MPP Studio vs ProjectLibre
ProjectLibre is the best-known free alternative to Microsoft Project. MPP Studio is a paid native app for Mac and iPad. Here is what you get with each.
Updated 17 October 2026
Quick answer
ProjectLibre is free and opens .mpp files, but saves its own format or Project XML, and has no iPad app. MPP Studio is paid, native on Mac and iPad, and saves .mpp.
The short answer
Choose ProjectLibre if you need something free for occasional use and can live with saving XML.
Choose MPP Studio if you return .mpp files to Project users, work on an iPad, or want a native Mac experience.
Side by side
| MPP STUDIO | PROJECTLIBRE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | App Store (announced at launch) | Free, open source |
| Opens .mpp | Yes | Yes |
| Saves .mpp | Yes | No: saves its own .pod format or Microsoft Project XML |
| Platforms | Mac and iPad | Mac, Windows and Linux desktop; no iPad |
| Feels like | A native Mac and iPad app | Classic Microsoft Project (Java desktop app) |
Where ProjectLibre is stronger
It is free, and it looks familiar to anyone who has used older versions of Microsoft Project. For students, occasional use or opening a file once, it is hard to argue with.
Where MPP Studio is stronger
Sending the file back. ProjectLibre can’t write .mpp, so the person who sent it receives an XML file to import. MPP Studio saves .mpp. It also runs on iPad for site work, works like a Mac app (trackpad, keyboard shortcuts, dark mode), and is maintained against current Microsoft 365 files.
Switching from ProjectLibre
Save from ProjectLibre as Microsoft Project XML, import it in MPP Studio with File › Import Microsoft Project XML…, and save as .mpp.
Questions people ask
Can ProjectLibre save .mpp files?
No. It saves its own .pod format or Microsoft Project XML.
Does ProjectLibre run on iPad?
No. The ProjectLibre desktop app runs on Mac, Windows and Linux.
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.