Upgrading frustrations... version numbers hard to find

[troyostrander]

New to Inventor, coming from Fusion. In Fusion current version number can easily be found in the about page.

I am upgrading from 2027 to 2027.1 but finding the version I am on was very confusing.

I think I got it all figured out.....BUT:

Why isn't the full version number listed in Inventor about page?
Why is the version number missing from Autodesk Inventor 2027 help document?
It looks like the only way to find out the version number is: locate task manager>processes>Inventor>open file location>inventor.exe>properties>details. Why hide the version number?

See screen shots.

[James_Willo · Accepted solution]

Because Fusion is an incremental updater and Inventor is a 3 times a year kinda guy. 
You don't need the full build number, just the year. 

Every version of 2027 is compatible with every version of 2027. If you are on 2027.2, you have more features that 2027.0, but the files are still compatible. 

If you are talking to support or looking at what's new, the single digit after the dot is all you need.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Troy,

I believe this is a choice made by each product team. Inventor does not list the internal build number, because the number is indeed for internal purposes. Why do you need the internal build number?

Many thanks!

[troyostrander]

Hi, 

I can see I’m making it more complicated than it is.

This issue came up because the internal version number was referenced in Autodesk Access Update and I just wanted to confirm what my current version was. 

I was additionally confused that I can open and save the same files in 2027 and 2027.1 instances of Inventor.  This is something you cannot do in Fusion.  But is this true…year versions have backwards and forwards interoperability?

[James_Willo · Accepted solution]

Yes, any version of any matching year.

So current year is 2027 which means 2027.1, .2, .3 etc will all open and save the same files. We specifically hold off on features that would break this compatibility until the next major update. 

Fusion is different because they just continuously update. 

If AA is showing you an update then it is compatible and safe to install. 
I think the only time that customers need a very specific version is if they are using an add-in from a third party.

[James_Willo · Accepted solution]

In fact, you can technically open a 2027 file in Inventor 2026, although you would lose all feature history and only get the geometry.