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MPP XML
File conversion

Convert MPP to XML

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Aug 14, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert MPP to XML?
Yes - MPP converts to XML.

In Microsoft Project, go to File > Save As and select XML Format (*.xml) to produce an MSPDI document capturing tasks, dependencies, resources, and baselines. If you do not have Microsoft Project, ProjectLibre (free) can open most .mpp files and also export to Microsoft Project XML.

Also to XML: IEPD · XHTML · TSI

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert MPP to XML?

The .mpp binary format is proprietary and version-sensitive, making it unreliable across different Project versions and third-party tools. The MSPDI format is openly documented by Microsoft and is the standard interchange format for project data, and exporting to .xml also makes the schedule machine-readable for scripts and integrations without requiring a Project license.

How to convert MPP to XML

Microsoft Project APP

Open the .mpp file, go to File > Save As, select XML Format (*.xml) from the file-type dropdown, and save to produce an MSPDI document.

ProjectLibre FREE

Open the .mpp in ProjectLibre, go to File > Save As, and select Microsoft Project XML (*.xml) as the file type.

About these formats

.MPP Microsoft Project Plan

An MPP file is a Microsoft Project plan - a project schedule containing tasks, durations, dependencies, resources, and a Gantt chart. Microsoft Project opens and edits it, but it is a…

Open .MPP details →
.XML Extensible Markup Language Document

An XML file is a plain-text document that stores structured data in nested, custom tags. Because it is just text, any text editor opens it - drag it into a browser tab for a quick,…

Open .XML details →

Quality & what to watch

  • The output is MSPDI (Microsoft Project Data Interchange) XML - not generic XML; receiving tools must support the MSPDI schema specifically.
  • Tasks, durations, dependency types, resources, assignments, costs, calendars, and baselines all transfer; custom views, Gantt formatting, and VBA macros do not.
  • ProjectLibre reads standard schedules reliably but fidelity is not guaranteed for files with heavy customization or newer Project-specific features.

Frequently asked questions

What is MSPDI XML?
MSPDI (Microsoft Project Data Interchange) is an openly documented XML schema that captures the full project schedule - tasks, dependencies, resources, and baselines.
Will other project management tools import the exported XML?
Yes - most tools that say they support Project XML expect MSPDI specifically and will import tasks, dependencies, and resources directly.
What is lost when converting `.mpp` to XML?
Custom views, Gantt bar styles, VBA macros, and Project-specific reports are not part of the MSPDI schema and are not exported.
Can I use ProjectLibre if I do not have Microsoft Project?
Yes - ProjectLibre is free and open-source, opens most .mpp files, and exports to Microsoft Project XML, though heavily customized files may not import cleanly.