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Can Microsoft Planner Export a Project to an MPP File?

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know if there is a direct way to export a standard plan from Microsoft Planner into a Microsoft Project (.mpp) file.

Product: Microsoft Planner
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A user is trying to migrate project data and task schedules from the lightweight Microsoft Planner web app to the more robust Microsoft Project desktop application.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Planner does not provide a built-in, direct export option to save or convert a plan into a Microsoft Project (.mpp) file format.

Before you start

Since Microsoft Planner lacks a direct .mpp export button, you will need access to Microsoft Excel to bridge the data, or approval from your organization to use a third-party migration tool.

Solution 1Recommended

Export Planner Tasks to Excel and Import into Microsoft Project

Use Microsoft Excel as an intermediate step to transfer your Planner tasks into Microsoft Project.

While you cannot export directly to MPP, you can export your Planner data to an Excel spreadsheet. Microsoft Project can then import this spreadsheet, allowing you to map the columns properly.

Export plan to Excel

Open your plan in the Microsoft Planner web application. Click on the three dots (...) at the top of the plan interface and select 'Export plan to Excel' from the dropdown menu.

Prepare the Excel file

Open the downloaded Excel file and review the columns. Ensure the headers (like Task Name, Start Date, and Due Date) are clearly defined so they can be recognized by Microsoft Project.

Import to Microsoft Project

Launch Microsoft Project desktop. Go to 'File' > 'Open' and browse for the Excel file you just saved. Use the Import Wizard prompts to map the Excel columns to the corresponding Microsoft Project fields.

Export Planner Tasks to Excel and Import into Microsoft Project

Data Limitations: Some Planner-specific data, such as attachments or detailed checklist items, may not seamlessly map into Project tasks and might require manual adjustment.

Solution 2

Use a Third-Party Migration Tool

Automate the transfer of Planner tasks to Microsoft Project using dedicated integration software.

Solution 3

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

Provide feedback to the Microsoft product team to encourage the development of a native export feature.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Exported Planner Tasks Easily with WPS Office

While waiting for Microsoft to support direct MPP exports, you can manage your exported Planner spreadsheets with WPS Office. WPS Spreadsheet is a powerful, free alternative to Microsoft Excel that makes tracking project tasks, timelines, and resources simple and efficient.

1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website to access the powerful WPS Spreadsheet application.
2. Open your Planner export: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, click 'Menu' > 'Open', and select the Excel file you exported from Microsoft Planner.
3. Manage your project: Apply custom formatting, track due dates, and utilize built-in chart features to effectively manage your project data without needing expensive project management software.

Seamlessly open, edit, and save Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) files exported from Microsoft Planner.Use built-in filters, formulas, and Gantt chart templates for lightweight project management.Free, lightweight, and features a familiar user interface for a zero-learning-curve transition.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Microsoft Planner have a direct export to MPP?

Microsoft Planner is primarily designed for lightweight, web and mobile-based task management for teams. In contrast, Microsoft Project is a heavy-duty desktop scheduling tool. Because they serve different primary use cases, Microsoft has not yet built a native, one-click export from Planner to the desktop MPP format.

Can I export my Microsoft Planner tasks to an Excel spreadsheet?

Yes. You can easily export tasks by opening your plan in Planner, clicking the three dots (...) menu at the top of the screen, and selecting 'Export plan to Excel'. This file can then be used in other software.

Is Project for the web the same as Microsoft Project desktop?

No. Project for the web is a modern, cloud-based project management tool that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Planner. Microsoft Project desktop is a traditional offline application that uses the .mpp file format for advanced scheduling.

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