'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Manage Master Projects and Subprojects in Project for the Web
Question details
The user wants to structure their workflow by creating a master project that contains linked subprojects within Project for the Web.
- Product
- Microsoft Project for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Planning complex project portfolios that require hierarchical master and subproject file structures for better organization.
- Observed behavior
- Project for the Web does not support traditional master projects with linked subprojects; it is designed strictly for individual cloud-based project plans.
Verify if your Microsoft 365 subscription includes access to the Microsoft Project desktop application or Microsoft Power BI, as these tools are required for implementing the available workarounds.
Use the Microsoft Project Desktop Application
Since the web version lacks this feature, using the traditional desktop application is the most direct way to create a master project and insert subprojects.
The Microsoft Project desktop client retains the traditional file management capabilities needed to link multiple .mpp files into a single master schedule.
Launch the Microsoft Project desktop application on your computer.
Create a new blank project. This file will serve as your master project.
Click on the 'Project' tab located on the top ribbon menu.
Click on 'Subproject' in the Insert group, then browse and select the existing project files you want to link. Click 'Insert' to finalize.
Consolidate Views Using Power BI
If you must use Project for the Web and lack desktop access, maintain separate plans and use Microsoft Power BI to generate a consolidated master view.
Manage Project Timelines with WPS Office
While Microsoft Project requires specific and often costly licenses, you can seamlessly track project progress, create Gantt charts, and manage subtasks using WPS Spreadsheet, a free and highly compatible Office alternative.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official WPS website.
- 2. Access Templates: Open WPS Spreadsheet and navigate to the 'Templates' section from the homepage.
- 3. Find a Project Tracker: Search for 'Project Management' or 'Gantt Chart' to find a pre-built layout that suits your workflow.
- 4. Manage Subtasks: Customize the downloaded template to track your main project goals alongside grouped subtasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Microsoft add master project support to Project for the Web?
Microsoft currently focuses Project for the Web on individual cloud-based plans and utilizes the Power Platform for broader portfolio management. There is no official timeline for bringing traditional linked master project features to the web version.
Can I link Project for the Web plans to a desktop master project?
No. Project for the Web plans are stored in Microsoft Dataverse and cannot be directly inserted as linked subprojects into a local Microsoft Project desktop (.mpp) file.
What is the best way to get a portfolio view in Project for the Web?
The recommended approach for a portfolio-level view is to use the Project Accelerator app in Power Apps, or to connect Microsoft Power BI to your Project Dataverse environment to pull aggregate reports across multiple projects.
