If you’ve just started using Archicad, you might have encountered an issue where you can’t open a newer file in an older version. Confusing, right? Don’t worry! In this post, we’ll break down how Archicad handles file versions and what you can do to ensure smooth collaboration across different software versions.
How Archicad Handles File Versions
Archicad files come with a specific version number, and unfortunately, the software does not fully support direct backward compatibility. This means that:
- Newer versions of Archicad can open older files—but they might need to be updated when you do so.
- Older versions of Archicad cannot open newer files—because they don’t recognize the newer file structure.
For example, if someone sends you an Archicad 27 file but you only have Archicad 25, you won’t be able to open it directly. But don’t panic—there are workarounds!
How to Open a Newer Archicad File in an Older Version
Unlike some software that lets you save files in much older formats, ArchiCAD only allows saving back to the previous version. If you’re using ArchiCAD 25, you can save your file as an ArchiCAD 24 project, but you can’t jump straight to ArchiCAD 23. To do so, you’d first have to open the file in ArchiCAD 24, save it there, then open it in ArchiCAD 23 and save again.
You cannot skip versions—if you need to open a file in an even older version, you must back-save step by step through each version.
You cannot directly back-save from ArchiCAD 25 to 23.
Example:
ArchiCAD 25 → can back-save to ArchiCAD 24
ArchiCAD 24 → can back-save to ArchiCAD 23
For example, if you have an Archicad 27 file but need to open it in Archicad 23, you will have to repeat this process 4 times.
A tedious process, but we can save you this hassle with our archicad’s file conversion service.
Alternative Solution: Using IFC or DWG Formats
If you’re working with someone who has an older version and they can’t open your file, you can also use industry-standard formats like IFC or DWG. These formats allow you to export and import models, though some detailed features may be lost in the process.
To save as an IFC:
- Go to File > Save As > Choose IFC (.ifc)*.
- This format keeps most of your model intact and can be opened in different versions of Archicad.
To save as a DWG:
- Go to File > Save As > Choose DWG (.dwg)*.
- This works well for 2D drawings but may not retain all 3D elements.
Best Practices to Avoid Version Conflicts
- If you can, always work on the same archicad version with your coworkers.
- Check what version your collaborators are using before sending files.
- Use the “Save As” feature wisely to ensure compatibility.
- Keep a copy of your original file before converting it to an older version to avoid losing any important data.
Understanding Archicad’s backward compatibility might seem tricky at first, but with the right approach, you can navigate file version differences like a pro. Just remember: newer versions can open old files, but old versions can’t open new ones—unless you take the extra step of saving them in an older format.
Got any questions or experiences with Archicad file compatibility? Let’s chat in the comments!
Happy modeling!
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