# RationalPlan Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Is RationalPlan the right Project Management solution for you? Explore 99 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/74048/RationalPlan/reviews

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RationalPlan

4.4 (99)

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

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Last updated March 13th, 2026

# Reviews of RationalPlan

Ease of use

4.4

Customer Service

4.5

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 1-25 of 99 Reviews

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Rating

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Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

PN

Patrick N.  
  
  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "RationalPlan Project Planning"

July 16, 2016

4.0

I have been using MS Project in the office PC for many years now and have been looking for a similar app to use on my mac at home. RationalPlan is just the perfect app I'm looking for - simple intuitive interface with a decent presentation style and at an amazingly affordable price! I must add that the support team has been ultra responsive when help is needed.

Review Source

Scott B.  
Senior Architect  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Very Effective Project Management Tool"

February 16, 2017

4.0

I work with a lot of different customers and am constantly importing and exporting project plans (converting from MS Project). RationalPlan allows me to effectively and efficiently work with the plans in this mixed environment. I find it an essential tool for my business.

Pros

It is a native Mac program that imports and exports MS Project files efficiently.

Cons

I have had some issues over the years with specific bugs. But to their credit, RationalPlan has always been quick to respond with a resolution to the issues. I still seem to have some issues with the printing format and how it handles logos.

Review Source

AM

Alfonso M.  
CEO  
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Good but can be better"

February 16, 2017

3.0

First of all I'm not a gantt expert. I just share my thoughts. I have a big problem: On Linux last version is troublesome: in the gantt visualization, the mouse arrow blocks itself when passing on the gantt chart, while it goes smooth on other parts of the window. Another thing I find bad is when I change tasks duration/resources/manhours. I would kike it to be in "full manual" control if I want. Beacuse sometimes automatic adjustments simply don work. For the rest It is a GREAT product.

Pros

It works under linux, it manages multiple projects.

Cons

See main review

Review Source

Response from Stand By Soft

February 17, 2017

Dear Alfonso, Could you please send an email to support@rationalplan.com with the details about your operating system and the version of RationalPlan you are using so we can see what might be the problem? Thank you, Tiberiu Ghioca

TS

Tim S.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "The Best Planning Software for Linux"

May 29, 2015

5.0

I have trialled several planning software applications and have find that RationalPlan is the best I have come across. I am using the Single version, which is free for Linux users, for other OS there is a charge. There is MultiProject version which is not free. Gantt Chart Too many of the software I have looked at is too much like MS Project 2003 which looks very 1980's. Presentation is always an important issue for clients and indeed colleagues, and RationalPlan certainly ticks the right boxes as the colour of the bars can be changed in the Settings/Options. Trying to fit a gantt chart and data columns onto an A4 or A3 can always be a frustrating exercise, which ever software package you are using. In RationalPlan, however, the best way is through Reports/More/Gantt, where there are the options to help you to manipulate the image to fit on the size of paper. There is one item that does puzzle me, is that the Gantt report option is hidden under "More" and not displayed in the drop-down menu. Data Data import is easy and anyone familiar with this type of project planning applications should not find it a problem. For beginners resource input will always present some problems, but trial and error should sort these out. Data can by exported to xls either the whole data or through reports, for manipulation. One of the annoying aspects of some planning software and versions of MS Project was the default setting for resource hours on the task duration which was Effort Driven resulting in the duration changing when the hours changed. In RationalPlan I am pleased to say that the default is Fixed Units, the changes which do not have an impact on the duration. Customer support I have found is excellent having used it several times. I would not hesitate in recommending RationalPlan as a planning software to Linux users.

Review Source

TY

Tugce Y.  
Assistant Revenue and Reservation Manager  
Hospitality  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Project management done absolutely in right way"

November 18, 2022

5.0

Pros

RationalPlan makes it possible for us to manage the projects that we run inside the company in the most optimal way.

Cons

RationalPlan is so successful so far and I do not have anything negative that worth to write here.

Review Source

HG

Howard G.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "Not at all bad for small projects but I am still searching for "the one"!"

February 24, 2017

4.0

As a sole-trader consultant I have been searching for an app that enables me to plan and manage projects that sometimes involve other consultants but sometimes just involve me and a whole load of people who are research subjects. After being led close to suicide by some other PM software (too complex, too "techie", only suitable for people who have nothing else in their lives!) I tried the add-on version of Rational Plan for Google docs and was impressed. So I bought the standalone Multi-Plan version. It worked very well for those projects where there was a good expectation of the steps laid out at the outset actually being the ones that were followed when the project started! The support from the team was excellent and my overall experience was good and I would recommend it to people who are actually running "manageable" projects. Having used it I realised that much of my work does not really fall into this category and, in much of what I am doing , the steps only emerge from the previous steps. In this case, the program is not very useful but I think that would be the case with any PM software I used. My dream is to have a single screen dashboard for all the components of Outlook so that I can see at a glance for a single project who is involved in it and in what capacity, that tasks that they have to do and the timescale, the e-mails associated with the project and the calendar entries for upcoming actions. It is really a cross between PM and CRM. Rational Plan comes close to the PM side of it.

Review Source

Scott B.  
Senior Architect  
Information Technology and Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Very good project management software for the Mac OS"

February 28, 2018

4.0

Pros

It is easy to work with. I can import MS Project files easily and work with them. Easy to setup project. It is also easy to integrate and manage multiple projects. Scheduling and tracking of tasks is also a plus with this product.

Cons

The inability to save straight out to MS Project format is an issue. I also have had issues with report and email templates. Updates frequently are not "flushed out" before they are released which sometimes breaks basic features temporarily.

Review Source

NA

Neil A.  
General Manager  
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Everyday essential tool"

February 24, 2017

4.0

Rational plan has helped to transform the way that we run our manufacturing operation. Our facility has a real mix of make to order and long term forecast demands being placed on equipment. There are several additional and variable constraints that make capacity planning software consistently fail. To overcome any lack of visibility from failing to plan we have found no greater tool than the simple flexibility, and ease of use that comes with Rational Plan.

Pros

Ease of use

Cons

The ability to lose information when closing down

Review Source

ES

Elsabe S.  
Director  
Writing and Editing  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "My Digital Right Hand"

February 16, 2017

5.0

I publish a lot of digital projects. They require detailed planning and ensuring that all the steps are followed. I would be lost without my RationalPlan software, which allows me to first plan the work, and then work the plan time and again successfully.

Pros

Ease of use, and ability to have more than one project plan.

Review Source

DA

David A.  
Project Manager  
Telecommunications  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Functional, Complete, In Depth, Project Management Software. Very Nice"

December 6, 2017

5.0

This is a full featured easy to use Project Management software that helps create a WBS and assign/track resources.

Pros

Rational Plan software is Great! It has Portfolio Management, Dashboard, WBS, Gantt View, and much much more. It has a downloadable Desktop view that syncs with the cloud version. It is very easy to set up and get started. The resource section is is very helpful for assigning tasks and managing projects. I also like the budget/cost features. I also love the controlling feature and work tracking features. I think this software is excellent

Cons

One think I would like to see is the option to use a graphic (Mind Map) view of the WBS. The other item I would like to see is a section for Risk Management.

Review Source

WM

William M.  
Sr. Managment Marketing and Technology  
Financial Services  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Good Software"

February 16, 2017

5.0

I have been using this software to develop project plans for my business...its ease of use and its functional capabilities make it a great tool to develop complex (and even simple) project plans and over all management of planning an budgeting. I would highly recommend this software to anyone who wants an alternate to microsoft.... I have been using project management software since 1983 (CPM or critical path project management software even before microsoft project).

Pros

its a great low cost project management tool...

Cons

You should have some prior project management experience to better take advantage of all of the powerful features of this product.

Review Source

DW

Dwayne W.  
Project Engineer  
Oil & Energy  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Rational Scheduling"

February 16, 2017

4.0

Does everything I need it to. Does whatever I would be using Micro$oft Project to do but at a price that anyone can afford.

Pros

Does what I need it to. Has the functionality of what I'd use MS Project to do.

Cons

Inability to save directly to native MS Project file format.

Review Source

RD

Randall D.  
Chief Consultant  
Management Consulting  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Rational Plan Review"

February 16, 2017

4.0

I have been a paid user of rational plan for a number of years. My experience has been nothing but positive. It's more than a cheaper alternative to Microsoft project. It goes almost you're to toe with it. The interface is still not as polished, but they keep improving and their customer service is spot on. I really recommend it to those needing project planning power but want better value for their money.

Pros

Easy to use. Mimics most of features of Microsoft Project. Great customer service. Good export options.

Cons

Interface still need work in terms of user friendliness.

Review Source

HJ

Hernan J.  
Program Manager  
Automotive  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Good management tool"

November 16, 2018

4.0

Good management plan, easy to convert to other platforms.

Pros

Very easy to set up, and start building up Gantt timings.

Cons

Needs a "facelift", needs to be refreshed, make it more "interactive" (drag and drop functionality).

Review Source

DY

Danny Y.  
General Manager  
Construction  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Super easy"

February 16, 2017

5.0

I can't belieave how super easy it is to plan out complex projects with this powerful software! I use it for all my projects!

Pros

Ease of use.

Cons

Not a lot of functions and ability to customize the layout.

Review Source

Response from Stand By Soft

February 17, 2017

Hi Danny, Please send an email to support@rationalplan.com with the language that you are using and the texts that are missing translation to get them solved. Thank you, Tiberiu Ghioca

JS

Jim S.  
Managing Pricipal  
  
Used the software for:

### "Excellent"

July 23, 2014

5.0

The Rational Plan software is easy to use with a little trial and some questions to support staff. My experience with the RT Support Staff is 1000% based on 100% being perfect. I have a very old Mac that lost its hard drive. When I tried to download RT to the new hard drive it would not load the latest version due to the age of my OS. They went out of their way at no additional expense to me to find a solution that would work on my computer and downloaded it to me --- and they did a special for me to download the latest version. AWESOME SERVICE!!!

Review Source

AG

Alberto G.  
CEO  
Nanotechnology  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Better than MS Project"

February 16, 2017

5.0

I'm a Mac user and I needed software to create a Gantt Chart for a project. There is no MS Project for Macs, so I tried Rational Plan. I am very pleased with RP's ease of use. and interface. It took ten minutes to learn to use it.

Pros

Works with Macs and it is easy to learn how to use it.

Review Source

IW

Ingo W.  
Project manager  
Pharmaceuticals  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Excellent for medium size project"

February 28, 2017

4.0

Rationalplan I found very useful to track medium sized projects, e.g. when you set up a new production plant and plan for the scheduling of validations and training of people. Easy to align with other project managers and teams e.g. to transfer products from development into production. Interchangeable with other project software you find in different companies. Easy to track different speeds of teamwork. Great software and excellent value for money!

Pros

Graphical overview, easy to learn.

Review Source

TH

Telemabo H.  
Civil Engineering Technologist  
Civil Engineering  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Easy to use"

November 17, 2018

4.0

I use it to develop work schedule for my company.

Pros

It is very easy to use, even as a novice. You can also add your company logo in the heading of the printout.

Cons

I don't have any contrary opinion, for now

Review Source

SM

Shawn M.  
Owner  
Construction  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Rational Plan"

February 16, 2017

4.0

I like rational plan. The price is very good compared to some of the other project management software options. Be aware that there is a lot of manual entry that needs to be done in order for it to work for you, but once that is complete it works great.

Pros

Price and ability to create quality timelines

Cons

A lot of manual entry especially at the beginning of a project.

Review Source

CD

Carlo D.  
Doctor  
Hospital & Health Care  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Complete tool"

March 5, 2017

5.0

Rational Plan is a powerful tool for project management, with many features like Gantt Chart, resources allocation, priorities e risks. Complete!

Pros

Many features

Review Source

YA

Yoshiaki A.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "Simple and highly accurate schedule creation application"

February 16, 2017

5.0

It is a very powerful tool for individual to medium sized schedule management and WBS management. A wonderful point can be modified very smoothly and can be done very smoothly. Printing is also beautiful and it is excellent as handout materials. It is the point that it is easier and easier to read materials than anything else.

Review Source

JT

Jim T.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "Good project manager "

February 16, 2017

5.0

I am not sure project managers as I have seen them is what I am actually looking for . However, of all I have looked at I do like Rational Plan. It has a lot of features well laid out, nice facebook page and decent online manual.

Pros

Nice layout and features

Cons

None

Review Source

EN

Edwin N.  
Lecturer  
Civil Engineering  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "RationalPlan is a very convenient alternative to the more well-known project planning software."

February 24, 2017

5.0

RationalPlan is so intuitive that I have never had need for customer support since purchase. More effort needs to be put into advertising this software so that more people become aware that they have an alternative to the more well-known software packages which may be too expensive for an individual user. Functionallity is superb.

Pros

Ability to read some common files generated by other common project planning software

Review Source

JM

Jose M.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "My feelings on RatioalPlan"

February 24, 2017

4.0

I moved from Microsoft MS Project to Rational Plan because I migrated to MacBook Pro and it was easy to install under OS. I found the Rational Plan very similar to MS Project and very friendly to sue. Kind regards José

Review Source

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