Import an IAR Embedded Workbench Project into the MPLAB® X IDE

Last modified by Microchip on 2023/11/10 11:04

New Project Wizard

Launch the New Project Wizard using one of the following methods:

  • From the Toolbar: Click on the New Project icon new project icon, or
  • From the Menu: Select File ► New Project, or
  • From the Keyboard: Ctrl + Shift + N

The project wizard will walk you through the process and prompt you for all the required information. Your selections may be changed after the project has been created by modifying the project's properties.


Choose Project

Choose Other Embedded from the Categories column (center).
Choose IAR Embedded Workbench Project from the Projects column (right).
Click the Next > button.
Choose Other Embedded for Project Type
Click image to enlarge.

Locate IAR Embedded Workbench *.ewp File

Browse to select the *.ewp project file.

Browse to find the *.ewp file
Click image to enlarge.

Select Device

The device names used in an IAR project may be slightly different from the device names used in an MPLAB® X IDE project. Please verify that the suggested device is correct.


Select Compiler

Select an MPLAB XC Compiler: MPLAB XC8 for AVR® devices or MPLAB XC32 for SAM devices.

​Note: Other compilers may work but have not been tested.


Select Project Name and Folder

We recommend that you choose the suggested path.


Review Summary and Create Project

Review the summary page to verify your selections and then click Finish.
The following settings in the IAR project are imported into the resulting MPLAB X IDE project:

  • Project files
  • Include directories
  • Defined symbols (called "Preprocessor macros" in the MPLAB X IDE project)

You must configure all other compiler settings manually. Consult the "MPLAB XC8 C Compiler User’s Guide for AVR MCU" or "MPLAB XC32 C/C++ Compiler User's Guide for PIC32C/SAM MCUs" for more information. See the MPLAB XC compiler webpage for documentation