6 Easy Ways To Convert MPP to PDF in Seconds

So, you've been sent an MPP file, and you're not sure what it is or how to open it? Don't worry, we can help. We'll walk you through how to convert MPP to PDF so you can access the file contents easily.

Files with the MPP extension come from Microsoft Project, a project management tool developed by Microsoft. The web version of Microsoft Project is being replaced by Microsoft Planner shortly.

Files created in MS Project must be converted if you wish to open them elsewhere. In Part 2 we'll look in detail at tools to convert Microsoft Project to PDF online.

Part 1: Can I Convert an MPP File to PDF?

Yes, you've got lots of options when you need to convert MPP to PDF.

Part 2 examines six of the most popular MPP converter tools, and takes you through the very simple process to convert Microsoft Project to PDF. This conversion makes the document more shareable, making collaboration easier.

Converting a Microsoft Project file to PDF allows you to share project details with people who don't have the software. It allows you to present the MS Project information in an accessible format.

We'll also show you UPDF, the ultimate PDF management tool, which will allow you to edit and annotate the document after conversion. UPDF also offers an unparalleled reading experience for any PDF document. Interested users can download it for a free trial.

Part 2: 6 Methods To Convert MPP to PDF That 100% Work

Now you know what that MPP file is, you might be wondering, "How do I convert MPP to PDF?"

Here are six of the easiest, most reliable ways to convert between MPP and PDF.

We'll look at the benefits and drawbacks of each method, and take you through the steps for conversion.

1. Directly export MPP to PDF

Perhaps the simplest way to approach this task is to use Microsoft Project's export setting. If you're the person sending the file, then the easiest way to make sure it's accessible even to those without MS Project, is to export it as a PDF.

1. Open the Project file in Microsoft Project.
2. Go to File > Save As.
3. Select PDF as the export format, and adjust the other settings to your liking.
4. Click Save, then choose a filename and save location.
5. Click Save again to complete the export process.

It's usually easiest to perform any conversion in this way, directly from the software the file was created with. The obvious problem here is that if you've been sent an MPP file and don't have MS Project, you won't be able to do this. In this situation, the best option might be to contact the person who sent you the file and ask them to export it as a PDF and resend it.

2. GroupDocs Converter

If you don't have access to Microsoft Project, you can look at ways to convert MPP to PDF free online, such as the GroupDocs converter. This is a simple app that doesn't require any registration and works by dragging the file in.

1. Open the GroupDocs conversion tool and select the MPP to PDF option.
2. Upload your file, either by clicking the 'Browse File' button or by dragging and dropping.

3. Click 'Convert'.
4. Either download the resulting file or allow GroupDocs to email it to you.

As you can see, the GroupDocs tool makes MPP to PDF conversion fast and easy. Some users may have concerns about tools such as this because they require you to upload your documents. Although GroupDocs delete files after 24 hours, if you're working with sensitive or confidential information, this might not be the best choice for you. It's unclear from the website whether there's a file size limitation on the GroupDocs free plan.

3. Aconvert

Aconvert is similar to GroupDocs in that it works through your browser. It's a matter of uploading a file and choosing a target format, then letting the tool do the rest.

1. Click 'Choose Files' and select the file you want to convert.
2. Choose the target format, for our purposes this is PDF.
3. Tap 'Convert Now' to let Aconvert change your MPP file to PDF.

The big selling point of Aconvert and similar tools is always going to be the ease of use. You just drop your files in and the tool transforms it for you. However, this ease comes with drawbacks. Aconvert acknowledges that there may be some loss of quality in the conversion process, particularly if you're working with a complex MS Project file.

On the free plan, you can convert files up to 25MB, beyond that you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

4. Conholdate Apps

Conholdate is another free online tool you can use to convert MPP to PDF. It works similarly to both the Aconvert and GroupDocs conversion tools.

1. Open the Conholdate MPP to PDF converter in your browser.
2. Upload your file either by clicking to browse your computer, or dragging and dropping it into the upload area.

3. Wait for the file to upload. This should only take a few seconds.
4. Choose 'PDF' as the output format.
5. Click 'Convert' to trigger the conversion.
6. Download or share the file as desired.

The Conholdate website states that their apps are free for "light use", but it doesn't specify limits on file size or number of uploads for the free plan. If you run up against limits and need to upgrade, it appears that the only option is to purchase a bundle of their products at a minimum of 4,999 USD, making it unlikely you'd want to upgrade if you just need to convert files.

5. I-Converter

For another online MPP to PDF conversion tool, consider I-Converter. Like the other tools listed, you can use I-Converter to convert between MPP and a range of other file types, including PDF.

1. Open the I-Converter MPP to PDF converter in your preferred browser.
2. Click the 'Browse' button to search for and upload the file you want to convert.
3. Tap the green 'Convert' button and allow some time for I-Converter to carry out the conversion.

4. The file will download automatically and will be saved in your default download folder.

I-Converter has a limit of 50MB for free conversions. This is likely to be sufficient for most users. There does not appear to be an upgrade option for this tool.

6. Zamzar

The final tool in our list of ways to convert Microsoft Project to PDF online is Zamzar. If you've been following along and trying the tools to see which you like best, you'll be familiar with the process by now, since they all work in similar ways.

1. Open Zamzar in your browser.
2. Choose the file you want to convert.

2. Select the desired output format, in this case, PDF.
3. Click 'Convert Now' and let Zamzar perform the conversion.

Again, there's a limit on file sizes with the free version of Zamzar. You can convert files of up to 50MB. Paid plans range from 18 USD to 49 USD per month, with the most expensive plan allowing you to convert files up to 2 GB.

General concerns and limitations

With all the browser-based tools, there are a few general limitations you need to be aware of.

Part 3: The Ultimate PDF Management Tool

Once you've got your Microsoft Project file converted to PDF, you'll need a tool to help you read and edit the document.

This is where UPDF excels.

UPDF is a cross-platform PDF management tool that lets you edit, annotate and convert any PDF. It also has an AI assistant to power up your process and help you work more efficiently.

• OCR Text Recognition: UPDF's OCR tool can convert scanned images into editable text within the PDF. This is perfect if your MPP file contains text elements that aren't initially editable after the conversion.
• Content Editing: Edit any element of a PDF file using UPDF. Add additional text boxes, or annotate the existing text with comments and highlights.
• Page Management: Manage and organize pages within the PDF. UPDF makes it effortless to adjust page order or rearrange sections from the original MPP file.
• Password Protection and Security: Let UPDF take care of the security side of things by adding a password or encryption to your PDF document. This adds an extra layer of reassurance when working with sensitive or confidential information.

Want to give UPDF a try for yourself? It's free to download, and you'll be up and running in moments. Just click below to download.

MPP to PDF Conversion Is Easy With the Right Tools

While it's always frustrating to receive files in a format you can't easily access, there are plenty of options for converting MPP to PDF. For best results, try to get the file's originator to export it as PDF for you, otherwise, use one of the many online conversion tools available.

Once you've got your PDF, you'll need software to help you work with it effectively. UPDF fits the bill with a full suite of PDF management tools.

If you're looking for alternatives to Microsoft Project, hop over and read our article on the 10 most popular project management tools.