Our verdict: GanttProject is a no-cost way to plan projects with Gantt charts and resource charts on a desktop, and it exchanges files with Microsoft Project. It is aimed at small and medium projects; there is no portfolio management, and team collaboration requires the separate paid cloud service.
About GanttProject
GanttProject is desktop project scheduling software developed since 2003. You break work into tasks and subtasks, set durations, dependencies and milestones, assign people with their workload shown on a resource chart, and manage costs. The Gantt chart and the resource load chart update as you edit the schedule.
Projects are stored locally and the program runs offline. GanttProject reads MPX, MPP and XML/MSPDI files from Microsoft Project and exports XML/MSPDI, so you can exchange plans with Microsoft Project users. Version 3.3 added calculated task columns using SQL expressions. The Windows installer bundles a Java runtime. GanttProject is free under the GPL v3, including commercial use; the optional GanttProject Cloud service adds collaboration with pay-as-you-go pricing.
What it does well
- Gantt chart. Tasks, subtasks, dependencies and milestones on an interactive timeline.
- Resource chart. Assign people to tasks and see their workload.
- Microsoft Project files. Opens MPX, MPP and XML/MSPDI, and exports XML/MSPDI.
- Cost management. Track the cost of tasks and resources in the plan.
- Calculated columns. Custom task columns computed with SQL expressions.
Who it is for
Good fit
Small businesses, freelancers and students who need Gantt charts and simple resource planning for free.
Look elsewhere
Organisations that need multi-project portfolios, resource leveling or built-in real-time collaboration.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source, also for commercial use
- Reads Microsoft Project files
- Runs offline with local files
- Resource load chart and cost tracking
Cons
- Interface looks dated
- Some antivirus programs flag the installer (a false positive according to the developer)
- Collaboration requires the paid GanttProject Cloud
How to install GanttProject
The download button fetches the Windows EXE installer of GanttProject 3.3 from the official GitHub release, which bundles the Java runtime; ganttproject.biz also offers an MSI and a ZIP that needs Java 17 with JavaFX. Keep automatic updates on, because later maintenance updates are delivered through the in-app update channel. The download page also asks for an optional payment, which is not required.
Questions about GanttProject
Is GanttProject free?
Yes. GanttProject is free and open source under the GPL v3, and you may use it commercially. The download page offers an optional paid download that is identical to the free one.
Can GanttProject open Microsoft Project files?
Yes. It reads MPX, MPP and XML/MSPDI files and exports to XML/MSPDI.
Does GanttProject need Java?
The Windows EXE and MSI installers include a Java runtime. Only the ZIP version requires installing Java 17 with JavaFX yourself.
