Is There A Mac Version Of Microsoft Project

  

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If you’re looking for a way to run Microsoft Project on a Mac, unfortunately, you’re going to find that this isn’t possible. MS Project wasn’t built for Mac operating systems, meaning it won’t work on any Mac computer you’re using.

However, there is an easy way to solve this problem so you can continue to create powerful project management tools - like Gantt charts, which can help you track project tasks against a predetermined timeline - without having to give up your Mac computer.

Mar 03, 2020 The next year, Microsoft created a Mac version of Project, but it was quickly discontinued and by 1994 was no longer being sold to the public. Currently, Microsoft Project isn’t compatible with Mac computers, but there is a workaround if you’re committed to using Apple. Apr 16, 2019 If you’re looking for a way to run Microsoft Project on a Mac, unfortunately, you’re going to find that this isn’t possible. MS Project wasn’t built for Mac operating systems, meaning it won’t work on any Mac computer you’re using. The last version of Microsoft Project on Mac died way back in 1994. Since then, Microsoft has never released another version of its flagship project management software on Mac but the good news is, there are some even better – and cheaper – options available. Like Project, SharePoint Designer doesn’t have a Mac version – so this could be another scenario where the virtual environment on the Mac is useful for the SharePoint and Project Online user who prefers to keep with their Mac. Again, no problems running SharePoint Designer under the virtual environment. So, to sum up: We support Safari for PWA. Mar 19, 2020  No, MS Project isn't produced for Mac. As an MVP my contributions here are purely voluntary. Please mark Yes/No as to whether a Reply answers your question. Did this solve your problem? Sorry this didn't help. Thanks for marking this as the answer. Sep 24, 2018 Today, we are announcing the general availability of Office 2019 for Windows and Mac. Office 2019 is the next on-premises version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project, Visio, Access, and Publisher.

The solve is easier than trying to run MS Project on your Mac, and it requires little effort to get started. Smartsheet enables you to import all MSP documents into its familiar, easy-to-use interface so you can keep working on your projects in a collaborative, Mac-friendly tool. It’s free to try, so you can test out how easy it is to track and manage your projects using your Mac computer.

How to Use MS Project on a Mac

If you’re interested in using MS Project, but are also working on a Mac computer, the most efficient, user-friendly solution to this common problem is Smartsheet.

Smartsheet integrates seamlessly on both Mac and PC operating systems, so you can manage, track, and report on your projects from anywhere, on any device. Smartsheet enables you to import all MS Project files directly, so you won’t miss a beat.

You can also choose from a variety of pre-built templates to help manage additional project details, like budgets, resources, inventory, and tasks. To get started, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Sign Up for Your Free Trial

To get started on editing and managing your MS Project files using your Mac computer, sign up for your free Smartsheet trial to discover a collaborative, real-time way to manage your projects, from ideation to completion.

It’s free for 30 days, so you can try out the tool, import your existing MS Project files, and test out the many project management capabilities, like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, calendar view, and more.

Step 2: Import Your Microsoft Project Files

Once you’ve signed up for your free trial, log in to your new Smartsheet account and follow the below steps to import your existing MPP files into Smartsheet.

1. First, navigate to the ‘+’ icon on the left hand navigation bar. From there, select the Import button.

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2. You will be brought to a screen that allows you to select what type of file you want to import. Select Microsoft Project.

3. A pop-up window will appear, prompting you with a tip box that details helpful tricks to remember as you import your file, and tips to help you get started.

4. Then, in the Import window, select which MPP file you would like to import from your computer, name it, and click Continue.

5. The MPP file will appear as a new sheet on the Home tab in the left panel.

Step 3: Start Planning, Tracking, and Managing Projects in Smartsheet

Edit, customize, and continue to manage and track your projects using Smartsheet, which offers greater functionality, including easier user adoption, flexible views, like Gantt, grid, Kanban card, and calendar, interactive Gantt capabilities, mobile accessibility, and more.

For more information on additional MS Project alternatives, visit this article, which details what to look for in your alternative tool, and how using a Mac doesn’t need to inhibit your ability to create effective PM solutions.

How to Create a Gantt Chart on a Mac

Gantt charts are one of the most popular project management tools to use when looking to effectively plan, organize, and track a project, and all of its components. If you’re looking to create a Gantt chart on your Mac OS, visit this article for step-by-step instructions and a quick tutorial video.

10 Essential Features You Need in a Gantt Chart Software for a Mac

1. Create Timelines:

This sounds like a basic feature, but timelines are at the heart of a Gantt chart and should work the way you do. When creating timelines, they should handle dependencies, which let you identify when one task needs to be completed before another one can start. It should also handle predecessor tasks - a feature that lets you create dependencies between tasks. Look for an option that automatically updates timelines as events change in the project.


2. Import/Export Multiple File Formats:

Not everyone you work with is using the same program as you, so be sure the Gantt chart software for Mac you select can support multiple file formats. Since Microsoft Project is such a widely adopted program, Gantt chart software for Macs should import and export Microsoft Project files. It should also import and export other popular file formats such as Adobe PDF and PNG image files. This allows you to both print and share the Gantt chart to others that may not have the same software.


3. Sync With Cloud Services:

With so much work done in the cloud today, select a Gantt chart program that syncs with popular cloud services such as iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox. One of the benefits of saving and accessing a Gantt chart from the cloud is that you’ll be able to access it on web-enabled devices, so you don’t need to be at the office to check on the status of a project. If you use a different cloud service, the program you pick should sync with it as well.


4. Create Calendars:

A Gantt chart offers a great high-level overview of a project, but some project managers prefer to track deadlines using a calendar view. Many programs provide the option of viewing the Gantt chart as a calendar, but it would be more useful if it could integrate with the calendar app you already use. Whether you use Google Calendar or Apple’s iCal to manage your schedule, the Gantt chart software should support calendar overlays (appointments in Google Calendar or iCal can be added to the Gantt chart) and the ability to update tasks from those calendar apps.


5. Customize Views:

One way to make Gantt charts really work for you is to customize them to suit your needs. Perhaps you want to select or change the colors of the bars or add new shades to represent different parts of the project. Can you set-up automatic alerts when a deadline for a task is approaching or has passed? You should also be able to annotate tasks by adding text to the chart. Not everyone working on a project needs to see the big picture; the Gantt chart program you select should allow you to create custom views for different team members.


6. Share and Collaborate with Team Members:

A Gantt chart isn’t just for project managers, it should be a useful tool for all of the team members working on a project. That’s why sharing features are an essential requirement. Be wary of programs that require you to buy a license for others to view or use the Gantt chart. This feature needs to be built-in. Team members should have the ability to leave comments and chat with others looking at the chart. With that in mind, in addition to working on a Mac, the program should support multiple platforms such as Linux and Windows. This will give people access to the Gantt chart regardless of the type of computer they use.


7. Integrate with iPhone and iPad:

If you’re a Mac user, chances are you have either an iPad or iPhone that you’d like to use to track a project. Make sure the option you choose allows you to view Gantt charts on your mobile devices. If you rely heavily on your iPhone or iPad, then look for a solution that also allows you to edit the chart on those products. Make sure to ask which versions of the OS are supported.

8. Drag and Drop for Schedules:

This comes down to how you enter information on your Gantt chart and general ease of use. Once your tasks are created, see if you can drag a specific task on the chart to change the duration or the due date. How easy is it to create dependencies between tasks? Can you just drag a line between them or do you need to enter more information?


9. Create and Modify Milestones:

A milestone is a marker denoting a major part of any project. That can be an event or a task completion. Either way, it’s essential that you have the capability to easily add milestones in order to visually track major moments of the project cycle. Adding a milestone shouldn’t affect the other events in the chart, however, you should be able to associate tasks with it.


10. Generate Detailed Reports:

Reporting is key to any project. Gantt charts contain a ton of information that you’ll want to export in a form that allow you to easily track the status of a project, see which teams are (and aren't) on track, and make adjustments as needed. Look for a solution where you can create project status reports. Better yet, it should let you automatically generate reports that are then sent to you on a regular basis. If other people on the team need to see the report but don’t have the same software, make sure you can export the report in a format that works for them, such as PDF or Excel.
Most Gantt software programs include dozens of other helpful features. Look for a program with an intuitive search tool, so you can quickly find additional useful features that will help you work more efficiently.

Use this quick checklist to see whether or not the Gantt chart software you're considering has the best features you'll need to effectively manage your projects.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Gantt Chart Software and the Benefits of Using One

Gantt chart software has historically been relegated to MS Project, but this is no longer the case. In fact, people tend to run into some general, widespread challenges with MS Project, specifically regarding cost, version control, and security and accessibility features — on top of it being incompatible with the Mac OS.

There are many Gantt chart software options on the market today, but choosing the one that integrates into your existing processes and provides the levels of support and detail that you need is critical to the success of your projects — and to your ROI.

Learn more about top features to consider as you search for a Gantt chart software.
Visit Our Gantt Chart Software Page

Additional Project Management Resources for Mac

Now that you have a way to manage projects and create Gantt charts on your Mac device, we've got additional resources, including guides and templates, to help you better track, manage, and report on your projects from start and finish.

Discover a Better, More Collaborative Way to Manage, Track, and Report on Projects

In order to run the most effective projects and deliver them on time and on budget, you need a collaborative, real-time way to track all project details, from beginning to end. To do so, you need a project management solution that provides an easy way to update project details, manage resources, track budget, and keep all stakeholders in the loop.

2020-4-5  Change password in Remote Desktop. There are many ways to change your password. Of course, when you’re working on your physical computer, you may just hit CTRL-ALT-DEL, but this won’t work in an RDP session. Access to mac from microsoft rdp session windows 10. Follow these steps to get started with Remote Desktop on your Mac: Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop client from the Mac App Store. Set up your PC to accept remote connections. (If you skip this step, you can't connect to your PC.) Add a Remote Desktop connection or a remote resource.

One such solution is Smartsheet, a work execution platform that enables enterprises and teams to get from idea to impact — fast. Top project management leaders rely on Smartsheet to help align the right people, resources, and schedules to get work done.

Use Smartsheet to create consistent project elements, increase speed, and improve collaboration with scalable options that fit individual work preferences. Hold yourself and your team accountable, improve visibility into team priorities, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Try Smartsheet to discover a collaborative, real-time way to manage your projects, from ideation to completion.

Discover a more collaborative, real-time way to manage your projects.

Microsoft has been the 800-pound gorilla in software for so long that it’s hard to think of the industry without it. While there have been challengers to its rule, and many who have surpassed it, Microsoft remains a giant.

This is certainly true in project management software: a sector that has been growing steadily. No discussion of project management software would be complete without including Microsoft Project.

But what is Microsoft Project? What can it really do, and how well does it do it? The product has evolved since its introduction, and it has been a standard for some time. Yet, like some dark mystery, it is both intriguing and opaque.

Let’s take some time to explore Microsoft Project, and in that journey we’ll determine if it is the right project management software for you.

What Is Microsoft Project?

Microsoft Project (MSP) is a project management software made for project managers so they can control their projects. Depending on your plan, Microsoft Project lets you plan projects, assign tasks, manage resources, make reports and more. It offers a full plate of services and was quick to dominate the project management software field when it was first introduced.

Microsoft Project is part of the larger suite of Microsoft Office products, yet it is not packaged with other Office software, such as Word, Excel and Outlook. There are two editions available, the standard and professional versions. Both share a unique file format, called MPP.

It was first commercially available in 1984. The first version for Windows was released in 1990. The next year, Microsoft created a Mac version of Project, but it was quickly discontinued and by 1994 was no longer being sold to the public. Currently, Microsoft Project isn’t compatible with Mac computers, but there is a workaround if you’re committed to using Apple.

Microsoft Project Features

Free Microsoft Project For Mac

There are plenty of features that project managers and their teams need to manage their work better, and MSP has a number of them. However, to get a full picture, here is a list of all features available to customers who put up the big bucks.

  • Grid View: A project view that is used to plan and manage projects with a task list.
  • Board View: A visual kanban board view that helps with managing workflow and status.
  • Timeline View: The traditional Gantt chart used for scheduling tasks over a project timeline.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Teams can work together on projects.
  • Coauthoring: Stakeholders and team members work together to edit and update task lists and schedules.
  • Reporting: Pre-built reports that can track progress, resources, programs and portfolios.
  • Roadmap: Track programs and project portfolios.
  • Timesheets: Collect project and non-project time for payroll and invoicing.
  • Resource Management: Manage resources by requesting and assigning tasks.

Plans and Pricing

The newest version is Microsoft Project 2019, which runs only on Windows 10. There are three pricing plans for cloud-based solutions, the lowest tier with an annual commitment of $10 per user, per month. It has limited features and doesn’t include such essential tools as reporting, timesheet submission and resource management.

The next pricing tier is $30 per user, per month, with an annual commitment. It does include some of the features not available at the lower pricing tier, but not portfolio selection and optimization, demand management or enterprise resource planning and management.

Microsoft Free Download For Mac

Finally, there’s the top tier payment plan of $55 per user, per month, with an annual commitment. This version has all the bells and whistles, but can become prohibitively expensive depending on the number of licenses you need.

There is also an on-premise solution, which again offers a three-tier plan for payment: $620 for Project Standard 2019, $1,030 Project Professional 2019 (both of which cover only one PC per person), and a Project Server—which requires a quote for accurate pricing.

Pros and Cons of Microsoft Project

Nothing is perfect. Even Microsoft Project has its drawbacks. If you’re thinking of trying it out, take a moment to look over its pros and cons.

Pros

  • One of the biggest pros is that it’s Microsoft, and so it integrates with the company’s other products, most notably Office 365, but also Skype and Sharepoint.
  • It has a similar interface to other MS products.
  • It’s been around for a long time, and its features have developed over time.
  • It’s part of Microsoft and has the reliability and support that coming from such an established company represents.
  • It has financial management tools that help project managers with estimating budgets.
  • It can be licensed as a desktop application. While this might make it seem more like a dinosaur, there are still organizations that will want this instead of a cloud solution.
  • It has templates to help users get started, which saves time.

Cons

  • It’s a desktop application. Yes, this was a pro, as well, but the number of organizations that want a project management software that is siloed is rare.
  • Though MS Project does have a cloud-based solution, it is not very agile. Even with Sharepoint, which is designed to take advantage of the cloud, MS Project has great limitations on the cloud.
  • It’s difficult to learn and use. There’s a lot of time and effort, and even intensive training, that must first be invested in the software before project managers and their teams are comfortable using the software. This adds time to the project during the implementation stage.
  • It’s expensive. The prices quoted above, again, are per person, per month. This quickly adds up as you buy licenses for team members who must have access to the software in order to take advantage of its collaborative features. Otherwise, it’s more of an expensive tool solely for the project manager.
  • It’s not shareable. As mentioned earlier, files are saved as MPP, a proprietary format, so that if you’re not using MS Project, you can’t read those files. This would be less of a problem if the software was less expensive, but if you must have a MS Project license to view a MPP file, then it adds up. This creates a lot of unnecessary hurdles when sharing project files.

ProjectManager.com Is the Best MS Project Alternative

If you feel like MS Project isn’t the perfect fit for you, don’t worry. ProjectManager.com offers everything MS Project does, but in an easy-to-use format that is ideal for collaboration. Our award-winning project management software lets you manage projects online with your team, and you can even import MPP files!

While ProjectManager.com doesn’t have a desktop application, its cloud-based software can be used anytime, anywhere. Plus, If you’ve got remote teams, everyone can access the software without having to pay dearly for it.

ProjectManager.com doesn’t require any time-consuming training, either. It’s user-friendly with an intuitive interface that gets project managers and their teams up and running fast. ProjectManager.com even has tons of support from a knowledgeable support team. It’s all part of the package when you use ProjectManager.com, as well as onboarding and training for business and enterprise plans.

If you want to learn more about our award-winning project management software, visit our homepage and view our full feature set. See why project managers have used our software to plan over 2,000,000 projects around the globe.

Is There A Mac Version Of Microsoft Project Free

ProjectManager.com is a cloud-based project management software, which automatically reflects status updates when they’re posted. Project managers have the tools to control the planning, monitoring and reporting of the project’s progress, and team members can collaborate with features that are simple to understand. Try ProjectManager.com today with this free 30-day free trial.

Mac Version Of Microsoft Project

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