Import Studio 7 Project into MPLAB® X IDE

It is possible to import Atmel Studio 7 Projects into MPLAB X IDE. The import functionality should work the same whether it is a bare-metal project, ASF3, or Atmel Studio 7 project originally from Atmel START.

Simple Atmel Studio 7 Project to Import

The project used in this example, Atmel Studio 7 Import, is a simple ASF3 Example Project for the ATmega324PB, which turns on an LED when a button is pressed. This project can be opened in Studio 7: New Example Project, then filtered by "324PB," then selected by megaAVR led example - ATmega324PB Xplained Pro.
Note: Using example projects from Atmel START are recommended over these legacy ASF3 projects, due to better code efficiencies and a simpler folder structure. Here, ASF3 projects are simply used as an example of an existing Atmel Studio 7 project.
The project code in Atmel Studio 7 looks as follows:
  1. 1. Importing an ASF3 Example Project
    From the File > Import > Atmel Studio Project menu.
  2. 2. Finding the Atmel Studio 7 Project Path
    You will need the project directory. To find this quickly in an Atmel Studio 7 project, right-click on the Solution Explorer and select Open Folder in File Explorer from the menu.
    This opens the solution level; navigate down to find the *.cproj, then select the project path.
  3. 3. Import Studio Project Wizard
    The Import Studio Project wizard will guide you through the steps of creating a new MPLAB X project, using the existing Atmel Studio 7 source files.
    Info: The source files from the original Atmel Studio 7 project are linked, as opposed to copied. So modifications to the source files in either the Atmel Studio 7 or MPLAB X projects will be noticed in both.
    1. 1. Locate Studio Project File: In the Import Studio Project wizard, the path to the Atmel Studio 7 project can be pasted into the Project File-name box, to navigate to the relevant folder
    2. 2. Select Device: The correct device for the project should be picked up automatically.
      Info: Since it is not possible to change the device, the device name is grayed out.
    3. 3. Select Tool: In the video, the Atmel-ICE was selected. Note that the EDBG (Embedded Debugger) on the Xplained Pro is also a possible option.
    4. 4. Select Compiler: An Atmel Studio 7 project will typically use the AVR GCC Compiler.
      Although AVR is now supported by the MPLAB XC8 compiler, it is not recommended to change the compiler, while importing the project. Once the functionality of the project has been validated in MPLAB X, it is possible to change the compiler to XC8 under project properties.
    5. 5. Select Device Support: Device support for AVR and SAM will need to be downloaded.
      Clicking on the question mark next to Device Support Path brings up a URL where the relevant packs can be downloaded.
      Info: It is possible to select a specific device support pack version, i.e. you can choose to stick with the version used in the Atmel Studio 7 project, or download the latest.
    6. 6. Select Project Name and Folder: You will now be able to select a project name and location.
      Additional information displays in a pop-up when holding the cursor above each choice.