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Using landscape planning software on your Mac can save you a fortune compared to the cost of hiring a professional landscape designer. It’s estimated the average landscape project costs around $2,651 although this can easily rise to almost 5 times more depending on the size and details of your garden or project. The do-it-yourself route also puts you in a full control and nowadays there are.
You’re probably here because you’re looking for Microsoft Project for Mac. Unfortunately Microsoft Project, also known as MS Project, wasn’t designed for Mac computers, so it won’t work on any version of Mac OS. But there is a workaround that can solve your problem.
It’s not complicated, and in fact, it’s easier to use than the MSP interface. Best of all, it’s free (well, for 30 days, but after that you’ll be convinced of its value).
If you’re forced to use MS Project, and you don’t want to stop using your Mac, there are workarounds that make ProjectManager.com the perfect solution. With ProjectManager.com, you can import Microsoft Project Plan (MPP) files and work on them in a more user-friendly platform.
How to Get Your Mac Working with MS Project Files
ProjectManager.com is free for 30 days, so you can test out the software and determine for yourself if it’s a good fit for you. Viewing and editing MPP files online is simple. Just follow these steps.
Sign Up for a Free Trial
In order to use ProjectManager.com and edit MS Project files on your Mac, you must first sign up for a free trial. Visit the pricing page and choose your plan. All plans provide compatibility with Microsoft Project. Once you choose a plan, ProjectManager.com is free for 30 days, no strings attached!
Import MPP Files
Once you’ve created your account and started your first project, switch to the Gantt view. In the Gantt view, click the “Import” button in the ribbon menu. Next, choose which Microsoft Project file you want to import. Your entire MPP file will then be imported into ProjectManager.com. That’s it!
View & Edit MPP Files
After you import the MPP file, it opens in the online Gantt chart feature. All of your columns, tasks, resource data, etc., will remain intact and appear how it did in MS Project. Plus, the MPP file in ProjectManager.com is not view-only. You can update the tasks, deadlines and resources online, and you can invite team members to collaborate on the MPP file as well.
Real-Time Dashboard
The data from your imported MPP file is instantly populated across the charts and graphs of the ProjectManager.com real-time dashboard, where you can see the project’s progress, team productivity, task status, budget, etc., in real time.
1-Click Project Reports
Now that your plan has been imported into ProjectManager.com, you can take advantage of our easy-to-use, yet detailed, project reports. We provide 10 different types of project reports, including expense reports, task reports, workload reports and more. Use our powerful tools to really examine the progress of your project.
Export & Share
Once you’re done viewing, editing and analyzing your Microsoft Project Plan, seamlessly export your data with one click. All of your updates will be reflected on the file you export. You can then share this file with your colleagues who are using MS Project, and they’ll be able to see all the changes that you made.
Related:How to Make a Gantt Chart on Mac
Why MS Project Is a Problem
MS Project is the standard project management tool for many project managers, but the expense of the software makes it an unrealistic solution for many industry professionals. The desktop license for one user is often over $1,000, and that cost only grows exponentially as you add more people.
While there is MS Project Online that gives the software more flexibility than the desktop version, it adds another steep subscription fee for access. That hit is compounded by the fact that you’re not managing your projects fully online.
Beyond the financial impact, there are hurdles to clear in terms of just learning how to use the program, which is complex and not at all intuitive. It’s also hard to share files online, even when using Microsoft’s expensive and required Sharepoint software. What’s more, there isn’t even a real-time dashboard to help you see the progress of your project.
Of course, all this is moot when you’re working on a Mac, which doesn’t work with MS Project at all. Apple products are more commonplace in some industries, such as publishing and design firms, so there’s not even an option of using a PC. With ProjectManager.com, clearing the hurdles of MS Project is easy, even more so for Mac users.
Too Many Versions of MSP
Another problem you might encounter is finding compatibility for the numerous different versions of Microsoft Project. Fortunately, ProjectManager.com is compatible with every version of Microsoft Project, including:
- Microsoft Project 2016 (with Office 365 subscription)
- Microsoft Project 2013
- Microsoft Project 2010
- Microsoft Project 2007
And, since ProjectManager.com is an online software, it’s always up to date. You never have to worry about buying the latest version because our software team is regularly releasing updates and improvements.
What Can ProjectManager.com Do that MS Project Can’t?
If you’re not wedded to an antiquated software like Microsoft Project, there are many reasons to change to ProjectManager.com. First and possibly foremost, at least to your chief financial officer, is the price tag. Because ProjectManager.com is online and subscription-based, it’s a much less expensive solution to project management.
Real-Time Data
ProjectManager.com, being cloud-based, provides real-time data. You’re not looking at project progress from yesterday or even an hour ago, but as it happens. You can monitor and track any metric through the real-time dashboard, which translates the live data into easy-to-read charts and graphs, which can be filtered to reflect just the information you want, and then shared or printed with a keystroke.
Timesheets
Timesheets are also online, which means that team members can update their timesheets anywhere and at any time. Managers receive alerts when the timesheets are ready for approval, so that process is swift and efficient. Given the range of ProjectManager.com’s features, you’ll be able to ditch other resource management tools and keep all your project management under one roof.
Collaborative Environment
As noted, one of the biggest benefits of using ProjectManager.com over MS Project is that it fosters collaboration among team members. They can add files and comment at the task level on the online Gantt chart. Discussions are facilitated either one-on-one or at the group level, created by the team, and used either on the desktop or mobile devices.
Again, whether they’re using a PC or a Mac, ProjectManager.com allows your team to seamlessly import and export both MS Project and Excel files without losing any data.
Why Doesn’t Microsoft Project Run on Mac Computers?
As we’ve explained here, Microsoft Project doesn’t run on Mac computers by default. But why would Microsoft want to keep Apple users from running their project management software? It boils down to the fact that Microsoft wants more people using Microsoft computers and Microsoft operating systems. By keeping their software exclusively on the PC platform, Microsoft is betting that Apple users will come to the PC platform in order to use MSP.
This leaves many Mac users to seek new software options, since most “Mac people” would never switch to PC.
Tools like ProjectManager.com give teams flexibility to work on project plans, regardless of computer preference.
MS Project becomes so much more when it’s used in collaboration with ProjectManager.com, the cloud-based project management software for PC and Mac. But once you’ve tried out our software with this free 30-day trial, you’ll ditch MS Project if you can and use ProjectManager.com full-time. It’s less expensive, more user-friendly and keeps all your project management needs in one place for greater efficiency and productivity. Try it today!
Related Posts
Here’s our 15 best free & paid deck design software programs to help you create your ultimate outdoor living space.
Looking to do a DIY Deck and don’t know where to start? Check out these programs to create a unique design for your dream deck! Many of these programs will help with permitting, materials & brand selection, pricing and even quantities of material needed. Not to mention the amazing visualization tools that are included to help you see your design layout and how it will look in your backyard.
Looking to do a DIY Deck and don’t know where to start? Check out these programs to create a unique design for your dream deck! Many of these programs will help with permitting, materials & brand selection, pricing and even quantities of material needed. Not to mention the amazing visualization tools that are included to help you see your design layout and how it will look in your backyard.
Here our the best deck design software programs we could find in 2018 listed in no particular order. If you’re looking for interior design software click here.
1. Aztek Deck Designer (Free)
Through TimberTech, by AZEK Building Products you can find inspiration and create a 3D layout. This program has 140+ products that can be chosen from using AZEK and TimberTech’s lighting, railings, decking, accessories and anything else needed when creating an outdoor deck! They allow users to test out the software and it is available in the app store for IPads.
This program has features such as the snapshot feature, which allows you to attach your own photo. There are plenty of options from previously designed templates to showing the design in an augmented reality state.
The only real downside to this program is that is only allows the products that are part of the brand and is only available for IPads. To properly use this software is it recommended to use chrome, firefox, safari or Microsoft edge. This program is free after creating an account.
See a Aztek tutorial video here:
Website: https://timbertech.com/inspiration/deck-designer
2. SmartDraw (Paid)
SmartDraw’s Deck designer gets a 5 star rating from CNET Editors. This program allows quick dragging and dropping of elements such as boards, railings, planters and you can even add furniture.
They include graphics for elevation posts, support and surface boards, planters and flowers, hot tubs and Jacuzzis, umbrellas, patio furniture, and benches. They also have a complete landscape package that can turn a deck project into an entire backyard design.
Watch the video on how to setup a Smartdraw floorplan:
Website: https://www.smartdraw.com/deck-design/deck-designer.htm
3. Decks.com Deck Designer (Free)
This Deck Designer software is also sponsored by TREX, therefore will use many similar features and materials. Deck Designer will allow you to drop in shapes for the deck, add multiple level and add stairs where needed.
This deck design software will get a plan to submit for permitting and create a material list for your project. To use this software, you will be required to register to create and save project. This is a free program and can be found at decks.com
Decks.com custom deck designer video:
![Software Software](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126642890/701730899.png)
Website: https://www.decks.com/deck-designer
4. Lowes Deck Designer + Planner (Free)
To use the Lowes designer and planner you must have Java 1.4 and Adobe Acrobat 3.0+, no worries if you do not, it will allow them to download.
Once downloaded you will be prompted to either start from scratch or to start with one of the pre-designed decks that are previously loaded. From there you can design your dream deck with planks, railings, stairs etc. This is a free program.
Build a deck design and layout video:
Website: https://www.lowes.com/cd_Deck+Designer+Planner_733683095_
5. The Home Depot: Do-it-Yourself Deck Designer
The home depot offers a wide variety of “Do-it-yourself” tools which means they have some experience in this department. This program starts you off with over 70 built in templates to help get started. The program will then print out a list of all the items you will need for the entire project including the price you will pay for supplies and materials.
To run this program you will need Windows system with Intel 17 Quad Core CPU, 4GB of available Hard Drive Space, and internet connection. This is a free program powered by Edgenet outdoor projects.
Home Depot’s free deck design software video:
Website: http://homedepot.bighammer.com/cqdesignstartneo/
6. SketchUp & Sketchup Pro (Free & Paid)
Sketchup is commonly used in educational and professional settings. Sketchup is available in a free version and a pro (paid) version. The free version is available in a web browser. This will allow the user to draw, push and pull extrusions, orbit the screen and add colors and objects. The free version is available at app.sketchup.com where you can immediately start sketching. It also has features that allow collaboration and sharing qualities. This can be used to leave replies and comments or assign tasks to others as well as seeing a history of changes made.
![Project Design Software For Mac Project Design Software For Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126642890/745229350.jpg)
Sketchup Pro has even more features and even a free trial version of that. Pro can be used on Windows or MAC operating systems. Pro requires 3D class video graphics by NVDIA or AMD, they do not recommend Intel based graphics just yet but are working to include that. Sketchup Pro can create endless drawings, including scaled drawings, sealed drawings, presentation documents, walkthroughs, as well as having them be highly accurate and detailed.
Sketchup Pro can be purchased for $695. There are also options for upgrades, renewals, and discounts for educational licenses.
Watch the building a deck with Sketchup Pro video:
Website: https://www.sketchup.com/buy/sketchup-pro
7. MoistureShield Dream Deck Designer (Free)
Moisture Shield Dream Deck Designer is another program that is quick and easy to use and will allow you to print a list of the materials needed for the designed project. The software will be a tool in creating and saving multiple designs if you are unsure the best choice, it also will let you choice the size, shape, and color of the deck.
You can also place the deck on an image of your home to see the true impact of adding a deck. This program is only available in windows, a minimum of 64 MB of memory, Java, Javascript, and Adobe Reader 5.0 or better.
Website: http://www.moistureshield.com/deck-design-tools/design-a-deck/
8. Menards Deck Estimator (Free)
Menards Deck Estimater will allow you to create your dream backyard in 3D on any computer or in any Menards store. This program will create a list of materials needed for your backyard project. This is an online software and will require a Java application, which can be downloaded on the site listed later.
Menards Design it Center Deck Estimator is a free program.
Website: https://www.menards.com/main/menu12/design-it-center/deck-estimator/c-13779.htm
9. Punch! Landscaping Design (Paid)
Punch! Landscape Deck and Patio version 20 can be used to create and design outdoor living spaces with a complete set of tools to plan, design, and visualize the desired space. This program has some new features including high quality rendering for 2D geometry and text, customizable drawing styles, the ability to import and export from AUTOCAD 2018, custom rich text options and a modify tool bar.
This software requires 1GB of RAM and 3GB of haard disk space. Internet service is required to use the program. Punch! Landscaping software will run you about $39.99.
Website: https://www.punchsoftware.com/punch-landscape-deck-patio-v20-download-windows
10. Home Designer Landscaping Software by Chief Architect (Paid)
Chief Architect is one of the leading developers and publishers of 3D Architectural home design, and have also developed a software for landscape design that is just as up to par. This is often used by architects, interior designers, landscape designer and home designers, even DIYers. As this is a large program it requires a PC or Mac with at least 4GB of memory and 5 GB of available hard disk space as well as internet access.
This program can be rented for $49/mo and can be found at https://www.homedesignersoftware.com. This program is also available as a trial version as well as for purchase. Prices range depending on which version you choose Pro being $495.00.
Decks and Landscaping can be done in the versions Suite, Architectural and Professional, professional and architectural being rated better. https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/products/product-chooser.html is a good reference for deciding which program best works for you, detailing features that are available per each version of the program.
Website: https://www.homedesignersoftware.com
11. Idea Spectrum (Paid)
Project Design Software
Idea Spectrum is an easy to use program that the Architect version will create 3D landscape designs, design over a photo of your current landscape, add water features (pools ponds, waterfalls) and create landscape plans as well as CAD drawings and includes 17,000 design items.
Other features (but are not limited too) that all versions have access to are: pre-built pools and spas, 15 national brands, ability to import sketchup models, designing single and multistory decks and adding patios, retaining walls and edging. By far one of the programs with the most opportunity.
This is a free trial or paid version that can be found at https://www.ideaspectrum.com/. The Architect 2018 software will cost $399.95, Pro $99.95 and Plus $79.95. This will be a one time purchase, with future upgrades usually being available for a discount.
Watch the Idea Spectrum Realtime Landscaping Architect video:
Website: https://www.ideaspectrum.com/
12. Planner 5D (Free & Paid)
Planner 5D is a versatile program that can be used to design backyard decks as well as patios, landscaping and other areas within the home. The program itself offers the ability to design in 2D and then see your work in full 3D for a complete picture of how the design will look.
There is also a large database of user created designs for ideas and inspiration. The app can be downloaded to your device via Apple Store or Google Play.
Website: https://planner5d.com/?prcode=53ca04
13. TREX Deck Designer (Free)
TREX is a designer tool that is available in both desktop version as well as a mobile app. This will create easier access and more options for users to use. To use either of these tools you will, choose deck dimensions and railings, then pick out TREX materials and finishes. The system then makes you a list of the items you will need. This program also has a section for ordering sample boards to help make sure you get exactly what you want!
The only con of this tool is as most others the only materials and finishes loaded into the project are TREX brand, which can cut down the options. To run the desktop version you must be using a windows operating system. Also required is adobe reader 5.0 or higher, Java 6 update 10, Javascript, and a 3D capable graphics card with a minimum of 64 GB of Memory. This program is free and can be found at
Website: https://www.trex.com/build-your-deck/envision-your-deck/
14. Fiberon Deck Designer (Free)
House Design Software Mac Free
This program includes easy drag and clip options to create a quick and easy custom deck that will allow you to add color materials to the 3D drawing.They offer a gallery of deck plans, a contractor gallery and product gallery to help with your design ideas.
Fiberon tool will produce 3D deck design, installation checklist, and a list of local retailer and contractors near you. This is a free program. You can also download a free deck planning guide with information including deck design options, materials needed and budgeting.
Watch the video on using the Fiberon deck planning tool:
Website: https://www.fiberondecking.com/design-tools/deck-design-tool
15. MiTek Deck Designer (Free)
This deck design software program is easy and fully customizable. MiTek Deck Designer will allow you to add multiple levels, plank direction, size and color, plus many other options. At the end you will be provided with printouts of required materials, cut lists as well as permit submission.
This program does not require any added plug ins and can be saved as a CDV file. This is a free online program
Website: http://tools.diyonline.com/servlet/GIB_Base/usp_startpage.html
Home Design Software For Mac
Bonus Pick: Simpson Strong-tie Deck Planner (Free)
This simple program will allow you to complete deck designs quickly. It is an easy to use program as well as completely web based to avoid large downloads. The program allows you to design a deck, and then from there print the materials list and permits.
Deck Planner will give recommendations and allows you to see the materials you wish to use for the deck. This program is available on Mac or windows operating systems, and must have a graphics card with at least 64 MB of memory. This is a free program.
Here’s a video detailing the Simpson deck planning software in action:
Website: https://www.strongtie.com/products/go/software/deckplanner
What is the Best Deck Design Software Program?
After reviewing the attributes of each of these software programs one of the biggest factors of deciding which works for you is what you need it for. If you are just planning on completing one deck project for a residential, personal back yard, one of the free software programs offered by one of the big general home construction brands will probably work best for you.
These deck design software programs tend to be more structured to individuals with a little less of a background on designing and building things. This will mean that the software will require less manual work and will be quicker and easier for users, but that takes away a little of the customization, and directions that you can go into.
Two of the most popular standout programs are Smartdraw and Sketchup, while Planner5D is versatile for designing not only decks, but backyard landscaping and patios as well.
For architects, or professional deck builders, the programs that are paid to use or paid by subscription will be better utilized. These will give experienced users access to more customization and options to complete many different projects including deck design. Often the paid versions are used by people who will be designing decks, patios and even landscapes in a professional capacity.
Mac Home Design Software Reviews
As you notice in the descriptions get more advanced and have more loaded I features, the price goes up. Even some professionals will not need all the possible features, which is why some programs offer different levels at different pricing, to further cater to the individual and individual’s projects. Big or small, any project can be tackled quick and easy with the help of computer aided design and these ones in particular are the top of the market and worth checking out.
Project Design Software For Mac Pro
For even more design inspiration check out our gallery of backyard deck designs and ideas here.