Can you help me with importing an excel file into Microsoft projects

Tonya Rankin 0 Reputation points
2026-10-12T19:18:03.4633333+00:00

Hi, I have no clue what I am doing. My boss told me to purchase Microsoft Projects. I have done that. I need help in importing an excel file into projects. I have tried Chat GPT and they told me but it's not working. Can you call me and advise how to do this.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Project | Other | Windows
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  1. Jay1 Tran 1,720 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-12T19:31:38.4166667+00:00

    Hi Tonya,

    Thank you for reaching out.

    To import your Excel data into Project, please follow these steps:

    1. In Project, select File > New.
    2. On the New page, select New from Excel workbook.

    Excel workbook template

    1. In the Open box, select Excel Workbook

    Select which Excel workbook to open for data

    1. Locate and select the workbook you want to import. Select Open.
    2. In the Import Wizard, select Next to get started, and follow the steps to complete the import.

    Project Import Wizard As this is a user-to-user community, I am unable to arrange a telephone call through this community. If you would prefer live assistance, please contact your organization’s IT administrator and ask them to create a support ticket with Microsoft Support on your behalf.

    In case you do not know who is your IT admin, kindly refer to this article: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support  

    For guidance on how to request support in the admin center, please refer to: Get support - Microsoft 365 admin.      

    I hope your issue gets resolved soon.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-12T19:18:59.46+00:00

    In Project Standard for Windows, open the Excel workbook through File > Open > Browse, then use the Import Wizard to map its columns to Microsoft Project fields.^1^

    Import the Excel file

    1. Prepare the workbook in Excel
      • Put column headings in the first row.
      • Keep the data in a simple table without merged cells or blank heading rows.
      • For a basic task list, useful headings include:
        • Task Name
        • Duration
        • Start
        • Finish
        • Predecessors
        • Resource Names
      • Save and close the workbook before importing it.
    2. Open the workbook from Project
      • Start Microsoft Project Standard.
      • Select File > Open > Browse.
      • In the file-selection window, change Files of type to Excel Workbook.
      • Select the .xlsx file and choose Open.
    3. Complete the Import Wizard
      • Choose New map if prompted.
      • Select the option to create a new project unless the spreadsheet is intended to update an existing Project file.
      • Select Tasks.
      • Select the worksheet containing the task list.
      • Indicate that the first row contains column headings, if that option appears.
    4. Map the Excel columns On the Task Mapping page, match each Excel heading in the From column with the corresponding Project field in the To column. Example:
      Excel column Microsoft Project field
      Task Name Name
      Duration Duration
      Start Start
      Finish Finish
      Predecessors Predecessors
      Resource Names Resource Names
      The important detail is that Project calls the task-title field Name, not Task Name. If “Task Name” is missing from the Project-field list, select Name instead.^2^
    5. Check the Preview area to confirm that the columns line up correctly, then select Finish. Project’s mapping page also lets you change a destination field, delete an unwanted row, or add fields before completing the import.^1^
    6. Review the imported schedule and save it as a Project file:
      • Select File > Save As.
      • Save it as an .mpp file.

    If the result is incorrect

    • If tasks appear but names are blank, map the Excel task-name column to Name.
    • If dates or durations import incorrectly, simplify those columns in Excel so each column contains one consistent type of value. For duration or work imports, a Microsoft Project Q&A answer notes that Project stores time-related data internally in minutes; this is particularly relevant when raw numeric values are being imported.^2^
    • If the workbook does not appear in the Open window, verify that Excel Workbook is selected under Files of type.
    • If possible, first test with a copy containing only three columns—Task Name, Duration, and Start—to make the mapping easier to diagnose.

    Getting telephone or live support

    A callback cannot be initiated through this Q&A response. For official Microsoft assistance, open the Get Help app from the Windows Start menu, describe the Project import problem, and select Contact Support if offered. Depending on the product, subscription, operating hours, and scenario, the available options may include browser chat or providing a telephone number for a support-agent callback.^3^


    References

    1. Export or import data to another file format | Microsoft Support
    2. Task Name Unavailable in MS Project Import Wizard Mapping Options - Microsoft Q&A
    3. Get Help for Microsoft personal account users | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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