Microsoft Project for Mac: File Compatibility and Exchange
When a project plan moves between Microsoft Project desktop and a Mac workflow, choose a format based on whether the recipient must continue editing the schedule or only needs its data or a fixed copy.
Know what each format is for
Section titled “Know what each format is for”MPP is Microsoft Project’s standard working format for a desktop plan. XML is a structured interchange format, while Excel, CSV, and text are mainly useful for moving selected fields or tables. PDF and XPS are fixed-layout outputs for sharing or printing; Project can save a PDF but cannot open one as a project plan.1
In Project desktop, the Import/Export Wizard can map selected task, resource, and assignment fields. It does not make a table export equivalent to an MPP schedule: calculated values may be recalculated after import, and a field exchange may not preserve the behavior of calendars, formulas, links, or other project settings.2
Exchange an MPP file with Project Plan 365
Section titled “Exchange an MPP file with Project Plan 365”Project Plan 365 for Mac opens, edits, and saves MPP files. Its compatibility information lists Microsoft Project 2010 through 2024 and describes full MPP compatibility. Review the product’s compatibility details, then validate a representative copy when a plan relies on specialized fields, formulas, calendars, or resource behavior.
For a careful handoff:
- Keep an untouched original MPP and work from a copy.
- Open the copy in Project Plan 365 and review the resulting schedule.
- Compare summary-task structure, key dates, dependencies, calendars, resources, and important custom fields.
- If the file will return to Microsoft Project, reopen it in the intended Project release and verify the same items there.
This check is especially useful when multiple applications will edit the plan or when the schedule depends on custom formulas, calendars, or resource behavior.