OpenProject 18.0 has been released, making project management more accessible

Open source project management software OpenProject has announced version 18.0 of its platform, with a release focused squarely on accessibility. According to the company's official announcement, the update improves how users can work with colors, including new preview options for highlighting colors with contrast checks, and makes information about the company's accessibility efforts easier to find. Some of the work originated during the company's Passion Time 2026 initiative, which gave employees the opportunity to dedicate time to projects close to their hearts.

Beyond those headline features, the release targets everyday usability for people relying on keyboards or screen readers. The work package table and backlogs view are receiving improved keyboard navigation and screen reader support, with the stated goal of letting users navigate work packages, select multiple items, and access context menus without a mouse. Selection states will also be communicated more clearly to screen readers. In addition, the team conducted an internal audit of the application using AXE, an automated accessibility testing tool, to uncover barriers that might otherwise go unnoticed. The results are already shaping further improvements.

A new dedicated accessibility page on OpenProject's website rounds out the release, offering organizations an overview of available features and ongoing work. The company frames accessibility as a commitment dating back to 2012, when OpenProject forked Redmine, pointing to past additions such as high-contrast mode. Version 18.0 continues that tradition, and OpenProject says a second, external accessibility audit is already being planned.