How to convert an .mpp file to Microsoft Project XML
Microsoft Project XML is the common language of planning tools. Here is how to convert an .mpp to XML on a Mac or iPad, and how to turn XML back into an .mpp.
Updated 17 October 2026
Quick answer
In MPP Studio, choose File › Export › Microsoft Project XML… to turn an .mpp into XML. To go the other way, choose File › Import Microsoft Project XML… and save the result as an .mpp.
What Microsoft Project XML is for
Microsoft Project XML (also called MSPDI) is an open, text-based format published by Microsoft. Most planning tools can read it. Use it when the person you’re sending to doesn’t use Microsoft Project or an .mpp-compatible app.
| TOOL | IMPORTS XML | EXPORTS XML |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Project (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| MPP Studio | Yes | Yes (and saves .mpp) |
| OmniPlan Pro | Yes | Yes |
| Merlin Project | Yes | Yes |
| ProjectLibre | Yes | Yes |
| Primavera P6 | Yes | Yes |
.mpp to XML
- Open the .mpp in MPP Studio.
- Choose File › Export › Microsoft Project XML…
- Save the .xml file and send it, or import it into the other tool.
Tasks, outline, links, calendars, resources, assignments and baselines are written to the XML.
XML to .mpp
- In MPP Studio, choose File › Import Microsoft Project XML…
- Pick the .xml file. It opens as a schedule.
- Save it as an .mpp with ⌘S, ready for Microsoft Project users.
That is useful when a tool such as ProjectLibre or Merlin Project can only export XML, but the recipient wants an .mpp.
XML or .mpp: which to send?
- Send .mpp to anyone using Microsoft Project, Project Plan 365 or MPP Studio. It’s what they expect.
- Send XML to people on other planning tools, or when a system needs to read the schedule automatically.
- Send a PDF to people who only need to read it.
Questions people ask
What is MSPDI?
MSPDI is Microsoft Project’s XML format: an open, documented text format for project schedules.
Can I convert XML back to .mpp on a Mac?
Yes. Import the XML in MPP Studio and save it as an .mpp.
Convert your schedules
Open .mpp and Project XML on Mac and iPad, and save either.
Related
Microsoft and Microsoft Project are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. MPP Studio is not affiliated with Microsoft. Other product names are trademarks of their owners. Competitor details are taken from their own websites and App Store listings in October 2026; check with the vendor for current prices.