How to Open Project for the Web Projects in Microsoft Project Desktop
Question details
The user needs to open a project created in Project for the Web within the Microsoft Project Professional desktop application.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Transferring or opening web-based project tasks in the local Project Desktop client.
- Observed behavior
- Projects created in Project for the Web cannot be opened directly in Microsoft Project Professional because it operates on a different platform than Project Online.
Ensure you have Microsoft Excel or a compatible spreadsheet application installed to facilitate the data transfer, as direct integration between Project for the Web and Project Professional desktop is not supported.
Export to Excel and Import into Project Professional
Use an Excel export as an intermediary to transfer your tasks and project data from Project for the Web to Microsoft Project Professional.
Because Project for the Web relies on the Microsoft Power Platform rather than the traditional SharePoint architecture of Project Online, it does not feature a native 'Open in Project Desktop' button. Exporting your data to Excel first is the most reliable workaround to move your task lists.
Open your project in Project for the Web, click the three dots (More options) in the top right corner, and select 'Export to Excel' to download your project data as an .xlsx file.
Launch your spreadsheet application and open the downloaded .xlsx file to review your task lists, dates, and assignments.
Highlight and copy the relevant task rows and columns, prioritizing essential fields like Task Name, Start Date, Finish Date, and Duration.
Open a blank project in Microsoft Project Professional and paste the copied data directly into the task sheet. Manually adjust the columns to ensure all data aligns correctly.
Manage Your Project Data Seamlessly with WPS Office
While Microsoft Project requires specific premium licenses, managing your project exports, task lists, and timelines in Excel format is effortless with WPS Office. WPS Spreadsheets is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that perfectly handles your exported project .xlsx files.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Get the free installation package from the official WPS website and complete the setup process.
- 2. Open your exported project file: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open the .xlsx file you exported from Project for the Web.
- 3. Organize your tasks: Easily edit, filter, and format your project tasks using WPS Spreadsheets' advanced data management tools before importing them elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I open Project for the Web directly in Microsoft Project desktop?
Project for the Web is built on the Microsoft Power Platform, whereas the desktop client (Project Professional) integrates primarily with Project Online and Project Server. This fundamental structural difference prevents a direct 'Open in Desktop' functionality.
Can I link my Project Professional file back to Project for the Web?
No, copying your data from Excel into Project Professional creates a standalone desktop file. Any progress or task updates made in the desktop app will not sync back to Project for the Web.
Does Project Online support opening files in Project Desktop?
Yes, unlike Project for the Web, Project Online allows you to connect and open projects directly in Microsoft Project Professional using the native 'Open in Project' feature found in the ribbon.
What data is lost when exporting from Project for the Web to Excel?
While core task data like names, dates, and durations are safely exported, complex cross-project dependencies, custom views, and certain specific resource mappings may not transfer effectively and will require manual setup in your desktop app.
