In a previous article, we addressed a new feature in SOLIDWORKS 2024 that gives you the ability to save files as a previous version. This feature allows you to save part, assembly, or drawing files up to two versions older than your existing file. For instance, a SOLIDWORKS 2024 user can save documents as a 2023 or 2022 version, a SOLIDWORKS 2025 user can save as a 2024 or 2023 version, and so on.
Save As Previous Version Option
So, what happens when you go to save your file as an older version but receive an error that you have “incompatible” items or “other” items preventing the save from completing? To start, let’s go over the difference between these items and what they mean.
Incompatible Items
As each version of SOLIDWORKS contains new features or tools, some items in your model may not exist in the previous version you are trying to save to. When one of those features exists in your model, these are considered “incompatible items”. As removal or editing of these features may affect important factors such as the mass, size, or shape of your model, they must be manually addressed before the save will be completed.
*Note: If you need to modify incompatible items in your file so it can be saved as an earlier version, it is recommended that you first save a copy of your model as-is.
The most common incompatible item seen when trying to save a part out as an older version is “Create instances on sketch geometry” for hole wizard features.
Previous Release Check Showing Hole Wizard Error
To resolve this error, you must edit the hole wizard feature and uncheck this option.
‘Create instances on sketch geometry’ option
If you are running SOLIDWORKS 2025 SP0 or older, you will need to manually uncheck this option for each hole wizard instance. Starting with SOLIDWORKS 2025 SP1, there will be an option available to permanently disable “create instances on sketch geometry”.
Other Items
In addition to incompatible items, the are “other items” that may be included when trying to save to a previous version. These are items that will automatically be removed during the save process and do not impact the mass, rebuild, or shape of the model.
‘Other Items’ Errors In Previous Release Check
These items include:
- Annotations
- Appearances, decals, scenes, and lights
- Custom properties
- Data saved in the document to support an add-in
- Explode steps
While no action is required to address these items, it is still recommended that you review them for awareness.
*An important note about Simulation Studies
These fall under ‘data saved in the document to support an add-in’ and will not be included when saving to a previous version. While this will not be changed in the known future, there is an open bug report to address the fact that features associated with add-ins are not listed under “other items” to notify users of their removal. To check the progress on this bug, you can search for BR10000373662 in the SOLIDWORKS knowledge base.
Evaluating For Compatibility
If you would like to determine whether your model is compatible with an earlier version before saving, you can go to ‘Tools > Evaluate > Previous Release Check’ at any point. Any incompatible items will be listed in the order they appear in the FeatureManager design tree and can be edited with the dialog box still open. Once the item is fixed, click on ‘Update’ to run the check again.
Update Results In Previous Release Check
Once you have fixed all listed items, you will be free to save the file as a previous version.
Check Showing No Incompatibility Issues
To learn more SOLIDWORKS tips, check out our SOLIDWORKS training courses here.
