Forum Discussion
How to set an mpp file as a PBI data source
Hello,
I have an MPP file that is updated daily. I store it in SharePoint and want to make it a Power BI data source, but I haven't found a solution yet. I would really appreciate any help. Thank you.
Hi Anonymous
Power BI doesn’t support .mpp files directly, but you have a few options:
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/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/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.
6 Replies
Hi,
does MPP file mean, that it is a MS Project file? Does your question refer to accessing the file in SharePoint or import ing an MPP file into Power BI?
Hi Anonymous,
I don't think there is. Not with the desktop version of Microsoft Project that is. If you move to Project Online, it can be done quite easily as described here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-project-online-connect-to-data
If you found this helpful, consider giving some Kudos. If I answered your question or solved your problem, mark this post as the solution.
Hi Anonymous
Power BI doesn’t support .mpp files directly, but you have a few options:
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/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/Third-party connectors:
Tools like FluentPro or Project Reporting Hub can sync MPP data directly to Power BI.
Hope this helps!
Hi Anonymous ,
Thank you Nabha-Ahmed , tayloramy for your inputs.
Just following up to see if the Response provided by community members were helpful in addressing the issue. if the issue still persists Feel free to reach out if you need any further clarification or assistance.
Best regards,
Chaithra E.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.
Hi Anonymous ,
May I ask if you have resolved this issue? Please let us know if you have any further issues, we are happy to help.
Thank you.
