At the end, you'll find a short list of feature comparisons (Table A). All five are desktop applications for Windows, although some are compatible with Mac OS and Linux. MOOS Project Viewer is an easy-to-use Microsoft Project viewer that can help you open any Microsoft Project file type (.mpp,.mpt,.mpx,.xml) for any MS Project version. The application features WBS, Gantt chart, task sheet, resource sheet. Project Reader is a Viewer for Microsoft Project. Project Reader is a desktop application that lets you open, print and export Microsoft Project MPP/MPT files, Microsoft Project XML files.
If you just want to open a Microsoft Project file on Mac, there are many excellent alternatives to Microsoft Project on Mac that allow you to both open and edit them.
Project management software such as the excellent Teamwork Projects can not only import and export MS Project files, but even sync with it too.
However, there are also some MS Project viewing utilities which allow you to simply open and view MPP files on your Mac for free.
Here then are the best Microsoft Project viewers for Mac in order of ranking.
1. Project Viewer 365
Project Viewer 365 allows you to view Microsoft Project files on your Mac for free.
The nice thing about Project Viewer 365 is that it can open files directly from several different sources including from a URL, GoogleDrive, Dropbox, SkyDrive, Sharepoint and Mail attachments.
You don’t even have to download the MPP files onto your Mac although if you do, it can of course open files from your Mac hard drive.
Project Viewer 365 is compatible with all versions of MS Project including MS Project 2013, 2010, 2007 and 2003 and includes all standard MS Project view types i.e. Gantt Chart, Task Sheet and Resource Sheet.
You can print Project files from your Mac and convert them to PDF.
You can also upgrade Project Viewer to the MPP+ plan for $10 per year which allows advanced features such as the ability to generate reports, customize grid tables, advanced sorting and filtering, customized timescales, resource/task usage views, network diagram views and calendar views.
We recommend checking the Project Viewer 365 Free v MPP+ Plan comparison chart for full details between the two. Note that Project Viewer 365 requires OS X 10.8 or higher.
2. Seavus Project Viewer
Seavus Project Viewer is one of the newest Microsoft Project viewers for Mac and opens .mpp files from Microsoft Project 2013 onwards including MS Project 2016.
Seavus Project Viewers allows you to track your project plans using various resources such as Gantt Chart view, Task sheet view and Resource Sheet view.
Microsoft Project Reader For Mac
You can extend the functionality of Seamus Project viewer by making in-app purchases such as upgrading to the Premium version for an extra $6.99 which allows you to create and customize graphical reports.
You can also upgrade to the Team Planner view for $1.99 per month and allows project managers to see what their team is working on at any given team.
Overall, Seamus Project Viewer is far more than just an MS Project viewer – for few dollars extra you basically get a very lite version of Microsoft Project on your Mac.
3. MOOS Project Viewer
MOOS Project Viewer allows you to open, view and print any Microsoft Project file. Previously, MOOS Project Viewer used Java required Java to run and we don’t recommend having Java installed on your Mac unless it’s really essential because of the security risks involved.
However, since MOOS 3.0, the application no longer requires Java and can be downloaded and installed safely. MOOS Project Viewer opens any Microsoft Project file including MPP, MPT and XML and all MS Project versions 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013.
Note that MOOS won’t automatically associate itself with any Project files you want to open. To open a Project file using MOOS, you’ll have to hold down the Ctrl key and click on the Project file you want to open and select Open With… and then “Other” and select MOOS Project Viewer from the Applications list.
![Microsoft Project Reader For Mac Free Microsoft Project Reader For Mac Free](/uploads/1/2/6/1/126173931/585962180.png)
4. RationalPlan Project Viewer
RationalPlan Project Viewer is a free MS file Project viewer utility from the makers of the excellent RationalPlan Project Management software.
RationalPlan Project Viewer works on both Mac and PC and once installed, anyone can view an MS Project file stored on a shared server. There’s no need to email MPP files back and forth anymore.
If none of these suit your needs, remember you can always install Microsoft Project on a Mac using virtualization software like Parallels.
If you have any problems or questions about opening MS Project files on your Mac, let us know in the comments below.