10 Best Design Project Management Software Shortlist
Managing design projects can be tough. Deadlines, team coordination, and client expectations often collide, leaving you overwhelmed. That's where design project management software comes in. It helps organize tasks, fosters collaboration, and keeps your projects on track.
I've tested and reviewed different tools to find the ones that truly make a difference. My goal is to give you an unbiased look at the best options out there.
In this article, you'll discover tools that can help your team work more efficiently and meet your project goals. Whether you're a small team or a large organization, there's something here for you.
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We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2012. As project managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.
Best Design Project Management Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top design project management software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for profitability tracking | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $10/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for annotations and version control | 14-day free trial | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Creative brief templates to help you start your project on the right foot. | Free plan + free demo + 14-day trial available | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Real-time collaboration for your proofing stage. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best design project management and collaboration software | Free plan available | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for integrated proofing and approvals system | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for full lifecycle service delivery | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for a highly flexible and customizable solution | Free plan available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for connecting with Figma's design platform | Free plan available | From $16/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | User-friendly visuals and intuitive navigation for design teams. | Free trial + free plan + free demo available | From $13/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Best Design Project Management Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best design project management software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Best for profitability tracking
Productive is an all-in-one project management tool that helps you manage your entire workflow, from sending proposals and planning resources to delivering projects and billing clients.
Productive provides a focus on profitability. It allows you to run each project like a separate profit and loss statement, giving you clear insights into your financial performance. This feature helps you understand which projects are most profitable and where you might need to adjust your strategies.
Another useful aspect is Productive's resource planning capabilities. You can allocate your team's time effectively, ensuring that everyone is working on the right tasks at the right time. This helps prevent overbooking or underutilizing your team members, leading to more efficient project completion.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Jira, Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, Sage, BambooHR, and HubSpot.
New Product Updates from Productive
Productive Adds Agent Triggers, Teams Integration, and Time Controls
Productive adds automated agent triggers, broader AI file support, Microsoft Teams integration, Resource Planner improvements, and new time entry controls. These updates expand automation while improving scheduling, collaboration, and time tracking. For more information, visit Productive’s official site.
Best for annotations and version control
monday AI Workspace is a configurable work management platform that combines visual project tracking, AI-powered automation, design file integrations, and cross-functional collaboration tools for creative and design teams.
Who Is monday AI Workspace Best For?
It's a strong fit for in-house design teams and creative agencies that manage multiple projects across cross-functional stakeholders and need one central workspace.
Why I Picked monday AI Workspace
I've included monday AI Workspace in my top picks because of how it connects version control directly to project tasks via its Figma integration. Each board item links to a specific Figma version, so my team always knows which design iteration is under review. The live Figma and Canva embeds sync automatically, keeping feedback tied to the exact asset rather than buried in a comment thread from three revisions ago.
monday AI Workspace Key Features
- AI Notetaker: Captures, transcribes, and summarizes meeting discussions straight into the workspace for easy follow-up.
- WorkCanvas whiteboard: Lets you brainstorm, plan, and map creative ideas visually within your project boards.
- Custom workflow automation: Automates repetitive project management tasks like status changes, asset routing, or deadline tracking.
- Guest access and permissions: Allows clients or stakeholders to collaborate, comment, and review within defined access controls.
monday AI Workspace Integrations
monday AI Workspace offers hundreds of native integrations through its built-in integrations and marketplace, including Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Jira, Dropbox, Zoom, HubSpot, Salesforce, GitHub, and Outlook. It also supports Zapier and provides an API for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly visual boards suit creative workflow tracking
- Annotation tools tied directly to design files
- Figma embeds sync live within project boards
Cons:
- Not purpose-built for creative-only workflows
- Advanced features locked behind pricier plans
New Product Updates from monday AI Workspace
monday AI Workspace Adds Human Approval Routing
monday AI Workspace adds a human-in-the-loop approval block to AI Workflows, sending approval requests and routing workflow paths based on responses. For more information, visit monday AI Workspace's official site.
Wrike
Creative brief templates to help you start your project on the right foot.
Wrike is a powerful project management software that enables design teams to create their own customized workflows based on their unique needs. Streamline work intake, simplify proofing, configure creative workflows, and increase delivery in a single collaborative platform. Spend less time on repetitive administrative tasks and more time producing high-quality design projects.
Pre-built templates will help you create design workflows and launch design projects quickly and efficiently. Wrike features customizable briefs and request forms, visual and customizable workload management, space for team members to provide feedback, and reporting and analytics. Customize workflows, dashboards, reports, and request forms with highly configurable software that’s designed to eliminate time-consuming admin, so your team can spend more time creating high-value assets.
Wrike has an easy-to-use interface with distinct Spaces, folders, and tasks. You can switch between Kanban boards, interactive drag-and-drop Gantt charts, and traditional workload views to visualize priorities. Or navigate between the home screen and timesheets, dashboards, calendars, reports, and a stream for notifications and messages. Users also have access to a variety of pre-built templates for common organizational processes that allow teams to launch projects faster.
Wrike has over 400 integrations, including with Adobe Creative Cloud, giving you the visibility and efficiency you need without disrupting your team’s creativity. The Wrike extension for Adobe is free for all Wrike subscribers and is available for Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC, InDesign CC, and Premiere Pro CC.
New Product Updates from Wrike
Wrike Activity Reports Add Actor Type Details
Wrike’s Activity Report now displays actor type details, helping admins identify whether changes came from the UI, Automation, Wrike Agents, API, or AI via MCP. For more information, visit Wrike's official site.
Real-time collaboration for your proofing stage.
Screendragon has capabilities in their software that help streamline creative production workflows. Version control, file sharing and automated approvals are only a few. They also pride themselves in having a software that was well-thought out and designed before it was developed. No patchy work here!
What I like about this tool is their version comparison feature. You can see side by side different versions of the same content being worked on, you can highlight a section with a free hand tool or forms, and track the history of changes and comments. Perfect for internal audits!
Screendragon has over a thousand integrations through Zapier.
Pricing is available upon request.
New Product Updates from Screendragon
Screendragon Unveils New AI Hub
Screendragon introduced AI Hub, a new capability that lets teams build and manage AI agents directly within workflows. The update helps marketing teams automate tasks, maintain governance controls, and scale AI-driven operations more efficiently. For more information, visit Screendragon's official site.
Best design project management and collaboration software
Zoho Projects is a project management software that can be used by all types of teams. The platform has plenty of customizable features, like the layout, individual views, project templates, and project statuses. Users can build project workflows, assign tasks, and set dependencies in the system. User roles can be set to make sure the right people are assigned to the right projects, and an availability heatmap helps ensure no one's overloaded.
What makes this software stand out is its collaboration features. Users can comment, tag, and share files directly in the platform, making it easy to work together on creative projects. The software can store and manage large quantities of documents, and has version and access control as well as notes to keep files organized and up-to-date. A live chat tool means users can connect quickly to exchange feedback and important project details without leaving the software's environment.
Users can integrate the software with other tools like Dropbox, Github, Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zapier, which unlocks even more integrations with a paid account.
A free version is available, and paid plans start from $5/user/month. 10-day free trials let you test out a paid subscription.
New Product Updates from Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects Adds Time Log Grid View for Faster Tracking
Zoho Projects adds Time Log Grid View, a unified interactive grid for logging and reviewing hours across tasks and issues, helping teams enter time faster and identify work patterns more easily. For more information, visit Zoho Projects’ official site.
Workzone
Best for integrated proofing and approvals system
For design teams seeking to streamline their project management processes, Workzone offers a comprehensive solution tailored to your needs. This software is particularly appealing to marketing and creative professionals who need to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders. By providing tools that enhance collaboration and organization, Workzone addresses common challenges such as project visibility and deadline adherence, making it an ideal choice for design project management.
Why I Picked Workzone
I picked Workzone because of its ability to manage the entire project lifecycle, offering real-time visibility from a high-level portfolio view down to individual tasks. This feature is crucial for design teams that need to keep track of multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, the platform's integrated proofing and approvals system allows users to markup and proof documents directly within Workzone, which helps maintain organization and reduces dependency on email communication. These features align well with the needs of design professionals who require streamlined processes and efficient collaboration.
Workzone Key Features
In addition to the features already mentioned, I also found the following functionalities valuable:
- Pre-built Request Forms: These forms help your team organize project requests and set clear expectations from the start.
- Document Proofing: You can markup and proof documents, images, and videos directly within the platform, keeping all files organized in one place.
- Real-Time Project Status Sharing: This feature facilitates sharing updates and feedback with your team, enhancing collaboration and reducing email reliance.
- Over 1,000 Project Templates: These templates allow for quick project launches, making it easier to manage repeatable design projects.
Workzone Integrations
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Salesforce, Box, Dropbox, Evernote, Microsoft Outlook, and SharePoint. An API is also available for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Structured request and workload management
- Built-in document proofing and approvals
- Strong project visibility and tracking
Cons:
- Mobile experience weaker than desktop
- Smaller integration ecosystem than competitors
New Product Updates from Workzone
Workzone Enterprise Adds Multi-Stage Approval Workflows
Workzone Enterprise now includes Approval Workflows, enabling multi-stage document approvals to standardize complex processes and reduce manual effort. For more information, visit Workzone's official site.
Kantata
Best for full lifecycle service delivery
Kantata is a project management platform designed to help design agencies and creative services teams manage their work from start to finish. Beyond task management, it brings together workflow, resource planning, financial oversight, and collaboration in one system.
The software supports your team throughout the entire project lifecycle. Real-time dashboards and financial tracking help you stay ahead of risks, while task and resource management tools ensure the right designers are assigned to the right projects. Built-in collaboration features also keep communication flowing between internal teams and clients, so your creative work stays on track and feedback is addressed quickly.
For design teams managing multiple client accounts or large portfolios of creative work, Kantata provides portfolio-level visibility alongside project-specific details. You can track profitability, capacity, and progress across campaigns while drilling into task-level execution. This makes it easier to balance resources, hit deadlines, and deliver quality creative consistently.
Kantata integrates with several other workplace tools, including Slack, Sage, Quickbooks, Expensify, BambooHR, NetSuite, Jira, Salesforce, Xero, and Google Workspace.
New Product Updates from Kantata
Kantata Adds Access Group Change History
Kantata adds Access Groups History, letting account administrators track changes to group details, membership, and permissions in Recent History. The update also makes these events available through the Subscribed Events API for broader monitoring. For more information, visit Kantata’s official site.
Miro
Best for a highly flexible and customizable solution
Miro is a visual collaboration platform tailored for design project management, offering an extensive virtual whiteboard space. It supports various forms of idea expression, including shapes, flowcharts, sticky notes, and multimedia elements. Additional key features include an infinite canvas for unrestricted ideation, TalkTrack for asynchronous video explanations of process maps, and asynchronous collaboration tools, like comments and reactions, to facilitate continuous feedback.
Miro also comes with a large bank of templates for agile workflows, roadmaps and strategy planning, brainstorm sessions, and various other use cases. Overall, it's a highly flexible solution that's well suited to the needs of design teams who may need a customizable workspace that accommodates diverse working styles and schedules.
The software integrates with other workplace tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, Asana, monday.com, Jira, Dropbox, OneDrive, Notion, Airtable, ClickUp, and Unito, among others. A free plan is available and paid plans start from $10 per user per month.
New Product Updates from Miro
Miro Adds Japan Data Residency for Enterprise Customers
Miro has introduced Japan data residency for enterprise customers, offering in-region storage for production data, backups, and metadata, plus in-region compute infrastructure. For more information, visit Miro's official site.
FigJam
Best for connecting with Figma's design platform
FigJam is a virtual whiteboard solution that offers real-time collaboration tools. It's created by Figma, and designed to integrate with Figma's design platform. The flexible and versatile platform can facilitate project planning, task tracking, and more, and you can then sync up the assets you create with your Figma account.
Because of how freeform of a solution it is, the whiteboarding tool is helpful for more than just project management. You can use it for ideation, rough prototyping, and other use cases. Its automations can do things like auto-sort your sticky notes or consolidate notes into clear action items. There's also lots of support documentation available, both from Figma and from the Figma community.
What makes FigJam especially useful for design teams is its integration with Figma's design platform. For product and design teams, this is super useful because you can plan, manage, and execute your work all within the same environment.
Native integrations are available for Figma, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Jira, Mixpanel, and Github.
A freemium plan is available for up to 3 boards, and paid plans start from $3 per user, per month.
MeisterTask
User-friendly visuals and intuitive navigation for design teams.
MeisterTask is a task management tool with user-friendly visuals and intuitive navigation. Although it has no proofing integrated just yet, it has other features that can help you and your team stay on top of projects.
One of my personal favorites is their agenda. This is a section where your team will be able to see all the tasks assigned to them and arrange them in custom status columns. Perfect so they can prioritize their work across different projects.
MeisterTask has integrations with Google Workspace, Office 365, and thousands of other apps through Zapier.
MeisterTask is free for single use. Paid plans start at $8.25/user/month and offer a 30-day free trial.
Other Design Project Management Software
Here are some additional design PM software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Trello
Kanban views that can easily map your design projects and keep everyone on track.
- IntelligenceBank
Marketing operations platform with digital asset management capabilities.
- Filestage
For its variety of ways to gather feedback
- Teamwork.com
Project management with unlimited free access for your clients.
- Bonsai Agency Software
For managing design agency projects, clients, and finances
- Ravetree
Project and work management software for design agencies
- Gain
Reviews and team collaboration in one place so you have full control of your project.
- ClickUp
Share links with clients to review your work and hide sensitive information.
- Quire
For breaking down complex tasks
- Ziflow
Deliver great creative work through collaboration
How I Evaluate Design Project Management Software
I evaluate these tools in two layers: the baseline must-haves—like proofing, approval routing, and versioning—and the differentiators that set one tool apart for your team's specific workflow.
Core Functionality (Table Stakes For This List)
When I'm selecting tools for my list, I rank each one on a scale from 0 (does not offer the functionality) to 5 (excels in this area) for each core functionality listed below. Then, I calculate the tool's total score into a percentage. Each tool needs to achieve a minimum total score of 65% to be considered for inclusion.
- Visual Task Management: I check whether a tool offers multiple project views—boards for sprinting through a campaign, timelines for mapping a product launch—that creative teams can switch between.
- Design File Handling: The tool should support native previews of common design formats like PSD, AI, and Figma files so teams can review assets without downloading or switching apps.
- Proofing & Annotation: I look for the ability to drop comments directly on a design asset—pinning feedback to a specific spot on a mockup rather than describing it in a separate thread.
- Approval Workflows: Routing a homepage redesign through a copywriter, creative director, and then the client should be structured, not ad hoc. I evaluate how each tool handles multi-stage review cycles.
- Version Control: When a designer uploads a revised logo file, I want to see automatic versioning with the ability to compare the current draft against earlier iterations side by side.
- Creative Team Collaboration: I evaluate how the tool handles communication between internal designers, project managers, and external clients—especially guest access and shared creative briefs.
Once I have a list of tools that meet the criteria, I consider what sets each platform apart.
Differentiating Factors (What Sets Vendors Apart)
Here's how I compare and contrast different vendors:
Standout Features
Resource and capacity planning is a big differentiator—I look for workload views that show which designers are overloaded and who has bandwidth for a new project. Client portals also matter, especially for agencies managing external feedback. A branded portal where a client can review mockups and approve deliverables keeps stakeholders engaged without cluttering the team's workspace. For agency PMs tracking profitability, built-in time tracking tied to specific design tasks makes billing far simpler than toggling between separate tools.
Beyond Features
Creative tool integrations are one of the first things I check. A design PM tool that connects natively with Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, or Sketch saves designers from constant file exporting and re-uploading. I also evaluate how pricing handles guest access—agencies that loop in dozens of clients shouldn't pay full per-user rates for reviewers who only log in to approve a deliverable. Pre-built creative workflow templates matter too. Starting a brand campaign from a blank board wastes time that a good template eliminates on day one.
How to Choose Design Project Management Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Can the tool grow with your team? Consider if it supports more users, projects, and data as your needs expand. |
| Integrations | Does it connect with your existing tools? Check for compatibility with design software, communication apps, and other project management tools. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor it to your workflows? Look for options to adjust dashboards, templates, and permissions to fit your team's processes. |
| Ease of use | Is it simple for your team to adopt? Evaluate its interface and learning curve to ensure quick adaptation without extensive training. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How long will setup take? Assess the time and resources needed for onboarding, including training materials and support availability. |
| Cost | Does it fit your budget? Compare pricing plans, hidden fees, and trial options to ensure it aligns with your financial constraints. |
| Security safeguards | Are your projects secure? Verify data protection measures like encryption, access controls, and compliance with relevant standards. |
| Support availability | Can you get help when you need it? Consider the support channels offered and their responsiveness, especially during critical project phases. |
What Is Design Project Management Software?
Design project management software is a tool that helps teams plan, execute, and track design projects efficiently. It's commonly used by designers, project managers, and creative teams to enhance collaboration and meet deadlines. Task management, timeline tracking, and team collaboration features help with organizing projects and keeping everyone aligned. Overall, these tools simplify project workflows and improve team productivity.
Features
When selecting design project management software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Task management: Organizes tasks and deadlines, making it easy for teams to prioritize and complete work efficiently.
- Timeline tracking: Helps monitor project timelines to ensure deadlines are met and resources are effectively allocated.
- Team collaboration: Facilitates communication and file sharing among team members, enhancing coordination and productivity.
- File sharing: Allows teams to easily share and access design files, ensuring everyone works with the most up-to-date versions.
- Customizable workflows: Enables users to tailor processes and dashboards to fit specific team needs and project requirements.
- Integration capabilities: Connects with other tools and software, enhancing overall workflow by keeping all resources in one place.
- Real-time feedback: Allows for immediate input and revisions, helping teams quickly adapt to changes and client requests.
- Version control: Tracks changes to design files, ensuring that previous versions can be accessed if needed.
- Security safeguards: Protects sensitive project data with encryption and access controls, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Training resources: Provides onboarding support through videos, tutorials, and guides to help teams quickly adapt to the software.
Benefits
Implementing design project management software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved organization: Keeps tasks and deadlines in order, helping your team stay focused and productive.
- Enhanced collaboration: Facilitates communication and file sharing, making it easier for team members to work together effectively.
- Better time management: Tracks timelines and deadlines, ensuring projects stay on schedule and resources are used wisely.
- Increased flexibility: Customizable workflows let you adapt processes to fit your specific project needs.
- Greater transparency: Provides visibility into project progress and task status, helping you make informed decisions quickly.
- Data security: Protects your sensitive information with encryption and access controls, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Faster onboarding: Offers training resources like videos and tutorials to help your team get up to speed quickly.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting design project management software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in design project management software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Design Project Management Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic task management, limited file sharing, and basic collaboration tools. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Task management, timeline tracking, file sharing, and basic integrations. |
| Business Plan | $30-$60/user/month | Advanced collaboration, customizable workflows, enhanced integrations, and support. |
| Enterprise Plan | $70-$120/user/month | Full customization, advanced security features, dedicated support, and compliance tools. |
Design Project Management Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about design PM software:
Can design project management software integrate with other design tools?
Yes, most design project management software integrates with popular design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Sketch. This integration allows seamless file sharing and collaboration, helping your team work efficiently without constantly switching between apps. Check specific integrations before choosing a tool to ensure compatibility with your current software.
How can design project management software improve team collaboration?
Design project management software centralizes communication and project information, making it easier for team members to collaborate. Features like shared timelines, task assignments, and file sharing enable everyone to stay informed and contribute effectively. These tools also allow for real-time feedback, which speeds up project iterations and decision-making.
Is data security a concern with design project management software?
Yes, data security is a concern, but most reputable software providers offer strong security measures. Look for tools that provide encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry standards. Always evaluate a provider’s security features to ensure your sensitive design files and project data remain protected from unauthorized access.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching design project management software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
