources involved in the project and the free resources that can be used if necessary. The assigned resources, the amount of work, and the actual costs can be displayed on the screen as diagrams. Moreover, the diagrams represent the predecessor and follower tasks.

As the product is written in Java, it can be run on any platform with Java Runtime Environment. You can save finished projects in .xml, .mpp, and .mpx formats. It is possible to export files in XML and PDF format (if you use the paid version of POD). OpenProj also has a proprietary format for saving files called .pod.