MPT File Extension

Microsoft Project Template

File Type mpt
Developer Microsoft
Popularity
4.5 (38 votes)
Application Microsoft Project
Category Data Files
Format Binary

What is a MPT file?

Files with the MPT extension are specifically tied to Microsoft Project Template, a Data Files type, and there are 6196 files in this category.

With the creation of the Microsoft Project Template (MPT), Microsoft introduced file format along with 242 programs built for their use.

MPT files are supported by Windows. You can open a MPT file using one of 2 programs, for example Microsoft Project and MOOS Project Viewer.

MIME types

application/x-project
application/vnd.ms-project

Programs that support MPT files

Windows ²

Windows

How to open a MPT file?

The most common reason why a MPT file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.

Microsoft Project and MOOS Project Viewer stand out as the preferred programs to manage MPT files effectively. To install the current version of Microsoft Project, go directly to the official Microsoft website. The universal package for all operating systems is available there.

Once the process is complete, Microsoft Project should take over as the default application for MPT files.

Set Microsoft Project as your default MPT viewer

Set default app to open files on Mac

Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired MPT file to open a menu of available actions;
Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for Microsoft Project. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Set default programs for Windows

Start the process by right-clicking on your MPT file and selecting "Open With". From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select Microsoft Project as your desired application;
Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening MPT files.

Convert files to and from MPT

For difficult MPT files, try converting them to formats like MPP or similar formats to improve usability.

Be aware that converting a MPT file may reduce some features, but you can usually revert it to the original format.

Convert MPT to other file formats

MPT to MPP

Solving Common MPT File Challenges

Rest assured, any issues with MPT files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.

How can I confirm if my MPT file has been damaged?

MPT data files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:

The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Microsoft Project;
The file causes Microsoft Project or other software to hang or crash during various operations;
The file encounters problems during the opening process or shows error indications;
An unexplained increase in the size of the MPT file;
The file operation is accompanied by the display of error messages;

Why does Microsoft Project crash or shut down frequently?

Lack of regular software updates can cause Microsoft Project to crash. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Microsoft products.

A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.

Is there any specific software or utility that can help repair a damaged MPT file?

Start a recovery program, open the damaged MPT file and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair procedure. Wait for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically restore the damaged data files.

How to edit a MPT file?

To make changes to MPT files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the data files. Online MPT editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Microsoft Project Template.

Best MPT editors 2026

Based on the criteria above, here is a selection of MPT editors you can use.

MPT Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
Microsoft Project	Microsoft	Windows	4.8 out of 5 (38 reviews)

‹ MPV | MPS ›