topic Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version in AutoCAD Forum

Benefits of saving files to the latest version

bsarge — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 19:06:26 GMT

Hello,
We have been saving our AutoCAD files in 2013 version so 1 of our users could access any file when using his copy of AutoCAD LT 2013. Recently, that user was updated to AutoCAD 2022 like the rest of our team.

Is there any reason we should not start saving files in the latest version possible?

Is there any advantage to resaving old files?

Thank you,
BSarge

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

cheryl.buck — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 19:13:16 GMT

Hi @bsarge,

Great question. The only reason I can think of that you might want to save to an older version is for the same reason you had been, a key person that needs to view the files is using version 2017 or earlier.

In general, saving to the current file format version ensures that all intelligent functionality from the current version that is used in the file remains intelligent. For example, if you used a functionality that was new to 2022 in a file and saved back to file format 2013, the base data would remain, but the intelligent functionality would be broken.

As for resaving older files up to 2018 format, I do not know of an advantage except if you are working on them and it is easier to do that rather than save down again.

All the best,

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

bsarge — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 19:15:41 GMT

Thank you for the quick response!

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

ВeekeeCZ — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 19:39:55 GMT

@cheryl.buck wrote:

... For example, if you used a functionality that was new to 2022 in a file and saved back to file format 2013, the base data would remain, but the intelligent functionality would be broken. ...

@cheryl.buck

Great explanation. Would you know any particular example of such functionality? Thx.

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

dany_rochefort — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 19:41:49 GMT

Saving to the latest version ''might'' cause you problems if you a sending out *DWG files to various companies on a regular basis. They will surely not have the latest version of CAD and will ask you to ''saveas'' to an earlier version so they can open the drawing.

My rule of thumb is ''saveas'' 10 years earlier than the version you are working with. In my case, been saving to Autocad 2010 for years without problems.

If all your CAD work stays internal to your company, then Yes save to the latest version.

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

bsarge — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 19:43:32 GMT

Thank you for that insight. Our work stays primarily internal.

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

Kent1Cooper — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:05:39 GMT

@ВeekeeCZ wrote:

@cheryl.buck wrote:

... For example, if you used a functionality that was new to 2022 in a file and saved back to file format 2013, the base data would remain, but the intelligent functionality would be broken. ...

Great explanation. Would you know any particular example of such functionality? Thx.

As one example, long ago the result of any ARRAY command was a bunch of independent pieces, but somewhere along the way you could make an Array associative, and the result can now be an Array "object." Changing certain things about that is much easier than with independent pieces [the number of rows or columns, the spacing between them, etc.]. If you were to save a drawing with any Array object(s) in it back to a pre-associative-Array version, the pieces would all become independent.

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

RobDraw — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 09:44:12 GMT

@dany_rochefort wrote:
Saving to the latest version ''might'' cause you problems if you a sending out *DWG files to various companies on a regular basis. They will surely not have the latest version of CAD

Where did you come up with that?

@dany_rochefort wrote:
will ask you to ''saveas'' to an earlier version so they can open the drawing.

If they do not know how to do it themselves, (Autodesk provides free software that converts newer files to older formats.) that might explain why they haven't upgraded.

@dany_rochefort wrote:
My rule of thumb is ''saveas'' 10 years earlier than the version you are working with. In my case, been saving to Autocad 2010 for years without problems.

Maybe without problems but newer functionalities and features are lost. Also, if you are using newer features, a simple "save as" does not properly convert the files. If you are still using newer versions like the old ones, you may not have such issues.

It gets under my skin when people make standards to coddle the unknowing rather than educating them. Think of the coffee cups that have to have warning on them about containing hot liquids. I mean, really?!

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

Valentin_CAD — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 10:36:45 GMT

Some reference links:

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

RobDraw — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 10:53:32 GMT

Thanks but no thanks. This stuff is already in my wheelhouse. Every drafter should be aware of this stuff.

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

ВeekeeCZ — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 11:13:11 GMT

Besides possible compatibility issues (especially when saved to a much lower version), I would say that the main benefit is the speed. Larger files, biggest time save.

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

pendean — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 13:20:54 GMT

@dany_rochefort https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-forum/benefits-of-saving-files-to-the-latest-version/m-p/11070637#M1076307

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

dany_rochefort — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 14:54:05 GMT

@RobDraw,

Most fab shops are using antiquated version of autocad and sure as hell aint gonna download a free tool provided by autodesk to fix version compatibility issues. The file will automatically sent back to the client asking them to save to an earlier CAD version.

When my works get sent out for fabrication, nobody care about ''newer functionalities'' and all that bla bla bla that you were on about. All i care about is FABRICATION, PRECISION, SPEED, BUDGETS. The fact that those realities don't match up to your ''Standards'' or expectations doesnt not make them wrong. Only wrong to you & your reality.

It's quite immature to assume that i am ''coddling the unkowing'', when in fact i could have answered this post excaclty like you did, raising those same points. However, saving to the latest version in complete hinderance in my field of work and i thought i would be important to share that point of view.

I get it, your name is RobDraw not RobFabricate....

Nice chat, Bye for now 🤣

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

RobDraw — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:19:46 GMT

Did I hurt your feelings little man?

I work in a fabrication shop and we don't worry about such things. I'm sorry that your customers need a fab shop to take care of their tech.

Sorry that you don't realize that there are people using the latest tech and have to work with dinosaurs.

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

dany_rochefort — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:39:47 GMT

Anytime you want to ''Throwdown'' in an ''Autocad Drafting competion'' call me up. I will wipe the floor with you with chat bullies the likes of yourself.

Personally, i don't attack other people point of view because it doesnt match up to my reality. Consdiering i pretty much always appreciated your input in past posts; I am wondering if you are just having a bad week?

Bottom line, you can't properly defend against my reply (to your reply) without resorting to mockery. Which ultimately means i win this round...

Check yourself,

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

RobDraw — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:58:26 GMT

A funny thing happens when I have some valuable insight that negates someone's post, they get defensive and go on a personal attack. Just like you did. Your challenge just proves how you see the world from your own little box and think everyone else lives in it with you.

You need to get out more.

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

Kent1Cooper — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 16:19:04 GMT

@dany_rochefort and @RobDraw , please review the >Community Rules and Etiquette<, and note the last item -- people have been banned before for getting too nasty.

Re: Benefits of saving files to the latest version

RobDraw — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 16:37:37 GMT

Please let Autodesk handle moderating.

Thank you.