A Microsoft Undertaking plan file, or an MPP file, is a file format that’s unique to Microsoft Undertaking. This implies customers must buy Microsoft Undertaking to open them. In any other case, utilizing and extra importantly, sharing MS Undertaking recordsdata, will trigger issues. Nevertheless, you possibly can keep away from these hurdles you probably have a Microsoft Undertaking viewer to view and edit MPP recordsdata.
What Is a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer?
A Microsoft Undertaking viewer, also referred to as an MS Undertaking viewer or MPP viewer, is software program that lets you open MPP recordsdata with out having to buy a Microsoft Undertaking license. MPP viewers had been created as a workaround for customers who must open MPP recordsdata however don’t have Microsoft Undertaking because of drawbacks reminiscent of a excessive value, steep studying curve or lack of compatibility with Mac.
Nevertheless, it’s necessary to notice that whereas Microsoft Undertaking viewers allow you to open MPP recordsdata, they don’t provide the identical challenge planning, scheduling or monitoring instruments as Microsoft Undertaking. An MPP viewer shouldn’t be equal to project management software, however a a lot easier software that may solely be used to visualise information out of your MPP recordsdata.
If you happen to’re in search of an MPP viewer with comparable options to Microsoft Undertaking, it is best to strive ProjectManager. ProjectManager is greater than only a Microsoft Undertaking viewer, it’s on-line challenge administration software program that lets you open, print, share and edit MPP recordsdata on-line. Extra importantly, ProjectManager lets you use all of the challenge administration options you count on from Microsoft Undertaking reminiscent of Gantt charts, kanban boards, challenge calendars and extra. Get began right this moment at no cost.
Why Ought to You Use a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer?
There are a number of the explanation why Microsoft Undertaking may not be the perfect challenge administration software for some organizations, which causes challenge managers to search for Microsoft Project alternatives, reminiscent of MPP viewers. Listed below are a few of them.
Microsoft Undertaking Is Costly
The worth level is likely one of the difficulties that one encounters instantly with MS Undertaking. Microsoft Undertaking requires a month-to-month subscription that begins at $10/month/person, however you don’t get a whole lot of options with it. The extra superior cloud-based subscription will set you again $55 per thirty days/person. The on-premise Microsoft Undertaking answer is even pricier: the value vary is $679.99 for Undertaking Customary 2021 to over $1,129.99 for the Undertaking Skilled 2021 version.
Microsoft Undertaking Is Onerous to Use
Whereas the brand new Microsoft Undertaking On-line provides extra flexibility to the product and is definitely an enchancment over the desktop model, the educational curve continues to be steep. It’s not a user-friendly interface and sharing recordsdata shouldn’t be straightforward. Microsoft gives its Sharepoint as a method to share recordsdata, however even their answer is dear and never straightforward to make use of. Add to that the shortage of a real-time dashboard, and you’ll see why individuals are motivated to search out another.
Microsoft Undertaking Is Not Out there for Mac Customers
For these initiatives which are being managed on a Mac OS machine, the issues are a lot worse. Microsoft Undertaking doesn’t assist Apple merchandise. That ignores large industries, reminiscent of publishing and design.
You possibly can keep away from these drawbacks through the use of a Microsoft Undertaking viewer. Microsoft Undertaking viewers are an excellent substitute for all variations of MS Undertaking, together with Microsoft Project Online, as most of them allow you to open MPP recordsdata on-line.
Key Options of a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer
Whereas every Microsoft Undertaking viewer has completely different options and distinctive performance, most Microsoft Undertaking viewers permit you and your staff to:
- Open MPP recordsdata: View Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata on-line.
- Share Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata: MPP viewers allow you to export MPP recordsdata as Excel or CSV recordsdata which helps you to share them with non-MS Undertaking license holders.
- Print MPP recordsdata: Most MPP viewers let you print the content material of your Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata.
Nevertheless, whereas they’re useful, it’s necessary to grasp that Microsoft Undertaking viewers aren’t project management software like Microsoft Undertaking and subsequently would possibly lack necessary challenge administration instruments. If you’d like the closest expertise to Microsoft Undertaking, you possibly can strive ProjectManager, on-line challenge administration software program that allows you to use superior challenge administration options to:
- Handle MPP recordsdata on-line utilizing challenge administration instruments reminiscent of Gantt charts, kanban boards, challenge dashboards and timesheets.
- Create challenge schedules and use challenge monitoring instruments.
- Discover the essential path of your initiatives.
- Collaborate along with your staff on-line.
- View real-time challenge dashboard information.
- Export up to date information as XML again into MS Undertaking.
Let’s go over the method of utilizing ProjectManager as a sophisticated Microsoft Undertaking viewer and editor.
The right way to Use ProjectManager as a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer
With ProjectManager, you possibly can import and export Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata with out dropping any information due to its on-line storage. Plus, you possibly can view and edit MPP recordsdata earlier than exporting your adjustments and sharing them along with your staff members. Better of all, our MPP viewer works on each Home windows and Mac computer systems with out requiring any downloads.
1. Begin a Free 30-Day Trial
To view and edit MS Undertaking recordsdata in your laptop (Home windows or Mac), you have to first start your free 30-day trial. Select any plan you want, as they’re all suitable with Microsoft Undertaking, and every plan allows you to seamlessly import, export, view and edit MPP recordsdata. When you’ve chosen a plan, ProjectManager is free for 30 days and will be canceled at any time—no strings connected!
Comply with the walkthrough beneath to view and edit your MPP recordsdata in ProjectManager.
2. Use the Gantt Chart to Import Your MPP File
Launch the Gantt chart software and click on on the import button. You will discover it on the highest proper of your display screen. It’s the one with the image that appears like a field with an arrow piercing it on high. When you import your file, you should utilize ProjectManager as a web-based MPP file viewer and editor and use all its challenge administration options to edit your Microsoft Undertaking plan.
3. Get Your MPP File
Discover the MPP file you wish to work on. A popup window will ask which challenge file you want to import. When you’ve chosen it, hit subsequent. Be certain your file has the suitable MPP file extension.
4. Choose Your Choices
Comply with the alternatives listed on the brand new popup menu. Now you can add the imported MS challenge file to an present challenge or open it as a brand new one, in addition to change the info or hold it.
5. Import the MPP File into Our Microsoft Undertaking Viewer
Select the way you wish to import the Microsoft Undertaking file. You will get all the info from it or simply the duty record. It’s as much as you. Select whichever choice provides you extra choices in relation to effectively viewing and enhancing your MPP file.
6. Get Began Viewing & Modifying Your MPP File!
See that window that claims success? Meaning you’ve imported the file and now you possibly can share it, edit it and, if you need, export it again to MS Undertaking, with none hassles. Your challenge will seem on the Gantt chart at first, however you possibly can handle it in any of the challenge views out there on our on-line platform. It’s Microsoft Project integration carried out proper.
What MPP File Variations Does ProjectManager Open?
Microsoft Undertaking is a software program that has existed for many years, so numerous forms of MPP recordsdata have been developed through the years. ProjectManager will let you open any 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010 and 2007 .MPP file codecs.
This implies you should utilize ProjectManager as an MS Undertaking Viewer for the next variations of Microsoft Undertaking:
- Microsoft Undertaking 2021
- Microsoft Undertaking 2019
- Microsoft Undertaking 2016 (with Workplace 365 subscription)
- Microsoft Undertaking 2013
- Microsoft Undertaking 2010
- Microsoft Undertaking 2007
Advantages of Utilizing ProjectManager as a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer
We’ve already realized that ProjectManager has all of the Microsoft Undertaking options you’re accustomed to, at a a lot decrease value and a extra pleasant person interface than Microsoft Undertaking. Listed below are much more advantages from utilizing ProjectManager as your Microsoft Undertaking viewer.
- Open MPP recordsdata On-line: View Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata on-line, even for those who used desktop variations of Microsoft Undertaking to create them.
- Edit MPP recordsdata On-line: Use any of ProjectManager’s challenge administration instruments to make adjustments to your MPP recordsdata.
- Print MPP recordsdata: Print the content material of your Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata in numerous codecs reminiscent of Gantt charts, activity lists, or challenge calendars.
- Import and Export Information from Microsoft Undertaking: If you want to export the info again to MS Undertaking, you possibly can merely click on “export,” and it’ll open in MS Undertaking with all the info updates intact. ProjectManager can be suitable with OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, Outlook and greater than 1,000 enterprise apps.
- Share Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata in a number of codecs: ProjectManager is a web-based MPP viewer that allows you to export MPP recordsdata as Excel or CSV recordsdata so you possibly can share them with non-MS Undertaking license holders. Export up to date information as XML again into MS Undertaking.
- Reduce Down Prices: ProjectManager is a cheap answer when in comparison with Microsoft Undertaking and most Microsoft Undertaking viewers. It lets you use the identical options as Microsoft Undertaking at a fraction of the fee.
- Handle Your Tasks On-line: As soon as your Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata are seamlessly imported on-line, you possibly can handle and share your initiatives 100% on-line, safely and securely, so you possibly can collaborate along with your staff. Every part from MS Undertaking transfers over, together with formatting reminiscent of shade coding.
- Helps All Microsoft Undertaking Views: Edit MPP recordsdata on-line utilizing challenge administration instruments reminiscent of Gantt charts, kanban boards, challenge dashboards and timesheets, not like different MPP viewers which don’t solely assist a couple of Microsoft Undertaking views.
10 Microsoft Undertaking Viewer Software program With Free & Paid Plans (On-line & Desktop Options)
If you happen to’re simply in search of a Microsoft Undertaking viewer and nothing else, some light-weight choices would possibly curiosity you. All work as a free Microsoft Undertaking viewer, even on Mac, and a few will be discovered within the Microsoft Retailer.
These instruments may not have the options that challenge managers want, reminiscent of Gantt charts, cloud storage, and so forth., however they’ll act as a web-based MPP viewer and make these cussed MPP recordsdata workable for iOS, Android and Home windows customers alike.
1. Undertaking Plan 365
Project Plan 365 is a Microsoft Undertaking viewer that may open and save Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata. It imports and exports seamlessly to collaborate with MS Undertaking. It really works with Mac and has a cloud interface to work on-line or a downloadable model to your macOS gadgets. A profit for Microsoft Undertaking customers is that this free MPP viewer has a well-known really feel to that software.
Customers have complained that the software program crashes, particularly if charts are extra sophisticated. One other challenge is that clients have complained of bugs, such because the software doesn’t sync with Dropbox. Whereas it guarantees loads, reminiscent of Gantt charts, it doesn’t at all times ship. When it does, the subscription value for the paid model is excessive.
2. Undertaking Viewer 365
Project Viewer 365 is one other light-weight Microsoft Undertaking viewer. It permits customers to view, learn, share and print MPP recordsdata. It has cloud-based integration with Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox and SharePoint. Pricing begins at $29.99 for one license, although there’s a free MPP viewer, and it really works with PCs, Macs, and any internet browser.
Whereas this can be a respectable on-line MPP viewer, it’s nothing else. If you happen to’re solely utilizing Microsoft Undertaking, then this may be a high-quality workaround to view recordsdata with groups and distributors that may in any other case require the acquisition of extra MS Undertaking licenses. Nevertheless it’s so barebones and even with a free model, it’s not definitely worth the cash to have one other app that does just one factor.
3. Seavus Undertaking Viewer
There’s additionally Seavus Project Viewer, one other MS Undertaking viewer that helps all of the views out there on Microsoft Undertaking and MS Undertaking Skilled, together with graphical reviews. Just like the others on this record, the person interface mimics that of MS Undertaking for ease of use. It even has Skype for Enterprise integration and a activity replace collaboration add-in.
The difficulty is, that is one other costly MPP viewer at $39 for a one-time person. There’s a free trial however that’s not going to assist clients who want a long-term answer. As an MS Undertaking viewer, you might do worse, however once more, there are not any different challenge administration options. The thought of spending cash on a product that does just one factor means you’ll finally have a handful of costly apps that may do however one factor when there are reasonably priced options that may view MPP recordsdata and way more.
4. Steelray MPP Viewer
Steelray is an MPP viewer that lets you learn information from MPP recordsdata in the entire similar views that Microsoft Undertaking has, together with Gantt charts, timelines, community diagrams and calendars. In addition to opening all Microsoft Undertaking file codecs, it might open Primavera Primavera P6 .XER recordsdata too. In all probability the primary benefit of Steelray is that it’s an affordable Microsoft Undertaking viewer for $35 per person per 12 months.
Sadly, Steelray is an on-premises answer that must be downloaded and put in in your laptop, which suggests you received’t be capable to open MPP recordsdata on-line, from any machine such as you would with a web-based MPP viewer. Its options are additionally very restricted and are designed for customers that simply must have entry to MPP recordsdata in a read-only view.
5. Undertaking Reader
Project Reader is a light-weight MS Undertaking viewer that focuses on useful resource administration. Its principal benefit is that it might open all kinds of Microsoft Undertaking file codecs reminiscent of MPP recordsdata, MPT recordsdata and XML recordsdata. It will possibly open Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata from 1998 to 2019.
Nevertheless, it solely gives a number of the challenge administration views from Microsoft Undertaking reminiscent of Gantt charts, useful resource sheet, useful resource utilization and activity utilization. One other huge drawback is that it’s an on-premises answer and its person interface appears and feels very outdated in comparison with most Microsoft Undertaking viewers. A Undertaking Reader license prices $29 per person per 12 months, the value can go all the way down to $23 per person per 12 months if you are going to buy greater than 20 licenses, which makes it a cheap different for bigger organizations.
6. MOOS Undertaking Viewer
MOOS Project Viewer is software program designed as a method to see Microsoft Undertaking Viewer recordsdata. Customers don’t want Microsoft Undertaking put in of their laptop to do that. That’s as a result of it helps opening and viewing Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata, together with MPP, XML and MPX codecs.
Whereas MOOS Undertaking Viewer can be utilized as a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer, it has restricted enhancing capabilities, reminiscent of read-only entry. It additionally lacks superior options reminiscent of detailed useful resource leveling or complicated scheduling. There are even compatibility points with newer Microsoft Undertaking options that aren’t absolutely supported. It’s designed to be user-friendly, however the actuality is the software program requires a steep studying curve. Bigger recordsdata will be gradual to open, it has restricted integration and no cloud entry, which may be a tough no for a lot of potential customers.
7. Smartsheet
Smartsheet is generally used as collaborative work administration software program, however it may be used as a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer. It imports Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata and permits them to be seen and to work together with the challenge information. Now these recordsdata are collaborative and will be seen in Gantt charts and reviews.
That doesn’t imply all Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata are supported by the Microsoft Undertaking Viewer. Extra complicated challenge plans with superior scheduling options could not import precisely. Some information will be misplaced or misrepresented. The interface between the 2 software program merchandise differs, which could require customers to regulate and will trigger confusion. As with most of those Microsoft Undertaking Viewers, customers must take time to familiarize themselves with the options and performance of the software program.
8. ClickUp
ClickUp is one other software that acts as a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer. It will possibly import Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata so customers can view the challenge information inside, reminiscent of duties, timelines and dependencies. These duties will be managed in ClickUp with its activity administration options and collaboration instruments.
As with most of the Microsoft Undertaking Viewers, there will be file compatibility points with ClickUp, particularly when coping with complicated challenge buildings and dependencies that may not import appropriately. Customers can expertise information loss throughout import, reminiscent of customized fields or particular scheduling options. There have additionally been reported issues with efficiency when coping with giant or complicated Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata. Much like different Microsoft Undertaking Viewers, customers can handle and monitor duties in ClickUp, however indirectly edit the unique Microsoft Undertaking file throughout the software.
9. Wrike
Wrike permits customers to view and collaborate on challenge information. Nevertheless, as a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer, it might have sure limitations. It does permit customers to import Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata and collaborate with different staff members. There may be additionally fundamental visualization, which helps customers perceive challenge timelines and dependencies.
The difficulty is that not all options or formatting could also be supported, which may result in potential discrepancies within the imported information. These information integrity points can create information loss or misrepresentation, particularly when importing complicated challenge recordsdata, reminiscent of these with customized fields or intricate dependencies. That is additionally true with importing giant recordsdata. As a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer, one other limitation is the truth that there is no such thing as a enhancing of authentic recordsdata. Ass the subscription value, and this may not be the suitable answer for a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer.
10. GanttPro
In addition to being a challenge administration software with Gantt charts, GanttPro can be utilized as a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer. It will possibly import Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata to view timelines, duties and dependencies within the Gantt chart view. The Gantt chart is an effective software for visualizing challenge timelines, essential paths and activity relationships. It’s additionally a collaborative software, which Microsoft Undertaking shouldn’t be. One other advantage of this Microsoft Undertaking Viewer is customers can monitor progress, replace activity statuses and handle assets straight within the platform.
However GanttPro isn’t the best Microsoft Undertaking Viewer. No shock, there are compatibility points. Not all of the options or customized settings from Microsoft Undertaking are absolutely supported. There will be information loss throughout import, particularly for complicated initiatives or bigger recordsdata. Restricted enhancing of authentic recordsdata can intervene with usability. Utilizing this Microsoft Undertaking Viewer will be pricey, as GanttPro works on a subscription mannequin. Plus, studying methods to use the software can take time, which many groups don’t have.
If you happen to’re in search of a strong software that has a free model and completely different subscription tiers to match your wants and never break your pockets, you’ll need an MS Undertaking viewer reminiscent of ProjectManager. It not solely views however edits and shares your MMP recordsdata. In reality, you would possibly simply surrender Microsoft Undertaking altogether.
Why ProjectManager Is the Greatest On-line Microsoft Undertaking Viewer
While you’ve imported your MS Undertaking File into a web-based Microsoft Undertaking viewer with the capability to edit MPP recordsdata, like ProjectManager, you’re given free rein to work, whether or not you’re utilizing Home windows, Mac, iOS or Android gadgets. The Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata are absolutely imported into your on-line MS Undertaking viewer.
Now that you just’re within the MPP file, there are completely different challenge views out there to you if you work. Let’s check out some revolutionary methods to make use of an MS Undertaking viewer with challenge administration options, like ProjectManager, and see how this software will help you’re employed extra effectively.
1. On-line Gantt Charts
While you import an MPP file to ProjectManager, the project plan and Gantt chart instantly populate on-line, preserving your customized columns and settings like color-coding, WBS and activity dependencies, in addition to importing assets and assignments. You possibly can then instantly view your challenge plans on-line and handle them along with your staff as soon as invited to the web challenge.
This contains collaborating along with your staff on duties straight on the Gantt chart, which lets you obtain alerts when your staff members have up to date their duties with feedback or file attachments. You too can handle initiatives in a portfolio, create challenge teams and handle activity dependencies throughout initiatives.
2. On-line Timesheets & Useful resource Administration
While you import Microsoft Undertaking plans on-line to ProjectManager, you get greater than an MS Undertaking viewer. You possibly can handle your initiatives on-line, together with managing useful resource time, prices and updates.
Since your useful resource information is imported, you possibly can share the web challenge plans along with your staff and invite them to replace timesheets. That is excellent for groups within the discipline; they will replace duties and timesheets anytime, wherever, and also you get e-mail alerts when their timesheets are prepared for approval.
3. Populate Actual-Time Dashboards
While you import an MPP file into ProjectManager, for instance, your real-time dashboard is immediately populated, exhibiting you on the spot views of your challenge information. You would possibly marvel, for those who’ve by no means seen a real-time view of your challenge information, why you would need a project dashboard? The advantages are clear upon import. You possibly can see at-a-glance:
- Undertaking well being
- Activity standing
- Staff workload standing
- Prices
- And extra
With ProjectManager, your MPP recordsdata are super-powered. Now they will mirror real-time adjustments in your challenge. You possibly can simply share paperwork that had been too huge to e-mail. Import and export are a breeze, the viewer can do all of the formatting for you, and better of all, your challenge information immediately populate your dashboard with colourful charts and graphs. Able to strive it? Sign up for a 30-day free trial now.
ProjectManager Is Extra Than a Microsoft Undertaking Viewer: It’s an MPP File Editor
ProjectManager isn’t only a free MS challenge viewer. It’s a Microsoft Undertaking different that can be utilized as an MPP file editor or a fully-featured challenge administration software program that provides you full management over your initiatives. While you import and export MS Project plans, you wish to have the flexibility to work on them and entry challenge administration options.
With information roundtripping, your imported information columns don’t should be “mapped,” like in different challenge viewers. The information instantly and seamlessly is imported into the suitable locations, so you possibly can proceed your challenge planning and scheduling proper there on-line!
With a sophisticated MPP editor, you possibly can:
- Open MPP recordsdata
- Handle MPP recordsdata on-line
- View deliberate, baselines and WBS
- See & replace activity dependencies
- Merge assets & their charges
- Merge assignments
- Collaborate along with your staff on-line
- View real-time dashboard information
- Export up to date information as XML into MS Undertaking
As soon as your Microsoft Undertaking recordsdata are seamlessly imported on-line, you possibly can handle and share your initiatives 100% on-line, safely and securely, so you possibly can collaborate along with your staff. Every part from MS Undertaking transfers over, together with formatting reminiscent of shade coding.
Staff members can replace duties on the Gantt and add attachments and feedback. So you possibly can proceed planning in only a few clicks. Plus, if you want to export the info again to MS Undertaking, you possibly can merely click on “export,” and it’ll open in MS Undertaking with all the info updates intact. ProjectManager can be suitable with OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, Outlook and greater than 1,000 enterprise apps.
Associated: Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Planner
Microsoft Undertaking Viewers FAQ
Microsoft Undertaking is a really generally used challenge administration software program however shouldn’t be the perfect software. That’s why many Microsoft Undertaking viewer instruments have been developed for many who don’t wish to use MS Undertaking however nonetheless must open and share MPP recordsdata. Listed below are a number of the most continuously requested questions on-line about Microsoft Undertaking viewers.
What’s the greatest Microsoft Undertaking viewer?
ProjectManager is the perfect Microsoft Undertaking viewer. It’s a web-based challenge administration software program that allows you to flawlessly import and edit MPP recordsdata.
Is there any Free Microsoft Undertaking viewer?
Sure, there are a number of free MPP viewers out there on-line, reminiscent of within the Microsoft Retailer, Google Play Retailer and Apple’s App Retailer.
Are you able to view MS Undertaking recordsdata with out MS Undertaking?
Sure, you should utilize a Microsoft Undertaking viewer, MPP file editor or higher but, challenge administration software program.
Can I edit MPP recordsdata with a Microsoft Undertaking viewer?
No, Microsoft Undertaking viewers don’t let you edit MPP recordsdata. With an MPP viewer, you possibly can solely learn, share and print MPP recordsdata.
Associated Content material
If you happen to’re utilizing Microsoft Undertaking, then search for options that can assist you share your work along with your staff and stakeholders. With a web-based Undertaking viewer and online project management software software like ProjectManager, you are able to do extra than simply view your recordsdata. You possibly can seamlessly handle your MPP recordsdata on-line, replace and collaborate on plans on-line, handle timesheets along with your staff, view real-time challenge information, and a lot extra. See for yourself with this free 30-day trial!
