How to Update Views and Tables Globally in Microsoft Project
Question details
The user wants to ensure that custom fields, views, and tables are available across multiple project files automatically, avoiding the need for repeated manual imports.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing and standardizing custom interface elements and data fields across multiple new project files.
- Observed behavior
- Custom elements are not carrying over to new project files automatically, requiring the user to repeatedly import them.
Before modifying global templates, clearly define the custom views, tables, and filters you want to use standardly across all your new projects to avoid cluttering the global file.
Save Custom Items to the Global Template
Create custom views and configure Microsoft Project to automatically save them to the Global template, making them available in all future project files.
It is highly recommended to create custom views rather than modifying the built-in views. This ensures the default configurations remain intact while providing you with tailored layouts, tables, groupings, and filters that automatically load into new files without needing the Organizer.
Set up a custom view in your current project containing your desired table, grouping, and filtering settings.
Navigate to the top ribbon, click on the 'File' tab, and select 'Options' located at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Project Options dialog box, click on the 'Advanced' tab on the left panel.
Scroll down to the 'Display' section and check the option to automatically add new views, tables, filters, and groups to the global template.
Click 'OK' to apply the changes. Your custom items should now automatically populate in any newly created Microsoft Project files.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my custom views not saving to new projects?
This usually happens if the setting to save new items to the global template is disabled. Verify your settings under File > Options > Advanced and ensure the automatic save feature for views, tables, and filters is checked.
Can I transfer my global template to another computer?
Yes, you can transfer your custom settings by locating the 'Global.MPT' file in your local AppData user profile directory, copying it, and pasting it into the corresponding folder on the target computer.
How do I remove a custom view from the global template?
You can manage global items using the Organizer tool. Go to File > Info > Organizer, select the custom view from the 'Global.MPT' list on the right side, and click the 'Delete' button.
