Save and Protect Microsoft Project Files
Saving and protecting are different file operations. Save a working plan in a supported format such as MPP, and add a file password when you need to control opening or editing. File passwords do not replace organizational permissions or document-management controls.
Save a working project file
Section titled “Save a working project file”In Project desktop, choose File > Save As, select a location, enter a filename, and choose Save. The subscription desktop client may show recently used locations first, but you can choose another folder.
In Project Plan 365, File > Save updates the current file, while File > Save As lets you choose a new name or location. Its guides explain saving a project and saving a copy with Save As.
Use Save As before a risky cross-version conversion or a large structural change. Keeping an untouched copy gives you a way back if a later save removes information that another Project release cannot represent.
Project can also save project information to other formats, including PDF, XPS, Excel, CSV, text, and XML. These formats serve exchange or presentation purposes and may not preserve the complete behavior of the original Project plan; see File Formats Supported by Project Desktop to choose an appropriate format.
Add a file password
Section titled “Add a file password”When saving the file, choose Tools > General Options in the Save As dialog. Project provides two file-level controls:
- A protection password is required to open the file.
- A write-reservation password allows people to read the file, but only people with the password can make changes.
These password controls apply to desktop Project files, not files stored in Project Web App.1
These password options apply to files saved from Project desktop. Files stored in Project Web App are protected through that service’s access controls and permissions.
Project Plan 365 also supports password-protected MPP files. Set a password through File > Options > Protect Plan, then save the file with File > Save As. Follow the steps to save a password-protected MPP file and open one.
Use a strong password and store it securely. If the file is managed through an organizational service, follow that service’s access and security rules as well.
Choose the right operation
Section titled “Choose the right operation”Use Save As for a working file or deliberate format conversion. Use a template when you need a reusable starting point; see Microsoft Project Templates. Add a password when the file itself needs an opening or editing barrier.