Others

How to Export Links Attached to Microsoft Project Tasks

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to understand what information is required to export links attached to Microsoft Project tasks and find out where these links are stored within the application.

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Exporting task-level hyperlinks and project data to an external file for review or data migration.
Observed behavior: The correct procedure to extract the task links depends heavily on identifying the specific Project version, the nature of the links, and the intended export destination.

Before you start

Before attempting to export, verify your specific Microsoft Project version and determine whether you want to export the links to an Excel spreadsheet, a CSV file, or a SharePoint list.

Solution 1Recommended

Identify Prerequisites and Map Export Fields

Because the exact procedure varies, you must first define your project parameters and then use the Export Wizard to properly map the hyperlink fields to your destination file.

Microsoft Project does not have a one-click 'export all links' button. Instead, hyperlinks are treated as specific data fields attached to tasks. To export them successfully, you must use the Export Mapping Wizard and explicitly include the hyperlink data columns.

Verify MS Project Version

Open Microsoft Project and navigate to File > Account to check your software version, as the interface for the Export Wizard may differ slightly between Project 2016, 2019, and Project Online.

Display Link Fields

In your Gantt Chart view, right-click any column header and select 'Insert Column'. Add the 'Hyperlink', 'Hyperlink Address', and 'Hyperlink SubAddress' columns to view where the links are currently stored.

Initiate the Export Process

Go to File > Export > Save Project as File. Choose your desired output format, such as 'Microsoft Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)', and click Save.

Configure the Export Map

When the Export Wizard opens, choose 'Selected Data' and create a new map. On the Task Mapping tab, ensure you manually add 'Hyperlink Address' and 'Hyperlink SubAddress' to the 'To: Excel Field' mapping grid so the URLs are included in the final export.

Link Types: This method works for standard task URLs and file paths. OLE links or cross-project dependencies may require VBA macros to extract effectively.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Exported Project Data with WPS Office

Once you have exported your Microsoft Project task links to an Excel or CSV file, you can easily review, filter, and organize that data using WPS Office. As a powerful, free alternative to Microsoft Office, WPS Spreadsheet provides the perfect environment for handling your exported project schedules and hyperlink lists without requiring an expensive subscription.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free suite, and install it on your device.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and click on 'Spreadsheet' on the main dashboard to start the application.
3. Import Your Task List: Go to Menu > Open, and select the Excel or CSV file containing your exported MS Project task links to view and organize them.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and CSV formats for viewing exported project data.Lightweight architecture ensures fast loading of large project task lists.Familiar tabbed interface makes sorting and managing hyperlink addresses intuitive.Completely free to use with broad cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are hyperlinks stored in Microsoft Project?

Hyperlinks are stored within the individual task metadata. You can view them directly in the task sheet by inserting the 'Hyperlink', 'Hyperlink Address', and 'Hyperlink SubAddress' columns into your active view.

Can I export MS Project tasks directly to Excel?

Yes. You can export tasks to Excel by navigating to File > Export > Save Project as File, selecting Microsoft Excel Workbook, and using the Export Wizard to map the specific task fields you want to export.

Why are my task URLs missing from the exported Excel file?

This typically occurs if the hyperlink fields were not mapped during the export process. By default, Project might only export basic data like Task Name and Duration. You must manually add the 'Hyperlink Address' field in the Export Wizard mapping.

Is there a way to extract hyperlinks using VBA in MS Project?

Yes. If you have many complex links, you can write a VBA macro that loops through all tasks in the active project and exports the Task.HyperlinkAddress and Task.Name properties directly to a text file or an Excel spreadsheet.

Office Quick Solutions