Export XML (P6/MSP)

Location on ribbon: Tab DVD Cons → Group Schedule → Menu Setup

Command ID: btnExportXml

PRO feature

This command is part of the PRO package. STANDARD accounts activated before 1 July 2026 keep access until their licence expires; other Standard accounts will see an upgrade dialog.

What it does

Exports the whole schedule on the active sheet to a Microsoft Project XML (MSPDI) file: tasks, start/finish dates, durations, % complete, WBS level, plus the FS/SS/FF/SF relationships with their lags.

Use it when the client or the main contractor wants the programme as an MS Project or Primavera P6 file rather than a spreadsheet. The command is read-only — nothing on the sheet changes.

How to use

1. Select the schedule sheet you want to export (it must be a worksheet, not a chart sheet).
2. Go to the DVD Cons tab → Schedule group → Setup menu → click Export XML (P6/MSP).
3. The Export MS Project XML save dialog appears with a default file name taken from the workbook (filter MS Project XML (*.xml)). Choose a folder and click Save.
4. The add-in writes the file and reports: ✓ Exported N tasks, M links to: <path> along with a reminder of how to open it.
5. A follow-up prompt asks Open the containing folder? — answer yes to jump to the file in Explorer.
6. In Primavera P6, import it via File → Import → Microsoft Project XML.

Example

The N3 interchange flyover package is scheduled in Excel with DVDAddin, but the tender submission requires a P6 file.

Open the schedule sheet (128 activities, 190 links), click Export XML (P6/MSP) and save as Flyover_N3.xml. The message reads ✓ Exported 128 tasks, 190 links…. The consultant imports it into P6 via File → Import → Microsoft Project XML and sees the full WBS structure along with the FS/SS relationships and their lags.

Notes

• If the active sheet is not a worksheet, the add-in reports "Active sheet is not a worksheet." and stops.
• The command is read-only — it does not edit data or move dates on the sheet.
• If the export fails (missing required columns, invalid data), the add-in shows a ⚠ warning with the reason instead of writing an empty file.
• Choosing an existing file name prompts you to confirm the overwrite before the export runs.
• Run Auto Calc once before exporting so the dates on the sheet reflect the latest calculation.

Related

• Import XML (P6/MSP) — the other direction: bring an MS Project / P6 programme into Excel.
• Gantt Chart — build and sanity-check the schedule before exporting.
• Auto Calc — make sure the schedule is fully recalculated before you submit.
• Constraints — set the contractual milestones before finalising the submission file.