Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to share your SolidWorks file with someone who is using an older version of the software? It can be frustrating when you discover that the file you’ve worked so hard on cannot be opened by the recipient.
But fear not, there is a solution! In this tutorial, we will explore how to save a SolidWorks file as an older version, ensuring compatibility with older versions of the software.
Why Save as an Older Version?
Before we dive into the process of saving a SolidWorks file as an older version, let’s briefly discuss why this might be necessary. The most common scenario involves collaboration with colleagues or clients who are using older versions of SolidWorks. By saving your file in an older format, you ensure that they can open and work with your design without any compatibility issues.
Step 1: Open Your SolidWorks File
To get started, open the SolidWorks file that you want to save as an older version. Make sure that all modifications and changes are saved before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Go to ‘File’ Menu
Next, navigate to the ‘File’ menu located at the top left corner of the SolidWorks window.
Step 3: Select ‘Save As’
In the ‘File’ menu, click on ‘Save As’. This will open the save options dialog box.
Step 4: Choose File Format
In the save options dialog box, choose the desired file format for saving your SolidWorks file. The available formats may vary depending on your version of SolidWorks. For example, if you are using SolidWorks 2021, you may have options like “SolidWorks 2020”, “SolidWorks 2019”, and so on.
Step 5: Specify the File Name and Location
After selecting the desired file format, specify the file name and location where you want to save the file. Choose a location that is easily accessible to both you and the recipient of the file.
Step 6: Click ‘Save’
Once you have specified the file name and location, click on the ‘Save’ button to save your SolidWorks file as an older version. SolidWorks will convert the file to the selected format, ensuring compatibility with older versions of the software.
Conclusion
Saving a SolidWorks file as an older version can be a lifesaver when it comes to collaborating with colleagues or clients who are using older versions of the software. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your design files are accessible to everyone, regardless of their SolidWorks version.
- Step 1: Open your SolidWorks file.
- Step 2: Go to ‘File’ menu.
- Step 3: Select ‘Save As’.
- Step 4: Choose file format.
- Step 5: Specify the file name and location.
- Step 6: Click ‘Save’.
Note: The availability of different formats may vary depending on your version of SolidWorks. Make sure to select a format that is compatible with the recipient’s software version.
We hope this tutorial has helped you understand how to save a SolidWorks file as an older version. Now you can collaborate seamlessly with colleagues and clients, regardless of their SolidWorks version!