How to set an mpp file as a PBI data source

Hi Anonymous 

Power BI doesn’t support .mpp files directly, but you have a few options:

1. 1/Export to Excel:

   • Open your MPP file in Microsoft Project → File > Export > Excel Workbook.

   • Save it to SharePoint and connect Power BI to that Excel file using Get Data > SharePoint Folder.

   • You can automate the export if it updates daily.

2. 2/Use Project Online / Project for the Web:

   • If available, connect Power BI to the OData feed(https://<yourtenant>.sharepoint.com/sites/pwa/_api/ProjectData) for automatic refresh.

3. 3/Third-party connectors:

   • Tools like FluentPro or Project Reporting Hub can sync MPP data directly to Power BI.

Hope this helps!

Power BI does not natively support connecting directly to MPP (Microsoft Project) files stored in SharePoint. The most reliable solutions are to first export your MPP file data to Excel or CSV, or use automation to make this process seamless for daily updates.​​

Best Approaches

• Export to Excel/CSV:
  Open your MPP file in Microsoft Project and export it to Excel or CSV. Store this exported file in SharePoint, then connect Power BI to that file using "Get Data from SharePoint Folder" or the direct URL to the file. This is the easiest and most compatible approach.​

• Automate Extraction:
  Use Power Automate or a script (such as VBA or PowerShell) to extract data from the MPP file and save it to Excel or CSV on a schedule. Then, Power BI can refresh from that Excel/CSV file in SharePoint—creating a fully automated update process.​

• Project Online or 3rd Party Connectors:
  If your organization uses Project Online, the Power BI Project templates can connect directly for rich reporting. Some third-party connectors (like CData) can also read MPP files, but these may require additional licensing and have limitations.​

Directly loading an MPP file (without exporting) is not supported in Power BI Desktop or Service. Use the Excel/CSV export as your refreshable data bridge.