# 8.6. External Projects

Existing projects can be converted to KDevelop projects by selecting "New" from the project menu. The following dialog creates an empty project file with your project name, version and type information as well as your name and email address. Then copy all your compilation and construction files to the new project directory and choose "Add Files" from the project menu. The files selected will be copied into your project directory and the Makefile.am 's are updated. Please change all Makefile.am entries existing before the conversion towards the now created entries done by KDevelop in the KDevelop area. Test, if your program can still be compiled and installed after the conversion to ensure the project's consistency.