Introduction

Primavera P6, a widely used project management software, offers various export file types, each serving a different purpose. Understanding these export type formats is necessary for effective data sharing, analysis, and integration with other tools. Whether you’re backing up schedules, exchanging data with contractors, or reporting to government entities, choosing the right export format can make a significant difference.

This article explores all the available export formats in Primavera P6, including their definitions, characteristics, best use cases, and limitations.

 

1. Primavera PM – (XER Export Type)

Definition: XER (eXport Eagle Ray) is Primavera’s exclusive file format. It’s a text-based, tabular file that can be opened and viewed in a text editor (like Notepad)

Key Characteristics:

• Protective and specific to Primavera P6.
• Contains comprehensive data: activities, WBS, calendars, resources, expenses, user-defined fields, etc.
• Smaller file size and faster export/import.
• Compatible with P6 versions 5.0 and above.

Limitations:

• Does not include baselines.
• Manual edits can corrupt the file.

Uses:

• Data exchange between Primavera P6 Professional databases.
• Archiving complete projects.
• Detailed external data analysis.
• External Backup for the Projects

2. XER Contractor Format

Definition: A restricted version of the XER file format for limited sharing.

Key Characteristics:

Omits sensitive global data (such as roles, calendars).

•  
• Still in Xer format but with controlled content.

Uses:

• Sharing with external contractors or consultants.
• Meeting confidentiality or contractual requirements.

3. Primavera XML

Definition: XML (Extensible Markup Language) customized for Primavera P6.

Key Characteristics:

• Standardized language structure but customized for Primavera.
• Includes baselines and layout files.
• Significantly larger file size than XER.
• Slower import/export.

If you want to know how to export the Schedule with its baseline, check this Article “ How to Export your Updated Time Schedule from Primavera P6 With Its Baseline in it”

Uses:

• Transferring full projects, including baselines and layouts.

4. Spreadsheet (XLS/XLSX)

Definition: Microsoft Excel-compatible format for activity data.

Key Characteristics:

• Easy to read and edit in Excel.
• Editable for specific data types: activities, relationships, resources, cost, etc.
• Requires strict formatting for re-import.

Uses:

• Bulk data updates or progress entry.
• Sharing multiple types of data with non-P6 users.

5. Microsoft Project (XML Export Time)

Definition: Export Type formats for compatibility with Microsoft Project.

Key Characteristics:

• It contains activities, durations, and WBS.
• Allows data sharing between MSP and P6.
• May lose reliability due to software differences.

Uses:

• Cross-platform collaboration.
• Joint ventures with MS Project users.

6. UN/CEFACT Format – (XML Export Type)

Definition: This is a specific XML format designed to comply with the UN/CEFACT (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business) standards. It is often used for Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) data. This format is a ‘software-independent’ XML format that is used as part of the monthly reporting deliverables for projects under DCMA and/or DCAA oversight. Written by TENSIX

Note: Once data is exported from P6 into another project management tool, dates, durations and other data may no longer reflect those in P6 if the other project management tool recalculates this data. Written by Oracle

Key Characteristics:

• Used in compliance-heavy industries.
• Independent of the Primavera software structure.
• Supports standardized global data exchange.

Uses:

• Government and defense contracting.
• Public-sector reporting compliance.

7. IPMDAR Format (Integrated Program Management Data and Analysis Report)

Definition: A complex data package in ZIP format containing JSON, XML, and CSV.

Key Characteristics:

• Mandated by the U.S. DoD for performance and cost reporting.
• Includes EVM data and schedule/cost integration.
• Not meant for re-import into Primavera.

Uses:

• Reporting for U.S. government and defense projects.
• Meeting strict regulatory and EVM standards.

9. Summary Comparison Table

Export Type	Format	Main Use	Can Be Re-Imported	Best For
XER	.xer	Full project sharing	✅	P6 to P6 transfers
XER Contractor	.xer	Restricted data sharing	✅	P6 to P6 transfers External collaborators
Primavera XML	.xml	Baselines, system integration	✅	Full project transfer
Excel XLSX	.xlsx	Reports, dashboards, and data editing	❌ (manual only)	Excel/Power BI users
Microsoft Project	.xml	Collaboration with MS Project users	✅	Mixed-platform teams
UN/CEFACT XML	.xml	Government-compliant schedule sharing	❌	Regulatory reporting
IPMDAR	.zip (mixed)	DoD/EVM compliance	❌	U.S. federal projects

10. Choosing the Right Export Format

Use the table above to choose based on:

• Who is receiving the file (P6 user, client, contractor, government)
• What the purpose is (backup, integration, reporting)
• Software compatibility requirements

General recommendations:

• Use XER for routine project transfers within Primavera.
• Use XML when baselines and layouts are required.
• Use Excel for reports or data edits.
• Use UN/CEFACT or IPMDAR only for compliance situations.

Conclusion

Primavera P6 offers a variety of export formats tailored to different business needs and industry standards. From the widely used XER files to specialized formats like IPMDAR, each serves a unique role in managing, sharing, and reporting project data. Understanding these options empowers project teams to communicate more effectively, maintain data integrity, and meet organizational or contractual requirements with confidence.

---

 Download the Resources of this Article