Best Creative Project Management Software

Creative projects can sometimes be a true management challenge.

Delivering client projects on time is essential for any agency looking to grow. But it’s not always easy. You need the right tools and people that are capable of handling creative projects. You might think that managing creative projects is no different than managing traditional projects, but creative projects imply handling different workflows and collecting input from various teams in the agency. That’s why traditional project management methods aren’t enough to manage creative projects.

Well, putting it simply, it’s a type of project management that focuses on creative projects. This method offers a framework that’ll help set up workflows, manage resources, communicate, and in the end deliver projects on time. Many agencies choose a creative project management software that helps set all of this up.

Creative project management software is a tool designed specifically for creative agencies, teams, and professionals to plan, execute, and track their creative projects efficiently. These solutions offer features that were made to fit the unique needs of creative workflows, enabling seamless collaboration, resource management, and time tracking.

To make things easier we’ll give a few examples on how you could be using a creative project management software.

You can use the tool to set up workflows that’ll make managing projects easier. From brainstorming to writing, reviewing, and finalizing, you’ll be able to monitor project phases easily. Everyone involved in the project can easily see the project progression in just a few clicks. Team members can see which tasks are up next, while creative project managers can monitor the overall progress and spot any potential bottlenecks.

Most of the tools offer custom workflows which means agencies can adapt their workflows to fit their project or client needs as well as customizable dashboards, so you can have all your important data at the ready.

With creative project management software, managers can assign tasks to individuals or teams based on their skill sets, availability, and workload. They can also set priorities and deadlines, ensuring everyone knows what they need to do and when they need to do it.

Once a task has been assigned, automatic notifications can be sent out, keeping everyone informed about changes or updates on tasks. Team members can then update their progress, mark tasks as complete, or reassign tasks if necessary, all within one tool. Breaking up projects into tasks and to-do lists helps prevent missed deadlines and promotes accountability and a sense of ownership among the team.

Using tools allows for fast and relevant input on a project. Feedback is essential in the creative process, and the software makes it easy for team members to comment and provide input directly on the tasks or files.

Depending on the software, it may even have features like real-time editing or a chat function, allowing for immediate, collaborative feedback. This makes for a more dynamic creative process where ideas can be shared, refined, and implemented in a matter of minutes.

Keeping track of time and expenses is vital for any project, and creative agencies are no exception. Creative project management software often include time tracking features that allow team members to log the hours they’ve worked on specific tasks or projects. This not only helps in understanding the effort required for particular tasks, but also assists in making future estimates more accurate.

Similarly, expenses related to a project, such as purchasing stock images, hiring freelancers, or buying equipment, can also be tracked within the tool. By centralizing this data, the software allows for easier budget management and financial oversight, which can lead to better resource allocation decisions in the future.

Now that you know what creative project management software can help with, we’ll give you a handy overview of solutions that might be a right fit for your agency.

Productive is an all-in-one agency management tool that helps you run a profitable business. Productive combines features like project management, time tracking, resource planning, budgeting, reporting, and more into one tool. You’ll gain a 360-degree view of your agency and be able to make data-driven decisions. Since Productive is a single platform tool, it eliminates the need for other, oftentimes expensive tools.

Productive has a 4.6 Capterra rating generated from more than 70 reviews.

Features include:

With Productive’s Project Management feature, you can have unlimited projects open which can be broken down into task lists. Thanks to customizable workflows, monitoring the entire lifecycle of your projects is easy. You can also set up repetitive tasks for anything that needs to be done on a recurring basis. You also have the option to add external users so your clients can give feedback on projects. Any feedback can be left in the task comments, so you can be sure that all of your important information is kept in one place.

Being able to break down a complex project into more manageable tasks makes it easier to manage and monitor the project lifecycle, but it can also help diminish the feeling of a complicated project looming over your shoulder.

With Resource Planning you’ll be able to know who’s overworked and who could take on more work. Resource tracking makes it easier to see who is working on which project and for how long they’re booked. You can plan your resources and scheduling ahead and you can also take into account time off and vacations, since it can all be booked through Productive.

Knowing who’s available and when makes it easier to plan for future projects and helps achieve optimal utilization rates.

With Time Tracking you can track time spent working on projects and tasks. There’s a built-in timer that you can start once you get to work on a specific project. It will automatically transfer the logged time into your timesheets. If you’re more old-school, you can do your timesheets manually at the end of the day.

When you have this kind of data it’s easier to understand the amount of effort that has to go into a project and it makes planning for future projects far simpler.

With Budgeting you’ll be able to stay on top of your project budgets. You can predict any budget overruns, check profitability by project, and keep your costs down.

With Reporting you can create reports from real-time data that’ll give an insight into your agency’s overall business health. With custom reporting you can make reports that are tailored to your agency’s needs. You can make reports on billable utilization, projects profits, and much more.

Real-time collaboration was made to be simple with Productive. With Docs you can work with your teammates at the same time, within one document. You can leave comments, edit and collaborate without the need to have different files open, that then need to be merged together.

Additional features include: Sales and Billing

Productive also has more than just a few seamless integrations. Integrations include: Xero, QuickBooks, Hubspot, Slack, Jira, Google Calendar, and many more.

You can go for a free 14-day free trial before you decide to check out a paid plan.

Kantata is an intuitive project management platform designed for creative teams, providing a comprehensive solution for planning and executing projects efficiently.

Key Features:

Customers like Kantata’s user-friendly interface but some feel the tool has limited integrations with third-party apps.

Now why do we claim Scoro is one of the best project management for creatives? Well, Scoro is an all-in-one business management software that includes creative project management features, helping agencies streamline their workflow and boost productivity. It’s a good choice for larger teams since it offers a whole array of features that can be adapted to specific needs.

Key Features:

Users really like the comprehensive reporting capabilities, as well as the abundance of customization options. But this also means that new users are facing a pretty steep learning curve

Bigtime is a cloud-based time and billing software with project management functionality, catering to creative professionals and agencies alike.

Key Features:

Bigtime has a seamless time tracking and billing integration which makes it easier to manage projects from start to finish in one tool. Users say that the mobile app could be more robust. To learn more, check out our article about Bigtime alternatives.

Accelo is an automation-focused project management tool designed to optimize creative workflows, combining project planning, client management, and collaboration features.

Key Features:

Users like Accelo’s powerful automation capabilities that help with workflow optimization. Some have said that the interface could be more modern and intuitive.

Rodeo is a creative project management solution built specifically for creative agencies, providing a centralized platform for project planning and team collaboration.

Key Features:

Rodeo has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it a good starting point for those who might be new to project management tools. On the other hand, some say that it lacks advanced reporting features.

Primetric is a cloud-based creative project management software designed to enhance collaboration and productivity for creative teams, with a focus on data-driven insights.

Key Features:

Primetric has won users over with intelligent resource allocation based on data analysis. Something that still needs a bit of work is integrations, as users have reported that they’re limited in comparison to other tools in the market

Workamajig is an all-in-one project management tool tailored for creative agencies, offering tools for project planning, resource management, and financial tracking. It’s a solid choice for design or marketing teams.

Key Features:

Workamajig has robust financial reporting capabilities that help with forecasting future projects. Users have said that the interface could be more modern.

See also: Top 19 Workamajig Alternatives: Features, Benefits & Reviews

Mosaic is a project management platform designed to facilitate collaboration and streamline workflows for creative teams, empowering them to deliver exceptional results.

Key Features:

Mosaic’s intuitive task management feature is the main star of the tool. But some say that it lacks more advanced resource management options.

Active Collab is a project management and team collaboration tool, offering features that can be adapted for creative project workflows.

Key Features:

Active Collab has a simple and user-friendly interface and a good project management feature, which makes it a solid choice for smaller teams on a budget. On the other hand, it has limited reporting and analytics capabilities.

Avaza is an all-in-one business management tool that includes project management, time tracking, and invoicing features for creative professionals.

Key Features:

Avaza offers a lot of comprehensive integration options that come in handy in bigger teams. If you’re on a budget, then maybe skip this tool, since some advanced features may require additional paid add-ons. For more info check out our guide about Avaza alternatives.

ClickTime is a time tracking and project management solution designed to help creative teams optimize their time and resources effectively.

Key Features:

ClickTime puts a strong emphasis on time tracking and analytics, but it has limited project planning and scheduling capabilities.

Paymo is a project management platform with integrated time tracking and billing features, offering solutions for creative teams and agencies.

Key Features:

Paymo has a nice, clean, intuitive, and easy-to-use interface which makes it a good choice for those just starting with project management tools. It has limited integrations with other tools with might be a downside if you’re a part of a bigger team.

Teamwork is a comprehensive project management tool that caters to the needs of creative agencies, providing a range of collaboration and project planning features.

Key Features:

Teamwork is a solid tool that features project management and robust integration options. It’s a tool that might be a good fit for those who have already used project management tools before, as it has a steep learning curve for beginners.

Asana is a popular project management tool that can be adapted for creative project workflows, offering features for task management and team collaboration.

Key Features:

Asana offers a user-friendly interface and navigation, as well as the possibility to manage your creative workflows. But if you’re looking for a tool that has a robust time tracking feature, you might want to look elsewhere since Asana is limited in that regard.

ClickUp is an all-in-one project management platform that can be customized to fit the unique needs of creative teams and agencies. It can also be used as a creative workflow software, since it has many customization options.

Key Features:

ClickUp is famous for its highly flexible and customizable features, so you can be almost certain that you’ll find what you’re looking for. Given the sheer size and scale of ClickUp, it comes as no surprise that it’s complex for new users to set up.

Wrike is a versatile project management tool that can be adapted for creative project workflows, offering features for task planning, tracking, and collaboration.

Key Features:

Wrike puts a strong emphasis on real-time collaboration and a visual approach to project management which is great for creative teams. But some features may feel overwhelming for small teams at the start.

Hub Planner is a resource scheduling and project management software designed to optimize resource utilization for creative teams.

Key Features:

Hub Planner has powerful resource management capabilities and strong project management features which makes it a solid option for creative teams. On the other hand, it has limited native integrations with other tools.

Nifty is a project management and collaboration tool built for creative teams, offering features to streamline project planning and execution.

Key Features:

Nifty is a fair single platform with multiple features that help with project management and time tracking. Users have said that it has limited customization options for project views

Notion is a versatile workspace tool that can be used as a creative project management tool since it offers features for task organization and collaboration.

Key Features:

Notion is a fairly popular tool, especially among creative teams. It has a level of flexibility that allows users to create unique project setups. Some users have said that the collaboration features could use a bit more work.

Creative project management software is a game-changer for creative agencies and teams, empowering them to manage complex projects more effectively, streamline collaboration, and enhance productivity.

Each tool listed here brings unique features and benefits to the table, catering to different aspects of creative project management. Understanding the specific needs of your agency or team will help in selecting the most suitable software to unlock your creative potential and deliver outstanding results.

You can check out customer reviews and recommendations, as well as compare different tools on sites like Capterra.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one agency management software you should book a demo with Productive.

Creative management software is a type of platform designed specifically to help manage the unique processes and workflows associated with creative projects. This could include projects in areas such as graphic design, video production, advertising, content creation, and more. The software typically includes features such as project organization, task management, resource allocation, time and expense tracking, and collaboration tools to streamline communication and feedback.

Creative project management refers to the process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to successfully complete creative projects. This involves not just managing the logistics and technical aspects of a project, but also nurturing the creative process and fostering an environment that promotes creativity and innovation. A big part of this is managing workflows, coordinating team members, and providing feedback and direction, often through the use of creative management software.

The most creative process of project management can be subjective as it may vary depending on the nature of the project and the team. However, brainstorming or ideation is often viewed as a highly creative part of the project management process. It’s during this phase that original ideas are generated, often in a collaborative setting. This process encourages team members to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems or unique ways to approach a project.

Here are a few project management software options that are well-regarded in the design community:

Remember, the “best” software depends largely on a team’s specific needs and workflows, so it’s a good idea to try out a few different options and see what works best.