How to Export Microsoft Project to Excel and Move to ClickUp
If you are managing complex project schedules in Microsoft Project and considering a move to ClickUp, understanding how to export your data to Excel is a key first step. This guide walks you through exporting from MS Project, preparing your file, and getting ready to transition your work into a modern workspace.
Why Export Microsoft Project Data Before Moving to ClickUp
Microsoft Project is powerful but can feel rigid, especially when collaborating with cross-functional teams. Many teams move to ClickUp for flexible views, simplified sharing, and more intuitive task management.
Exporting your .mpp file to Excel lets you:
- Back up critical schedule data in a universal format
- Clean and restructure tasks before import into another platform
- Share timelines with stakeholders who do not use Microsoft Project
- Prepare for a smoother migration into tools like ClickUp
By using Excel as a bridge, you keep control of task names, dates, resources, and other important fields while transitioning to a new system.
Preparing Your Microsoft Project Plan for Export
Before you export, review your plan. A clean Microsoft Project file results in a cleaner Excel sheet and makes later setup in ClickUp easier.
Clean Up Your Task List
In Microsoft Project, open your project file and verify that your task list is accurate and up to date.
- Remove obsolete or test tasks you no longer need
- Check that task names clearly describe the work
- Verify start and finish dates are realistic
- Confirm dependencies are correct
Well-structured tasks reduce confusion when you analyze them in Excel or rebuild your workflow in ClickUp.
Choose the Fields You Need
Decide what data you really need outside Microsoft Project. Common fields include:
- Task Name
- Start and Finish dates
- Duration
- Predecessors
- Resource Names
- Percent Complete
Exporting only what you use keeps the Excel file lighter and makes it easier to map columns to fields if you later configure a system like ClickUp.
Step-by-Step: How to Export Microsoft Project to Excel
Use the built-in export feature in Microsoft Project to create a structured Excel file. The exact labels vary slightly by version, but the process is similar.
Step 1: Open Your Project File
- Launch Microsoft Project.
- Open the .mpp file that contains the tasks you want to export.
Confirm that you are viewing the correct project and that it is fully saved before exporting.
Step 2: Start the Export Process
- Go to the File menu.
- Select Save As or Export (depending on your version).
- Choose a location on your computer where you want to save the Excel file.
- In the Save as type dropdown, select an Excel file format, often listed as Excel Workbook or Excel.
Give the file a clear name so you can easily locate it when preparing to set up your ClickUp workspace.
Step 3: Use the Export Wizard
When you choose an Excel type, Microsoft Project usually opens an Export Wizard to guide you.
- In the first screen, select whether to use an existing map or create a new one.
- Choose New Map if you want to customize which fields are exported.
- Select Tasks as the type of data to export (you can also include resources or assignments if needed).
The wizard lets you control how your Microsoft Project data will appear in Excel, which is helpful if you plan to use that data in ClickUp.
Step 4: Map Microsoft Project Fields to Excel Columns
In the mapping step of the wizard:
- Choose the Microsoft Project fields you want to export.
- Match each Project field to a column name in Excel.
- Add or remove fields until you have only what you need.
For example, you might map:
- Task Name → Task
- Start → Start Date
- Finish → End Date
- Resource Names → Assignee
Clear mapping now makes it easier to match these columns to fields if you later configure lists or views in ClickUp.
Step 5: Complete the Export
- Review your mapping summary.
- Confirm the file name and location.
- Click Finish to export.
Microsoft Project will generate an Excel file with the columns you selected. Open it in Excel to validate that dates, durations, and task names look correct.
Checking and Cleaning the Excel File for Use in ClickUp
Once you have your Excel file, review it carefully before importing the data into any new system, including ClickUp.
Validate Column Headers
Make sure your headers are clear and consistent:
- Rename ambiguous columns so others know what each column means.
- Remove unused columns that offer no value.
- Keep date fields in a standard date format.
Concise, descriptive headers help when you align this Excel structure with fields in ClickUp.
Check for Data Issues
Scan for potential problems:
- Blank task names or duplicate entries
- Start dates after finish dates
- Missing assignees where they are required
- Inconsistent text values used as status or phase labels
Fixing these issues now saves time when you are building lists, sprints, or Gantt views in ClickUp.
Why Many Teams Move from Microsoft Project to ClickUp
After exporting their data, many teams evaluate alternatives to traditional project scheduling tools. A modern platform such as ClickUp can give you:
- Multiple views (List, Board, Gantt, Calendar) from the same set of tasks
- Centralized docs, comments, and file sharing
- Custom fields to mirror the structure you had in Microsoft Project
- Simplified collaboration for both technical and non-technical teams
Your exported Excel file becomes a bridge between the structured schedules of Microsoft Project and the flexible workspaces of ClickUp.
Next Steps After Exporting: Planning a ClickUp Workspace
With your Excel export ready, think about how you want to organize work when you configure ClickUp.
Align Excel Columns to Future ClickUp Fields
As you review your spreadsheet, consider which columns will become:
- Task titles and descriptions
- Start and due dates
- Assignees or teams
- Statuses or phases
- Custom fields such as priority or department
This planning step ensures that when you build out your new structure, your legacy Microsoft Project data fits naturally into ClickUp lists and spaces.
Document Your Process
Record how you exported and cleaned the file so your team can repeat it if needed. Note:
- Which maps or field selections you used
- What columns you removed or renamed
- How you want tasks grouped in your future workspace
Clear documentation makes future migrations easier and helps new teammates understand the connection between the old Microsoft Project plan and the new ClickUp environment.
Additional Resources
To review the original detailed explanation of exporting Microsoft Project to Excel, you can read the full guide on the ClickUp blog: How to Export MS Project to Excel.
If you need expert help planning your overall migration strategy or optimizing your workspace architecture, consider consulting a specialist. For example, Consultevo provides advisory and implementation services for modern work management platforms.
By exporting Microsoft Project data to Excel and thoughtfully planning your structure, you create a strong foundation for organizing projects in ClickUp or any other collaborative work management tool your team adopts.
Need Help With ClickUp?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.
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