Project to Milestones Wizard - Use your own custom import template

What if a built-in template in the Project to Milestones wizard is almost what is required, but not exactly? It might be missing a critical column or it might need a custom heading, extra stoplight column, customized legend or special coloring. This can all be accomplished with a custom project import template.  

Step 1 - Build - Import a Microsoft Project Schedule

1. For Project, on the Connections tab choose Create Report from Project.  For Primavera, choose Connections | Import Schedule from XER, XML ...  Then choose one of the Project Import Wizard options.

2. Pick a Microsoft Project schedule (or XML / XER file if Primavera is being used.).

3. In the Project to Milestones wizard, choose Use a built in Template.

4. Choose from one of the built-in templates.

5. Begin the import process by pressing Finish.

Step 2 - Customize the template

Make changes to the Milestones schedule created in step 1.

     Schedule changes which are appropriate:

• Add columns

• Customize the legend

• Add freeform text and arrows.

• Change the date headings

     Things to avoid changing:

• The type of a symbol (whether a symbol is normal, baseline, comment or status)

• The "automation tag" for a column

• The order of the original columns (Do not move the original columns).

Step 3 - Save the template

1. On the Connections tab choose Save Custom Project Template.

2. If desired, enter a description for this template.

3. Press OK.

4. Save the schedule.

Step 4 - Import a project files using the custom template

1. On the Connections tab choose Create Report from Project.  For Primavera, choose Connections | Import Schedule from XER, XML ...  Then choose one of the Project Import Wizard options.

2. In the Project to Milestones wizard, choose Import using a custom template.

3. Press Next.

4. Pick the custom template saved in Step 3.

5. Choose options and press Finish to import the Microsoft Project file.