The MPX file format is an ASCII format created by Microsoft Project or another program, and is used to send data to and from project management software programs.

The following programs can create and open MPX files:

• FastTrack Schedule
• Microsoft Project 98
• Project KickStart 5
• Project KickStart 3.2
• RiskyProject
• Primavera SureTrak Project Manager
• WBS Chart

In these programs, you save a project as an MPX file using the Save As command on the File menu. You can then open an MPX file by using the Open command on the File menu, and then specifying the file type as *.mpx. 

For example, if you want to move a project from Project KickStart 5 to Project KickStart 3.2, you can save the project as an mpx file, and then open it in Project KickStart 3.2.

In Microsoft Visio, you can create a Visio project time line from Project KickStart. To do so, you first must save your file in Project KickStart as an MPX file. Then:

1. Start Visio.
2. Click File on the menu bar, point to New, click Business Diagram, and then click Project Timelines Wizard.
3. Click Next.
4. On the second window, click Import MPX File to import the Project KickStart .mpx file.
5. Enter the file location and name or click Browse to locate the file.
6. Follow the instructions in the Visio Project Timelines Wizard windows.

Tip

• If you have difficulty importing the .mpx file, remove any commas from task names.