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How to Import Custom Fields from Project Desktop to Project for the Web

Khadija KhanKhadija Khan Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to import and display custom fields from Project Desktop when moving a project to Project for the web.

How to Import Custom Fields from Project Desktop to Project for the Web
Product
Microsoft Project
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Migrating project data from Project Desktop to Project for the web while retaining custom columns.
Observed behavior
Custom columns are successfully imported but remain hidden by default in Project for the web, requiring manual steps to unhide and display them.
Before you start

Ensure you have successfully imported your initial project file from Project Desktop to Project for the web before attempting to display the hidden custom fields.

Solution 1Recommended

Display Imported Custom Fields in Project for the Web

Use the Add column feature to unhide and display supported custom fields that were imported from Project Desktop.

When you import a project from Project Desktop to Project for the web, your custom data is transferred but remains visually hidden by default to keep the interface uncluttered. You can easily unhide them using the built-in column manager.

1
Open your imported project

Navigate to Project for the web and open the project file you recently imported from Project Desktop.

2
Click on Add column

In the main project grid view, scroll to the far right of your existing columns and click on the 'Add column' header.

3
Select your custom fields

Look for the specific names of your imported custom fields in the dropdown list. Click on each field to add it to your current view.

Display Imported Custom Fields in Project for the Web
Supported Field Types: Custom Flag, Text, Lookup Table, and Number fields can be imported and displayed seamlessly without losing any of their data.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my custom fields not visible after importing to Project for the web?

By default, Project for the web hides imported custom fields to maintain a clean and simplified interface. You must manually display them by clicking the 'Add column' header and selecting your specific fields from the list.

What custom field types from Project Desktop are supported in Project for the web?

Currently, you can successfully import Custom Flag, Text, Lookup Table, and Number fields. These specific types will transfer to the web version without losing their associated data.

Will I lose data in unsupported custom fields during the import process?

Yes, if you use custom field types outside of the supported ones (such as formulas or specific enterprise fields), their data will not be transferred or accessible in Project for the web.

Can I create new custom fields directly in Project for the web?

Yes. You can create brand new custom fields natively in the Project for the web interface by clicking the 'Add column' header and choosing 'New field' to define the data type.