Microsoft Project For Mac OS: 10 Alternatives & Workarounds
The Best MS Project Alternatives for Mac
Microsoft Project alternatives for Mac help project managers plan, schedule, and manage work without sacrificing features or compatibility. While Microsoft Project’s web version offers some accessibility, it’s missing key functionality on macOS—making it harder for Mac users to manage timelines, dependencies, and resources with confidence.
I’ve independently tested and reviewed top project management tools that serve as strong Microsoft Project alternatives for Mac. From Gantt chart capabilities to team collaboration features and native Mac performance, each tool in this guide offers a seamless, full-featured experience designed to support modern project workflows.
What is Microsoft Project?
Microsoft Project is a project management software developed by Microsoft that helps teams plan, schedule, and track project progress.
Designed for complex project workflows, it offers tools for task assignments, Gantt charts, resource management, and budget tracking. While originally Windows-only, a web-based version is now available for Mac users, though it has fewer features than the desktop version.
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For this guide, we evaluated tools using hands-on testing and independent research, scoring tools using our selection criteria. We also draw on insights from industry thought leaders and practicing project management experts.
Our reviews reflect our human editorial judgment, not a sales pitch.
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Comparison Table: Microsoft Project for Mac Alternatives
This comparison table summarizes pricing details for my top Microsoft Project for Mac alternative selections:
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for managing contractors | Free plan + 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best user-friendly PM tool | Free plan available; 14-day free trial | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for project budgeting | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for scalability | Free plan available | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for Gantt scheduling on Mac without Windows | Free plan + free demo available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for Mac-native MS Project scheduling | 30 days free trial | From $16.99 / month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for free MS Project–style scheduling | Free plan available | From $9.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for Mac-native Gantt scheduling | 14-day free trial | From $199.99/year (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best MS Project MPP Compatibility | 14-day free trial | From $10.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for collaborative project planning | 14-day free trial | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Overviews Of The Best Microsoft Project Alternatives For Mac
Below are some Microsoft Project alternatives and project viewers. In fact, many of them are browser-based, which means real-time updates across all devices—no matter what you use.
Wrike
Best for managing contractors
Wrike is a work management platform for project teams that need to plan schedules, track tasks, coordinate updates, and keep shifting priorities and dependencies visible.
Who Is Wrike Best For?
Wrike is a good fit for project managers coordinating contractors and internal teams who need clear task ownership and deadlines.
Why Wrike Is a Good Microsoft Project For Mac OS: Alternatives & Workarounds
I picked Wrike as a Microsoft Project for Mac OS alternative because it’s Best for managing contractors. I use its project schedules, task ownership, and deadlines to clarify who’s responsible for each deliverable. Teams can also track dependencies and coordinate updates when contractor timelines shift.
Wrike Key Features
- Custom workflows: Configure project stages and statuses to match your team’s processes.
- Request forms: Collect project requests through forms with customizable fields.
- Proofing and approvals: Review files, add comments, and manage approval decisions in Wrike.
- Dashboards: Build views that display selected project and task information.
Wrike Integrations
Wrike’s directory lists 60 apps and integrations, including Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Sheets, and Salesforce; its Slack and Microsoft Teams connections are documented integrations. Wrike also supports Zapier and offers an API for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Custom workflows fit contractor handoffs
- Workload charts make ownership visible
- Gantt dependencies recalculate critical paths
Cons:
- Gantt dependency lines can overlap
- Dense navigation takes onboarding time
New Product Updates from Wrike
Wrike Adds Quick Search to Table View
Wrike adds Quick Search to Table View with full-table search across titles, descriptions, and fields, plus highlighted matches. This helps users find tasks faster in large tables. For more information, visit Wrike’s official site.
Best user-friendly PM tool
monday AI Workspace gives product and delivery teams a visual, configurable place to plan projects, coordinate cross-functional work, and keep shifting priorities and ownership visible.
Who Is monday AI Workspace Best For?
Small and midsize digital teams looking for an approachable way to organize projects and coordinate day-to-day work.
Why monday AI Workspace Is a Good Microsoft Project For Mac OS: Alternatives & Workarounds
I picked monday AI Workspace as the Best user-friendly PM tool because its visual project workspace gives Mac users a browser-based alternative to Microsoft Project. I use timelines and dependency tracking to map launch milestones, while live dashboards show cross-team progress and slippage.
monday AI Workspace Key Features
- AI assignment recommendations: Get suggested owners for project tasks.
- Risk detection: See AI-flagged project risks and context.
- Document summaries: Use AI to summarize project documents.
- Request routing: Route incoming requests to the right workflow.
monday AI Workspace Integrations
monday.com lists 850+ integrations and apps, including Slack, Google Calendar, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, GitHub, and Jira. It supports Zapier and offers APIs and SDKs for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- AI flags project risks and suggests task owners
- Dashboards show cross-team progress and schedule slippage
- Visual timelines make milestones easy to scan
Cons:
- Custom boards can become cluttered over time
- Complex dependencies lack traditional critical-path depth
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.
Celoxis
Best for project budgeting
Celoxis helps project teams coordinate complex work by bringing project plans, resource management, schedules, and delivery visibility together across departments.
Who Is Celoxis Best For?
Celoxis suits project managers who need to plan project costs and track budgets alongside schedules and resource needs.
Why Celoxis Is a Good Microsoft Project For Mac OS: Alternatives & Workarounds
I picked Celoxis as a Microsoft Project for Mac OS alternative because it’s best for project budgeting. I like that it brings project costs and budgets together with schedules and resource needs, helping me assess how a scope change affects both the budget and staffing plan.
Celoxis Key Features
- Project intake: Collect requests through email, forms, or spreadsheets and route them for approval.
- Custom dashboards: Build dashboards with report widgets, charts, and filters for project data.
- Workflow apps: Configure custom fields, states, routing, and escalations for project processes.
- Team discussions: Comment on projects, tasks, and app items with mentions and email notifications.
Celoxis Integrations
Celoxis offers 21 integrations configured inside the product, including Microsoft Project, Microsoft 365, Jira, Azure DevOps, Google Drive, Slack, and QuickBooks Online. It also connects with Zapier and provides a REST API for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Tracks budgets alongside schedules and resources
- Imports MPP dependencies and resource assignments
- Browser access works on Mac
Cons:
- Dense navigation can slow project setup
- MPP imports omit calendars and custom fields
Best for scalability
Zoho Projects is a cloud-based project management platform for teams seeking an alternative to Microsoft Project, combining task planning, schedules, dependencies, and collaboration to coordinate delivery.
Who Is Zoho Projects Best For?
Zoho Projects suits growing teams that need to coordinate multiple projects, dependencies, schedules, and cross-functional work as delivery demands expand.
Why Zoho Projects Is a Good Microsoft Project For Mac OS: Alternatives & Workarounds
I picked Zoho Projects as my “Best for scalability” choice because its cloud-based workspace lets Mac users coordinate work without relying on Microsoft Project’s desktop app. I use its schedules and dependency planning to map linked milestones across concurrent product releases and keep project teams aligned as work expands.
Zoho Projects Key Features
- Time tracking: Log work hours against tasks and submit timesheets.
- Issue tracking: Record bugs and track their status through resolution.
- Document management: Store project files and share them with team members.
- Workflow automation: Set rules to trigger actions when tasks meet specified conditions.
Zoho Projects Integrations
Zoho Projects integrates with the Zoho app ecosystem, Microsoft Project and Teams, Google Drive, Slack, GitHub, Dropbox, Zendesk, and Zapier. It also provides an API for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Built-in time logs track billable work
- Visual task dependencies map linked release milestones
- Cloud-based Gantt planning works across Mac browsers
Cons:
- Advanced reports offer limited customization
- Large Gantt plans can feel slow
New Product Updates from Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects Adds CodeX Scripts for Custom Modules
Zoho Projects now supports CodeX Scripts for custom modules, enabling conditional logic and rules for creating, updating, and deleting records. For more information, visit Zoho Projects' official site.
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ClickUp
Best for Gantt scheduling on Mac without Windows
ClickUp is a project management platform for Mac-based product and engineering teams, bringing task planning, collaboration, and progress tracking into one workspace to coordinate dependencies and changing delivery plans.
Who Is ClickUp Best For?
ClickUp suits Mac-based project managers who need to map task dependencies and delivery dates in Gantt views without relying on Windows.
Why ClickUp Is a Good Microsoft Project For Mac OS: Alternatives & Workarounds
I picked ClickUp as “Best for Gantt scheduling on Mac without Windows” because its Gantt view lets me map task dates and dependencies in a browser. I use dependency links to show how an engineering delay affects later milestones, then adjust the schedule directly in the chart.
ClickUp Key Features
- ClickUp Docs: Create and link project documentation in a shared workspace.
- Custom fields: Add details such as priority, estimates, or status to tasks.
- Recurring tasks: Set tasks to repeat on a schedule you define.
- Automations: Trigger task actions when specified conditions are met.
ClickUp Integrations
ClickUp offers native integrations with Slack, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Google Calendar, Figma, and Microsoft Teams, and connects with Zapier. It also provides an API for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Critical path and slack expose schedule risk
- Auto-rescheduling updates dependent task dates
- Four dependency types clarify task sequencing
Cons:
- Resource scheduling falls short for complex waterfall plans
- Large Gantt views can lag with heavy projects
New Product Updates from ClickUp
ClickUp Adds Meetings Hub, Super Agent Templates, and ZoomInfo Integration
ClickUp adds a searchable Meetings Hub, new ways to clone and template Super Agents, and a ZoomInfo integration through the App Center. These updates improve meeting retrieval, agent reuse, and access to sales intelligence. For more information, visit ClickUp’s official site.
Best for Mac-native MS Project scheduling
Merlin Project is a project management app for Mac teams that need to plan schedules, coordinate resources, and manage complex work without relying on Microsoft Project for Windows.
Who Is Merlin Project Best For?
Merlin Project suits project managers who need to create and maintain detailed, dependency-driven schedules on a Mac.
Why I Picked Merlin Project
I rate Merlin Project “Best for Mac-native MS Project scheduling” because it opens and exports Microsoft Project XML. Its Gantt charts link task dependencies and calculate the critical path, so I can trace how a delayed API handoff shifts a release date. Resource assignments also help me spot developer or QA overallocation.
Merlin Project Key Features
- Task comments: Discuss work and record decisions directly on project tasks.
- Attachments: Add files, images, emails, and notes to individual tasks.
- Mind maps: Turn a brainstorm into a work breakdown structure with one click.
- Project reports: Create status updates, planned-versus-actual comparisons, and cost overviews.
Merlin Project Integrations
Merlin Project connects with Apple Calendar and Apple Reminders, and syncs shared projects through cloud services such as Dropbox and Box. It also imports and exports Microsoft Project XML files.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Resource leveling flags overloaded assignments
- Dependency-linked Gantt charts show schedule impacts
- Imports and exports Microsoft Project XML
Cons:
- Mac-only access excludes Windows collaborators
- XML exchanges may lose compatibility
Best for free MS Project–style scheduling
ProjectLibre is project management software for teams that need clear schedules, task dependencies, and resource visibility to coordinate technology and digital projects.
Who Is ProjectLibre Best For?
ProjectLibre is a good fit for budget-conscious project managers and small teams that want familiar, MS Project–style scheduling without paying for a license.
Why I Picked ProjectLibre
I picked ProjectLibre because it fits the “Best for free MS Project–style scheduling” brief for Mac users. Its Gantt charts link dependent tasks, while resource management and baselines help me plan delivery dates and track changes. Microsoft Project compatibility also lets me work with existing project files.
ProjectLibre Key Features
- Work breakdown structure: Organize project scope into a hierarchical task outline.
- Network diagrams: View project tasks as a flowchart of their sequence.
- Cost tracking: Record resource rates and project costs.
- Project calendars: Set working days and hours for the schedule.
ProjectLibre Integrations
ProjectLibre has no clearly documented native integrations; its desktop app can open Microsoft Project and Primavera P6 files, but this is file compatibility rather than live synchronization.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Resource views help spot overallocations
- Baseline comparisons flag schedule drift
- Gantt dependencies map schedule logic visually
Cons:
- Complex schedules can expose bugs and crashes
- Mac startup failures reported on newer macOS
OmniPlan gives Mac-focused project managers a desktop planning tool to organize tasks, dependencies, and resources, helping them turn changing project requirements into schedules they can track.
Who Is OmniPlan Best For?
OmniPlan suits project managers on Mac who need Gantt scheduling to map task dependencies and coordinate resources.
Why I Picked OmniPlan
I picked OmniPlan, Best for Mac-native Gantt scheduling, as a Microsoft Project for Mac OS alternative. I like how task dependencies and imported team calendars reveal scheduling conflicts, while critical-path highlights show what a shifted release date could delay.
OmniPlan Key Features
- Project templates: Start with Standard Project, Styled Project, or Simple Project templates.
- Multi-project dashboards: View multiple projects together in portfolio dashboards.
- Multiple baselines: Compare current project progress with saved plans.
- Earned value analysis: Track project budget and value against a baseline.
OmniPlan Integrations
OmniPlan doesn’t document a native integration catalog, but OmniPlan Pro can sync work hours from a calendar and import and export Microsoft Project
.mpp
and XML files. Projects can also sync through iCloud Drive, Box, Git, or WebDAV.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Baselines and earned value track variance
- Critical-path and Monte Carlo forecasts
- Resource leveling resolves overloaded schedules
Cons:
- No Windows client for mixed-device teams
- MPP exports can alter completion status
Project Plan 365 is project planning software for Mac-based teams that need to schedule work, assign resources, and track delivery without relying on a Windows-only workflow.
Who Is Project Plan 365 Best For?
Project Plan 365 suits project managers who need to open and share Microsoft Project MPP files across different devices and operating systems.
Why Project Plan 365 Is a Good Microsoft Project For Mac OS: Alternatives & Workarounds
I picked Project Plan 365 for its Best MS Project MPP Compatibility: it opens and shares Microsoft Project MPP files across devices and operating systems, including Mac. I can work from an existing project schedule and use its scheduling and resource assignment features to update dates and ownership.
Project Plan 365 Key Features
- Customizable Gantt charts: Adjust chart settings to display project tasks and timelines.
- Dashboards and reports: Generate visual summaries and reports from project data.
- Master projects and subprojects: Group related project plans under a master project.
- Cloud storage integrations: Connect with services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
Project Plan 365 Integrations
Project Plan 365 supports cloud storage integrations with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Mac desktop app avoids Windows dependency
- Familiar Microsoft Project-style scheduling interface
- Opens and edits native MPP files
Cons:
- Some scheduling logic feels unintuitive
- Nested subprojects may open incorrectly
GanttPRO
Best for collaborative project planning
GanttPRO is a cloud-based Gantt chart project management tool for product and engineering teams that need to map schedules, dependencies, and workloads without relying on Microsoft Project’s Windows desktop app.
Who Is GanttPRO Best For?
GanttPRO suits project managers who need to coordinate cross-functional teams around shared plans, task ownership, and project updates.
Why GanttPRO Is a Good Microsoft Project For Mac OS: Alternatives & Workarounds
I picked GanttPRO, “Best for collaborative project planning,” as a browser-based alternative to Microsoft Project for Mac users. Its shared Gantt charts show task dates and dependencies, while workload views help me spot conflicts when product and engineering schedules change. My team can update the plan without relying on a Windows desktop app.
GanttPRO Key Features
- Critical path: Identify tasks that affect the project completion date.
- Task time tracker: Record time spent on individual tasks.
- Custom fields: Add project-specific fields to track information beyond standard metrics.
- Project templates: Save plans as reusable templates or start with preconfigured templates.
GanttPRO Integrations
GanttPRO offers seven documented integrations: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, OneDrive, Google Calendar, Outlook calendars, and Jira Cloud. It also provides an API for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Workload views expose resource conflicts
- Dependencies automatically shift downstream dates
- Runs in a browser on macOS
Cons:
- Offline project edits aren't supported
- MPP files import, but don't export
Other MS Project Alternatives for Mac
Here are some additional MS project alternatives for Mac that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Smartsheet
For spreadsheet-style Gantt reporting
- Hive
For chat-native team collaboration
- Asana
For cross-platform Gantt and portfolio views
- Jira
For agile teams ditching Windows workarounds
- ProjectManager
For robust resource management
- Teamwork.com
For client-facing agency project tracking
- GoodDay
For scheduling across Mac without Windows
How I Evaluate Microsoft Project Alternatives for Mac
I split my evaluation into baseline criteria—like native macOS support and Gantt scheduling—and differentiators that separate strong tools from great ones for Mac-based PMs ditching MS Project.
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.
- macOS Compatibility: I check whether the tool runs natively on macOS as a desktop app or fully functional web app—no Windows emulation or Boot Camp workarounds needed.
- Gantt Chart Scheduling: Interactive Gantt views with drag-and-drop editing, milestones, and critical path calculation matter here—static timeline graphics don't cut it.
- MS Project File Support: I evaluate how well each tool handles .mpp and .xml imports and exports, since most teams switching from MS Project have years of existing plans to migrate.
- Resource & Workload Management: Tools should let you assign people to tasks with hours or effort, then surface capacity and over-allocation across projects at a glance.
- Task Dependencies & Baselines: I look for support across dependency types (FS, SS, FF, SF), plus baseline snapshots that let you compare planned vs. actual schedules over time.
- Multi-User Collaboration: Shared project access, commenting, notifications, and permission controls are what I evaluate—especially for distributed teams working across time zones.
Once I have a list of tools that meet this 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
Beyond the basics, I look at how many project views a tool offers. Teams that mix planners and creatives benefit from switching between Gantt, Kanban, and calendar layouts without losing data. Budget and cost tracking is another differentiator—agency producers and construction leads need billable rates and budget-vs.-actuals reporting baked into the project plan. I also evaluate no-code automations and reusable templates, since rebuilding the same sprint structure or client onboarding plan from scratch every time wastes hours.
Beyond Features
Pricing is a big factor here. MS Project locks you into Microsoft 365 licensing, so I evaluate whether alternatives offer flexible per-user plans, free tiers, or one-time purchases that don't bundle unnecessary services. Ecosystem integrations also matter—Mac-based teams tend to rely on Slack, Google Workspace, and Figma, so I check for native connectors and open API access. I also consider onboarding support for migration, especially whether vendors offer guided .mpp import workflows or dedicated help for teams transitioning off MS Project.
How to Choose Microsoft Project for Mac
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 | Ensure the software can grow with your team. Consider if it'll handle increased projects or team members over time. |
| Integrations | Check compatibility with other tools you use, like Microsoft Office or third-party apps, to streamline workflows. |
| Customizability | Look for options to tailor the software to your project management style and team needs. |
| Ease of Use | Evaluate the user interface and learning curve. A tool that's easy for your team to adopt will save time and effort. |
| Budget | Analyze pricing to ensure it aligns with your financial plans. Consider both initial costs and potential future expenses. |
| Security Safeguards | Verify data protection and compliance features to keep your projects secure and meet industry standards. |
| Collaboration | Look for features that enhance team communication, like shared dashboards or real-time updates. |
| Support | Check the availability and quality of customer support to assist you when issues arise. |
Honestly, it's a lot to digest—and there's a lot of pressure to get it right so I'd suggest using our project management software advisory service to help you shortlist project manager tools that'll be a good fit for you and your organization's specific needs.
Features of Microsoft Project Alternatives for Mac
When selecting Microsoft Project alternatives, keep an eye out for the following key features that you might have limited or no access to in the web version:
- Task management: Allows for the creation, assignment, and tracking of tasks with ease, using views like Grid, Board, and Timeline to manage project timelines and dependencies.
- Collaboration tools: Enables team communication and collaboration through integrated chat or comments, often requiring integration with other tools like Teams or Slack for enhanced interaction.
- Resource management: Facilitates assigning and managing resources efficiently, often providing views to track resource allocation and workload.
- Time tracking: Offers the ability to track the time spent on tasks, which is essential for managing project costs and deadlines.
- Document management: Supports attaching and managing documents within tasks, sometimes integrating with platforms like SharePoint for centralized file storage.
- Integrations: Provides compatibility with other tools and platforms, such as Power BI for reporting and other Microsoft apps for a seamless workflow.
- Reporting and dashboards: Offers customizable dashboards and reports to monitor project progress and key metrics.
- User-friendly interface: Features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which is crucial for user adoption and efficiency.
- Cost management: Incorporates tools to manage and forecast project budgets, ensuring that projects stay within financial constraints.
Microsoft Project For Mac FAQs
Are there Mac-Exclusive MS Project Alternatives?
If you’re on the Apple train and don’t want a sniff of anything Windows related, there are a few dedicated Microsoft Project options that you can install on your Apple Mac or iPad. These are 4 of the best project management software for Macs.
- XProline - Productivity software with a collaborative PM platform called EasyGantt.
- Project Plan 365 (on this list).
- Omniplan - Project management features optimized for Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
- Merlin Project - Brainstorming and project management tool with 19 years in the market.
Can I Run Microsoft Project For Mac?
Yes and no, the traditional license-based MS Project does not work on Mac. Microsoft Project won’t run on Mac because they can’t talk to each other. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get more fundamental than that. MS Project was designed and optimized specifically for the Windows operating system.
However, there is an online version of MS Project that is browser-based and therefore OS agnostic. But if you are receiving .mpp files and don't want to get your own version of MS Project, you can consider using a project viewer for it.
Sadly, that doesn’t work now!
How To Trick Your Mac Into Running MS Project
Working as a digital project manager, it’s easy to become familiar with one particular software and not want to change unless absolutely necessary. If you absolutely want to keep working on the license version of MS Project, we can make that work. But it’ll require some creative solutions.
Here’s what I consider to be the best way to run Windows on Mac. To use MS Project on your Mac, you’ll need to create a Windows Virtual Machine (VM) on your computer. There are two VM solutions that would work for digital project managers: Parallels and VirtualBox. I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each VM and explain how to install them.
What is a Virtual Machine?
A VM gives users the functionality of Windows on a Mac. This allows users, like a Mac user that needs MS Projects for their clients, to get their Windows specific work done without buying a new laptop.
Option #1: Parallels
Parallels is the easiest and most intuitive option—it offers a seamless transition between MacOS and Windows, and they offer a 14-day free trial to get you started.
Parallels is not free. After your 14-day trial expires, you’ll have to pay either $99.99 a year or $129.99 for perpetual service.
1. Download Parallels
When you download the application, the startup manager will guide you through the Windows installation process. It’s as straightforward as installing any other software. No storage management or partitioning is required.
2. Download and install MS Project
Once Parallels is running, the installation of Windows apps works just like it does on PC. Open your browser, go to the website, download the application, and begin the installation process.
All Windows apps that require Parallels to run will be marked with the Parallels logo.
3. Switch between Windows and Mac
Once using Parallels, you can have the Windows operating system open in its own window. It looks like this:
Using Parallels on a Mac, you can have the Windows operating system open in its own window.
Using Parallels on a Mac, you can have the Windows operating system open in its own window.
Just like with your Mac apps, Windows apps can be saved to your dock and opened with a single click. Opening MS Projects will automatically run Parallels, create your VM, and run the app.
Or, if you prefer Windows to be full screen while you work, you can assign Parallels its own desktop.
- Click on the top left of the Windows tab to make it full-screen.
- Switch between Mac and Windows with a two-finger swipe on your magic mouse or touchpad.
- When you’re done working, move your cursor to the top of the screen.
- A menu will drop down and you’ll be able to exit full screen.
Parallels has a video walkthrough here:
Option #2: VirtualBox
For the more tech-savvy, the other option is VirtualBox: a free, open-source VM that anybody can download and use. The downside is that it lacks the easy to use functionality that makes Parallels so attractive. With a little hard work, it can be done. I’ll show you how.
1. Go to VirtualBox.org and click “Download VirtualBox 7.0”
2. Download MacOS Hosts
Since you’ll be installing Windows on your Mac, you’ll want to download the MacOS / Intel Hosts package.
3. Install VirtualBox on Mac
After clicking continue, you’ll be asked to put in your username and password.
After putting in your password, the program will install and you’ll be able to set up a Windows VM. Unlike with Parallels, you will have to tell VirtualBox which OS you want to install, and how much of your storage you want to allocate to it.
4. Create Your Virtual Machine
It’s recommended that you give the VM the same name as the OS you’re creating. So, in our case, you’d want a name similar to the one in the image above.
5. Allocate Storage
This tells VirtualBox how big you want your VM to be. It’s best to accept the recommended size.
6. Select Location and Size
This tells VirtualBox where to save the VM and gives users a chance to change the size of their VM. If you’re happy with the folder name and storage size, click create.
Then you’re all done. You can open your VM at any time by opening VirtualBox, selecting your VM, and clicking start. I know it’s a bit of work, but it allows you to run Windows on Mac for free and install Microsoft Project 2019 or whatever version you have a license for.
For a more in-depth walkthrough, VirtualBox has their own tutorial.
