ProjectLibre: Open-Source Project Management Software Overview

Getting Started with ProjectLibre: Installation and First ProjectProjectLibre is a free, open-source project management application designed as an alternative to Microsoft Project. It provides essentials such as Gantt charts, resource management, task tracking, and cost control in a familiar interface for people who have used classic desktop project-management tools. This guide walks you through installing ProjectLibre on Windows, macOS, or Linux, creating your first project, and applying core features so you can manage tasks, resources, and schedules effectively.

System requirements and download

ProjectLibre runs on modern desktop systems. Typical requirements:

• Operating systems: Windows ⁄₁₁ (64-bit preferred), macOS 10.13+ (64-bit), common Linux distributions (64-bit).
• Memory: 2 GB minimum; 4 GB or more recommended for larger projects.
• Disk space: ~200 MB for the application; additional space for project files.

Download the latest stable release from the ProjectLibre official site. Choose the installer matching your OS (.exe for Windows, .dmg for macOS, .deb/.rpm or tarball for Linux).

Installation

Windows

1. Run the downloaded .exe installer.
2. Follow the installer prompts: accept the license, choose install location, and complete installation.
3. After installation, launch ProjectLibre from the Start menu.

macOS

1. Open the .dmg file and drag the ProjectLibre application to your Applications folder.
2. If macOS blocks the app because it’s from an unidentified developer, open System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General and allow the app.
3. Launch ProjectLibre from Applications.

Linux

• If you have a .deb or .rpm package, install using your distro package manager:
  • Debian/Ubuntu: sudo dpkg -i projectlibre-x.y.z.deb then sudo apt-get -f install if needed.
  • Fedora/CentOS: sudo rpm -i projectlibre-x.y.z.rpm
• For the tarball, extract and run the launcher script in the extracted folder.
• Ensure you have a Java runtime if required (ProjectLibre includes a bundled runtime in many builds).

First launch and workspace overview

On first launch you’ll see a new project screen or a template. The main interface resembles classic project-management tools and typically includes:

• Menu bar and toolbar (file, edit, view, project actions).
• Task table (left pane) — list of tasks, durations, start/finish dates, predecessors.
• Gantt chart (right pane) — visual timeline of tasks and dependencies.
• Resources view — manage people, equipment, and costs.
• Calendar and baselines — control working days, holidays, and store baseline plans.

Creating your first project: step-by-step

1. Create a new project (File → New) and enter project information:

   • Project name
   • Start date (or finish date, depending on scheduling method)
   • Default calendar (standard working hours)

2. Add tasks in the task table:

   • Click the first empty row and enter a task name.
   • Set duration (e.g., “5d” for five working days). ProjectLibre accepts common duration formats (d = days, w = weeks, h = hours).
   • Optionally set start/finish manually or let the scheduler calculate them.

3. Organize tasks into phases using indentation:

   • Use Indent/Outdent buttons to create summary tasks (phases) and subtasks.

4. Link tasks to create dependencies:

   • Select two tasks and choose the Link icon (Finish-to-Start by default).
   • Edit link type or lag if needed (e.g., Start-to-Start, Finish-to-Finish, or add a lag of “2d”).

5. Assign resources to tasks:

   • Open the Resources view (or Resource Sheet).
   • Add resources (people or equipment), define max units and standard cost when relevant.
   • In the Task Information or Resource Assignments area, assign a resource to a task and specify units (percentage of the resource’s time).

6. Adjust the calendar for non-working days:

   • Project → Project Information → Calendar or use Project → Change Working Time to add holidays or different working hours for specific resources.

7. Save a baseline:

   • After your plan is stable, save a baseline (Project → Set Baseline) to capture original schedule and cost for future comparison.

Example: Simple 4-task project

Tasks:

• Project initiation — 2d
• Design — 5d (depends on initiation)
• Implementation — 10d (depends on design)
• Testing & close — 4d (depends on implementation)

Steps in ProjectLibre:

• Create the four tasks and durations.
• Indent tasks under a summary “Project” task if you like.
• Link initiation → design → implementation → testing (Finish-to-Start).
• Add a resource “Developer” and assign them to Design and Implementation, set units to 100%.
• Save baseline and then track actual progress by entering % Complete in the task table.

Tracking progress and updating the project

• Enter % Complete in the task table or update actual start/finish/duration in Task Information.
• Record actual work and remaining work for resources when tracking effort.
• Compare current schedule to baseline in Gantt to see variances.
• Use filters and reports for late tasks, resource overallocations, and cost variances.

Common tips & troubleshooting

• If tasks shift unexpectedly, check task constraints and calendars — constrained start/finish dates can force scheduling behavior.
• Resolve resource overallocation by leveling resources (Project → Level Resources) or by adjusting assignments and durations.
• If dates look wrong, verify the project start date and the project calendar (working days and hours).
• Keep backups and use baselines before major changes.

Exporting and sharing

• Save files in ProjectLibre’s native format (.pod) or export to PDF/PNG for Gantt charts and reports.
• Some versions allow exporting to Microsoft Project (.mpp) or importing from .mpp, but check compatibility — complex files may need adjustments.

Further learning

• Practice by recreating small projects you’ve managed in the past.
• Explore built-in reports, and use filters to focus on critical path or late tasks.
• Consult ProjectLibre documentation and forums for advanced features (costing, custom calendars, advanced resource management).

ProjectLibre gives you core project-management functionality without licensing costs. Installing it and building a simple project with tasks, dependencies, and resources takes only minutes; tracking progress and using baselines will keep your plans realistic as work proceeds.