Can I open SOLIDWORKS 2020 files in older versions?

The last service pack of an earlier release can open files from the next year’s SOLIDWORKS. For example, you could use SOLIDWORKS 2019 SP5 to open and work with SOLIDWORKS 2020 files. We call this Future Version Files. You can still create parts, assemblies and drawings with a future version but in a limited function.

How do I convert a SOLIDWORKS file to an older version?

When you open one or more documents that are not yet saved in the current version of SOLIDWORKS, click Older Version File (Standard toolbar) to update the documents. The Save Modified Documents dialog box appears. Search ‘Older Version File’ in the SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base.

Can you open a SOLIDWORKS 2021 file in 2020?

The Previous Release Interoperability functionality allows 2021 parts and assemblies to be opened in SOLIDWORKS 2020 SP5, with limited functionality.

Can I open a SOLIDWORKS 2020 file in 2019?

Can I open SOLIDWORKS 2020 files in older versions? Parts and Assemblies saved in the SOLIDWORKS 2020 format can be opened in SOLIDWORKS 2019 SP5 in a simplified format with limited capabilities. To be fully compatible, all users should be on the new version.

How do I open an older version of SOLIDWORKS?

To view versions and revisions of files:

1. Select the file.
2. Do one of the following: Click Actions > Get Latest Version . You can choose to work only with the latest versions of files by setting the Always work with latest version option.

Can you save as older version of SOLIDWORKS?

A model from an earlier version of the SOLIDWORKS software is automatically converted to the newer version of the SOLIDWORKS software when you save it. You cannot use Save As to save to an earlier version, and you cannot open the newer version with an older version of the SOLIDWORKS software, with one exception.

How do I downgrade my SOLIDWORKS version?

How to change your SOLIDWORKS Installation

1. Go to your “Control Panel” > “Program and Features“
2. Find your version of SOLIDWORKS from the list of programs and right-click on it.
3. Select “Change” from the shortcut menu.

Is SOLIDWORKS 2021 backwards compatible?

Important: Files saved in SOLIDWORKS 2021 are not backwards compatible with earlier versions. Files saved in earlier versions of SOLIDWORKS can be opened and reviewed with later versions. Students using earlier releases of SOLIDWORKS will not be able to open any files saved in 2021.

How do I upgrade to new version of SOLIDWORKS?

In SOLIDWORKS, click > Check for Updates. In Windows, click Start > SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager > Check for Updates.

What is the latest service pack for SOLIDWORKS 2020?

Service Pack 5.0 Microsoft SQL Server® 2019 is supported beginning with SOLIDWORKS 2020 and SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020.

How do I save a SOLIDWORKS file in lower version?

To save all open documents that have been modified since they were last saved, click Save All (Standard toolbar) or File > Save All. A model from an earlier version of the SOLIDWORKS software is automatically converted to the newer version of the SOLIDWORKS software when you save it.

How do I downgrade my solidworks version?

What is the best way to import solid geometry into SolidWorks?

ACIS (.sat) 3D Solids are the best way to translate solid geometry to and from SOLIDWORKS. These four formats are the typical import/export method for bringing files into and out of SOLIDWORKS successfully. The geometry contained is “dummy” geometry so it will not contain history, but it will have mathematically accurate solid geometry on import.

Is there a way to import CATIA files into SolidWorks?

There is a CATIA v5 translator for SOLIDWORKS available as an add-in, which allows for translation between the two, and it does a nice job of importing CATIA files directly. Rhino files are surface models, and SOLIDWORKS imports the surface geometry nicely from Rhino.

What can I import into SolidWorks visualize?

When you import a SOLIDWORKS model into SOLIDWORKS Visualize, you can now import all custom defined SOLIDWORKS Cameras, custom saved views, and physical lights. Assets including appearances, scenes, and textures that you use in SOLIDWORKS projects and PhotoView 360 are available to use in SOLIDWORKS Visualize projects.

What is the best way to import wireframe files into SolidWorks?

Most people use wireframe files merely as a reference to create geometry around. Parasolid (.x_t) IGES (.igs) STEP (.stp) ACIS (.sat) 3D Solids are the best way to translate solid geometry to and from SOLIDWORKS. These four formats are the typical import/export method for bringing files into and out of SOLIDWORKS successfully.