Do I need to install anything to use SeatPlan.io, like PerfectTablePlan?

No. SeatPlan.io runs entirely in your browser on any device. There is nothing to download, install, or update — and clients can view shared plans through a link without installing software.

Can I open PerfectTablePlan files in SeatPlan.io?

PerfectTablePlan's .tpd format is proprietary and not directly importable. The fastest migration path is to export your guest list to CSV from PerfectTablePlan and upload it to SeatPlan.io.

Does SeatPlan.io support real-time collaboration?

Yes. Share a link and your client, planner, or co-host edits the same chart with you live. PerfectTablePlan requires emailing files back and forth.

How does SeatPlan.io's pricing compare to PerfectTablePlan?

PerfectTablePlan starts at $29.95 and rises to $299.95, with paid upgrades for major versions. SeatPlan.io is free to design, £8/$8/€8 one-time to save and export, or £25/$25/€25 per month for professional Event Manager use.

Comparison

See why people switch

SeatPlan.io vs PerfectTablePlan

Desktop seating software for Windows and Mac— here's why SeatPlan.io is the smarter choice for your seating plans.

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The Problem

Why people leave PerfectTablePlan

Here’s what users often struggle with before they make the switch from PerfectTablePlan.

Desktop-only software requiring download and installation on each machine

One-time purchase but major version upgrades (v6 to v7) require additional payment

No cloud sync - plans are stored locally on one computer

No real-time collaboration - sharing requires exporting and emailing files

Traditional desktop interface with a steeper learning curve for new users

No mobile access for reviewing or editing plans on-site

Why SeatPlan.io Wins

The SeatPlan.io advantage

Purpose-built features that make seating planning actually enjoyable.

Features where SeatPlan.io stands out, with the reason each one matters.
Feature	Why SeatPlan.io does it better
Works Everywhere	Browser-based - plan from any laptop, tablet, or phone without installation
Automatic Cloud Sync	Plans save automatically and sync across all your devices
Real-Time Collaboration	Share a link with clients - they can view and comment without software downloads
Modern Interface	Clean, intuitive design that new users can learn in minutes
Always Current	Continuous updates included - no paid version upgrades

Pricing

Better value, no contest

Get more features for less money. It's that simple.

Pricing comparison between PerfectTablePlan and SeatPlan.io.
Provider	Price	Notes
PerfectTablePlan	$29.95 - $299.95 one-time + paid major upgrades	Limited features, uncertain value
SeatPlan.io	Free to design, £8 to save or £25/mo for professionals	No upfront cost - scale up only if you need it

Proof in numbers

What real planners report

Concrete, customer-reported outcomes — not marketing claims.

11 minutes

to seat 80 people

“Took me 6 hours to seat 80 people on paper. Took me 11 minutes on SeatPlan.io.”

— Sarah, SeatPlan.io customer

<30 minutes

for a 120-person wedding

“I had my entire 120-person wedding seated in under 30 minutes.”

— Jennifer, SeatPlan.io customer

200 guests

with 8 dietary needs and 4 wheelchair users

“200 guests. 8 dietary requirements. 4 wheelchair users. 1 complicated family tree. SeatPlan.io handled all of it.”

— Rebecca, SeatPlan.io customer

Frequently asked

SeatPlan.io vs PerfectTablePlan: common questions

Do I need to install anything to use SeatPlan.io, like PerfectTablePlan?: No. SeatPlan.io runs entirely in your browser on any device. There is nothing to download, install, or update — and clients can view shared plans through a link without installing software.
Can I open PerfectTablePlan files in SeatPlan.io?: PerfectTablePlan's .tpd format is proprietary and not directly importable. The fastest migration path is to export your guest list to CSV from PerfectTablePlan and upload it to SeatPlan.io.
Does SeatPlan.io support real-time collaboration?: Yes. Share a link and your client, planner, or co-host edits the same chart with you live. PerfectTablePlan requires emailing files back and forth.
How does SeatPlan.io's pricing compare to PerfectTablePlan?: PerfectTablePlan starts at $29.95 and rises to $299.95, with paid upgrades for major versions. SeatPlan.io is free to design, £8/$8/€8 one-time to save and export, or £25/$25/€25 per month for professional Event Manager use.

The verdict: SeatPlan.io vs PerfectTablePlan

PerfectTablePlan is established desktop software with comprehensive features and strong customer support. The trade-off is the desktop-only model: no cloud sync, no real-time collaboration, and paid upgrades for major versions. SeatPlan.io offers the flexibility of browser-based access with automatic updates and instant sharing.

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