Import data into Microsoft Project
In Project desktop, import data by mapping supported external files into a new or existing plan. The import map determines which fields transfer, so importing rows does not necessarily recreate the full schedule or its behavior.1
Excel, text, CSV, and XML
Section titled “Excel, text, CSV, and XML”Project’s Import Wizard can bring in Excel, tab-delimited text, CSV, and XML data. Import maps select which task, resource, or assignment fields are transferred.
If a project begins as an Excel workbook, choose File > New > New from Excel workbook to map workbook data into Project fields through the Import Wizard.1
Project Plan 365 is another option for importing data, with separate workflows for Excel or CSV, Smartsheet, and MindManager.
Because the selected map shapes the imported result, check task names, durations, dates, resources, and relationships before relying on the schedule.
Import versus open
Section titled “Import versus open”Use Open for a Project plan file such as MPP; see What Is an MPP File?. Use Import when external data needs to be mapped into Project fields. For the roles and limitations of supported exchange formats, see File Formats Supported by Project Desktop.
References
Section titled “References”- File-based import behavior: supported formats and maps; Excel workbook workflow.