How to work with different versions of Inventor

Autodesk Support

Oct 18, 2024

Products and versions covered

Issue:

How to use an older version of Inventor to view or operate on a file created with a newer version?

Solution:

Use one of the following workflows:

Workflows for parts (.ipt) and assemblies (.iam)

Although previous releases of Inventor may not support the features, enhancements, and file formats introduced in newer releases, body or geometry data can be parametrically linked using AnyCAD technology. Starting with Inventor 2017.4, AnyCAD is included in core Inventor functionality. Using associative links, AnyCAD makes it possible for a user of an older version of Inventor to view and operate on parts and assemblies created in a newer version.

Note: To open a newer Inventor file in a version of Inventor earlier than 2017.4, consider exporting it from the newer version to a neutral file exchange format such as .step, .iges, or .sat. Then import it into the older version.

The examples in these workflows show Inventor 2020 files being used in Inventor 2019.

First Workflow: Use Inventor AnyCAD functionality to reference future (newer) versions of Inventor part or assembly files in an earlier version of Inventor.

It is possible to work with iProperties:

It is possible to use design view and positional representations:

It is possible to work with Bills of Materials (BOM):

Second Workflow: Use AnyCAD to derive a future (newer) version of a part file to make necessary changes (as usual, you can change the derived version without harming the original file):

Inventor showing browser with FeatureCAD / Derived feature

Use the derived part in new drawings made in the current Inventor release:

Even if changes are made in the newer release, the parts referenced in the older release are updated correctly. After receiving notification of the changes, it is possible to update the part, assembly, or drawing view:

Inventor showing update process in derived workflow

To learn more about AnyCAD workflows, see these sections of Inventor Help:

Workflow for drawings (.idw, .dwg) and presentations (.ipn)

Older versions of Inventor can’t open drawings or presentations made with newer versions, but it is possible to use Inventor Read-only Mode to view these files. Read-only Mode is included with Inventor 2020, which can be installed as a free trial.