The Best Project Management Software for Mac Computers

Microsoft Project is one of the most commonly used project management software, but its popularity has decreased over the years due to its many drawbacks such as not working on Apple products.

The truth is, that Microsoft Project is an expensive, clunky project management software like many others in the market. It can be hard to find a similar project management tool for Mac with robust task management, resource management and time tracking features. But don’t worry, there’s a solution.

Let’s look at project management software for Mac computers that has all the features you need to deliver project success. We’ll also explore Microsoft Project alternatives for Mac and how you can get around that overly complicated and rigid project management tool if you have people in your organization that are stuck with it.

Online Project Management Software for Mac

ProjectManager is a powerful, online project management software for Mac computers or Apple devices. ProjectManager provides streamlined management tools that drive project success on your Mac.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart — ProjectManager works on Mac computers and has easy-to-use Gantt charts. Learn More!

Yes, get powerful online Gantt charts, simple task lists, real-time dashboards, resource planning tools and collaboration features all in one, easy-to-use tool. ProjectManager works great for agile and waterfall projects. If your current project management software isn’t cutting it, then give ProjectManager a try.

Key Features to Look for in a Project Management Software for Mac

If you’re looking for project management software for Mac, you’ll want to make sure it has these features. They’re all essential for planning, executing and monitoring the progress of your project. You’ll also want cloud-based software that has real-time data for more insightful decision-making and which fosters better collaboration with your teams, no matter where they are, how they work or what their role is.

Gantt Charts

The Gantt chart is a planning tool that creates a visual timeline of the entire project. It is made up of two parts. On the left side is a spreadsheet that lists the tasks, duration, start and end dates, associated resources and costs. On the right side, the project schedule is illustrated, translated the right side into a bar graph. Gantt charts are used in all different project management methodologies, but especially more traditional, planning-ahead methods, such as waterfall.

Kanban Boards

The kanban board is another project management tool, this one is designed to visualize the workflow of a team as they move through a production cycle. It is made up of columns that represent the stages of a production cycle. At its most basic, kanban columns will be titled to do, doing and done, though there can be as many column headings as needed for the project. Beneath these columns are kanban cards, which are individual tasks. The kanban card will have a description of the work to be done, priority, due date, who is assigned and more. As work is done, the kanban cards move from column to column until complete, allowing for transparency in the process.

Calendar View

The calendar view is often nothing more than a calendar. It collects important dates and can be used to see what is due when at a glance. It’s another way to see your tasks and get a daily, weekly or monthly context of the work you have to do. There are some calendars that are more robust and are seamlessly integrated into the larger project management software. These calendars have features that can do more than just change dates but add descriptions, assign team members and more.

Project Dashboards

The project dashboard is a tool to monitor and track progress and performance. It consists of charts and graphs that collect data and show how your project is doing across metrics such as time, cost, workload and more. Some software requires you to set up your dashboard and even input the data, which it then displays. Other software will have the dashboard set up and fully functional, automatically gathering information and calculating the results.

Team Collaboration

Team collaboration is fostered by software features such as chat and file-sharing functions. It is used to connect managers and team members no matter where or when they are working. For team collaboration to work it must be accessible over a cross-section of project tools, and serve hybrid teams that might not work in the office and any job type, such as those who are not as tech-savvy as the project management team.

Task Automation

Task automation is when software streamlines business processes, reducing busywork and giving team members more time to focus on their tasks. Triggers can be applied that set into action simple tasks or a series of more complicated tasks. The purpose of this is to add efficiency and boost the productivity of the team member.

All of these features are important to managing and executing a project. If you’re working on a Mac and software such as MS Project doesn’t work on your platform then nothing gets done. While not everyone works on a Mac, most organizations have people who work on both. They all need to be able to do their jobs. This is something Microsoft fails to understand.

When MS Project Doesn’t Work on a Mac…

Most project managers have endured Microsoft Project. For years, it was an industry-standard tool, even though it was (and is) difficult to use. Whether using MS Project for desktop, MS Project Server, or MS Project Online, the problems of the tools are legendary.

The calculations are confusing and overly complex. Sharing files requires add-on tools like Sharepoint. It’s non-collaborative, meaning only PM Pros can use it. And it’s costly. You’ll need a monthly subscription for each user. There are three plans to choose from $10, $30 or $55 a month. For Mac users, MS Project is a non-starter. It simply doesn’t work, leaving many looking for an alternative solution. Luckily, there’s ProjectManager.

ProjectManager for Mac Users

Choosing the best project management software for your team is an important decision. ProjectManager is a powerful alternative to MSP. Our award-winning software is fully online (unlike MS Project), and is available at a price point that is actually affordable for teams.

Mac users also love the easy-to-use interface and collaboration tools that allow teams anywhere in the world to work together. Plus, our iOS app for mobile phones and tablets supports on-site visits with clients, field updates, or even working on your tasks in your pajamas.

Cloud-Based Software for Mac

ProjectManager is a cloud-based project management software that exists entirely online. Manage your projects on any computer with any web browser, including Safari. As long as you have access to an internet connection, you have access to your projects.

ProjectManager’s dashboard view, which shows six key metrics on a project

You can store all of your files in the cloud with our online file storage, so you can download, upload or view project files whenever you need to. You’ll never have to drag your work computer to the coffee shop again!

Get Multiple Project Views

Not everyone in an organization works the same, but they have to work together. That’s why we have multiple project views so every department can collaborate, whether they’re on a PC or a Mac. People who plan ahead and work in a more linear fashion can use the Gantt chart or sheet view. Their schedules are updated on the task list, calendar and kanban view.

Kanban boards are perfect for your agile teams, who are more self-directed. Everyone is working from a single source of truth without having to use tools they’re uncomfortable with.

Automate Workflows and Tasks Approvals

Neither PC nor Mac users want to get bogged down with busywork. Our custom workflows keep teams free to work on what matters. You can add as many triggers as you like then set off actions to streamline simple tasks and add greater efficiency. Watch our task automation features boost your team’s productivity. Managers can still control the status of work with task approvals.

Easy Integration with Your Favorite Apps

ProjectManager also integrates simply with other Mac apps you use every day. Our Zapier integration allows seamless data syncs with apps like Evernote, Trello and iOS chat. In fact, you can integrate with over 400+ business applications like SalesForce, Excel, QuickBooks and more! No need to abandon the tools that are critical to your workflow.

ProjectManager also fully integrates with Microsoft Project, so you can import any Microsoft Project (.mpp or .xml) file, make your edits, then export it again without losing any data. It’s never been easier to integrate project data between programs.

Simple to Use

Our complete project management platform gives Mac users everything they need to plan, schedule, track and collaborate on projects from start to finish. Create task lists, build project plans, schedule teams, and report on your project progress — all from your mac.