'%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 Save a Project Online Project as an MPP File
Question details
The user needs to transfer a Project Online project and save it locally as an MPP file rather than exporting it to Excel.
- Product
- Microsoft Project Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Transferring or backing up a project from Project Online to a local desktop format.
- Observed behavior
- The user is looking for a way to save the project directly as an MPP file instead of using the default Excel export functionality.
Ensure you have the Microsoft Project desktop client installed and fully updated, as you will need it to open and export projects directly from the Project Center.
Export Project Online to MPP via Desktop Client
Open your project from the Project Center directly into the desktop client to access the 'Save Project as File' option.
Project Online does not natively allow direct MPP downloads from the web interface. You must use the Microsoft Project desktop application to bridge this gap.
Log into Project Online and navigate to the Project Center where your projects are listed.
Select the project you wish to save, then click 'Open in Microsoft Project' from the ribbon interface.
Once the project loads in the Microsoft Project desktop client, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner and select 'Export'.
Click on 'Save Project as File', choose the standard MPP format, and select a local destination on your computer to save the file.
Transfer Ownership in Project for the Web
If you are using Project for the web and need to transfer a project to a new owner without exporting, update the project details directly.
Manage Project Data with WPS Office
While Microsoft Project uses proprietary MPP files, many teams prefer managing timelines, tasks, and resources using flexible spreadsheets. WPS Office provides a free, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, allowing you to easily handle project tracking using standard document formats without expensive subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an MPP file without having Microsoft Project installed?
To natively open and edit an MPP file, you need Microsoft Project. However, you can use third-party MPP viewer applications or import the file into compatible project management platforms if you do not have a Project license.
Why is the 'Open in Microsoft Project' button missing in Project Center?
This usually occurs if you do not have the appropriate Project Plan license assigned to your account, or if the Microsoft Project desktop client is not correctly installed and associated with web protocols on your PC.
Can I convert an MPP file into an Excel spreadsheet later?
Yes. Once you have the file open in the Microsoft Project desktop client, you can go to File > Export > Save Project as File, and then select the Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) format to export your task data into a spreadsheet.
