Export to Microsoft Project - Instructions

This page will assist you in exporting a snapshot of your earned value plan to Microsoft Project. Follow the steps below:

  1. Earned value data is exported to a Microsoft Project CSV file. The download of this file may start automatically; if it does not, click here. Save this file onto your computer.
  2. In Microsoft Project, create a new, empty project. Choose "Project Project Information..." In the dialog that appears, change the "Schedule from" field to "Project Finish Date" and click OK.
  3. In Microsoft Project, choose "File Open" and select the file you saved in the first step. You may have to change the "Files of type" selector in order to see the CSV file. Click the Open button.
  4. An "Import Wizard" will appear. When the wizard asks whether you would like to create a new map or use an existing map, choose the "New Map" option.
  5. On the next screen of the wizard, select the option to "Append the data to the active project."
  6. Click Next through the remaining screens, accepting all the suggested default values:
  7. On the final screen, click the Finish button. (Optional: Before clicking the Finish button, you can save the map you just defined for future use. Keep in mind, however, that future releases of the dashboard may export additional data fields. When you upgrade the dashboard in the future, it is advisable to recreate a new map, as described on this page.)
  8. You may see a warning that task start dates precede the start date of the project, or that task end dates fall after the finish date of the project. These warnings are harmless and can be ignored.
  9. A new project will be created and populated with the current data from your earned value plan. If you wish, you can save this project for future use. Keep in mind that this is only a snapshot of your earned value project. The data in this snapshot will not be refreshed when you make progress in the future. Also, changes made in this Microsoft Project file will not be reflected in the dashboard.


The XML file format was introduced in Microsoft Project 2003. If you are using MS Project 2003 or later, you are encouraged to use the newer XML format instead.