SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
(OP)
I use SolidWorks 2003, but I will be working with a client who has 2001+ only. Does anyone know of a way to convert 2003 files back to 2001+? The viewer is not the answer, because he wants to be able to edit as well.






RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
Scott Baugh, CSWP

3DVision Technologies
http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
When in doubt, always check the help
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
I understand what you mean and I wich also that we could save files in early versions (also to make transitions to new versions with less risk).
But this would work only on simple designs. New features, new capabilities to understand surfaces, additional attributes to features, ..., would no be readable in the early version.
Regards
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
Ben Loosli
CAD/CAM System Analyst
Ingersoll-Rand
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
BBJT CSWP
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
Scott Baugh, CSWP

3DVision Technologies
http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
When in doubt, always check the help
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
SW01+ will not open a Version 14 Parasolid. You have to save it to a version 13 for SW01+ to open it.
I just tried this myself.
Best Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP

3DVision Technologies
http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
When in doubt, always check the help
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
BBJT CSWP
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
I have noticed that if you set the preview window on file open in SW2001+, you can see the file contents of a SW2003 file, but when selecting the file to open with "OK" it fails, showing "Future version" - so is this just a marketing ploy to push upgrades?.
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
Ben Loosli
CAD/CAM System Analyst
Ingersoll-Rand
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
That's not true.
A lot of people use the new features. (Where do you most of these new features come from?....Users) I use the Multi-body a lot more now that it's available. You can't use that in SW01+ and if we are able to save back to an older version. How do you think SW01+ would accept that... with and error, that's how it would see a Multi-body.
In some instances the way a sketch is created is different from version to version. The way the extrusion or cut was made is different from version to version. (EX: in SW03 there is an option "Up to Body" that option is not in SW01+. How would SW01+ respond...Error.
If the multi-body was the first (Or base extrusion) there wouldn't be model left because after it couldn't figure out how to build the multi-body then the rest of the tree would collapse in on itself and the model would be trash.
You would be better off sending it out as a Parasolid, IGES, or step than you would be at saving back a version...Which this is what your doing now to get your models transferred.
I hope you understand my logic of why I think transferring back a version would really not be a benefit vs. how we transfer back now. Although I understand the need to transfer back a version.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP

3DVision Technologies
http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
When in doubt, always check the help
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
First let me say, I find your posts helpful and informative.
I agree with what you are saying about new features. It is probably not feasible to save models created in a newer version back to an older version. I need to explain my situation further.
About a year ago, I created a complete design of several mechanical assemblies for a client using 2001+. The development program was set aside due to a lack of funding.
Now the client wants to proceed with development of this product, but he is still on 2001+. There are some changes he wants me to make, but I am on 2003. If I make the changes then he can't use the files in the future unless he upgrades to 2003 which he is unwilling to do at this time.
Do you know if SolidWorks 2001+ and 2003 can exist together on the same workstation? If so, then I will reinstall the 2001+ release for this job, and use 2003 for everything else.
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
Word and Excel are two examples of backwards compatibility, the DXF format another.
It is sad that SolidWorks can open other CAD files but you cannot save to a prior version of SolidWorks.
As to SolidWorks listening to user requests, they only if it will make them money! I’ve been to their headquarters and talked in length about file compatibility problem, shown the crashing problems, explained the cost to a company that file maintenance creates, and it all fell on deft ears so I gave up.
Until it effects there sales, don’t expect a change. Our company is reviewing different systems because of the total cost of ownership increases every year, just opening and saving all the files costs several thousand dollars in lost time per year.
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
If you have already converted those files to SW03 without a backup you kind of SOL. If you have a backup of those files SW01+ or have not converted them, then you should reinstall your SW01+.
I hope that helps & Good Luck,
Scott Baugh, CSWP

3DVision Technologies
http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
When in doubt, always check the help
RE: SolidWorks file conversion frpm 2003 to 2001+
Especially since I recently worked with SW2003 sp2.1 and I would have saved myself a days worth of headaches if I could have converted everyting back to SW2001plus.
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