MPP Studio vs OmniPlan
OmniPlan is one of the best-made project managers on the Mac. MPP Studio is built specifically for working with Microsoft Project files. Here is how they compare.
Updated 17 October 2026
Quick answer
OmniPlan 4 is a deep, polished project manager; its Pro edition imports .mpp into OmniPlan documents and exports .mpp. MPP Studio keeps working in the .mpp throughout and focuses on editing and tracking it.
The short answer
Choose OmniPlan if you plan in OmniPlan, want advanced levelling and simulation, and convert to Microsoft Project when needed.
Choose MPP Studio if the .mpp is the master file, you exchange it with Project users, and you mainly edit and track it.
Side by side
| MPP STUDIO | OMNIPLAN | |
|---|---|---|
| Opens Microsoft Project files | Opens .mpp directly | Pro edition imports .mpp (Project 2003 to 2019) into an OmniPlan document |
| Saves back to Project | Saves .mpp | Pro exports .mpp and XML, tuned for Project 2019 |
| Platforms | Mac and iPad | Mac, iPad, iPhone, Vision Pro |
| Scheduling extras | Critical path, Lock Plan, forecast vs baseline | Critical path, resource levelling, Monte Carlo simulation, OmniPlan Server |
| Price model | App Store (announced at launch) | One-time ($200 Standard, $400 Pro) or subscription |
Where OmniPlan is stronger
Depth of planning: resource levelling, Monte Carlo simulation, violation checking and collaboration through OmniPlan Server. If OmniPlan is where your plans are made, it is excellent.
Where MPP Studio is stronger
Fidelity to the original file. OmniPlan converts the .mpp into its own document and exports a new .mpp when you are done; Microsoft Project exchange needs the Pro edition. MPP Studio keeps working in the .mpp throughout, including newer Project and Microsoft 365 files, and is built around tracking a locked plan day by day.
Switching from OmniPlan
Export from OmniPlan Pro as .mpp, or as Microsoft Project XML, and open the result in MPP Studio.
Questions people ask
Does OmniPlan open .mpp files?
OmniPlan Pro opens .mpp files from Microsoft Project 2003 to 2019 as new OmniPlan documents.
Do I need OmniPlan Pro for Microsoft Project files?
According to Omni’s manual, Microsoft Project import and export require the Pro edition.
Try it with your own file
Open a programme you already have and see it exactly as Project saved it.
Related
Microsoft and Microsoft Project are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. MPP Studio is not affiliated with Microsoft. Other product names are trademarks of their owners. Competitor details are taken from their own websites and App Store listings in October 2026; check with the vendor for current prices.