Saving an AutoCAD file to a lower version is a straightforward process primarily done through the "Save Drawing As" function to ensure compatibility with older software releases.
The Simple Steps to Save in a Lower AutoCAD Version
To save your current drawing file so that it can be opened by users running an older version of AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT, you will utilize the standard saving dialog. The process involves selecting the desired older file format during the save operation.
Based on the standard procedure, follow these steps:
- Access the "Save Drawing As" dialog box within AutoCAD. This can typically be done by going to the Application menu (the big 'A' in the top-left corner) and selecting Save As -> Drawing.
- In the File Name box provided in the dialog box, enter a new drawing name for your file. It's often a good practice to add the version year to the file name (e.g., "MyProject_2018.dwg").
- Under the Files of type dropdown menu, select the specific AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT file format you wish to save to. This list will display various older
.dwg(or.dxf) formats like "AutoCAD 2018 Drawing", "AutoCAD 2013 Drawing", "AutoCAD 2010 Drawing", "AutoCAD 2007 Drawing", and so on. - Click the OK (or Save) button to complete the process.
Your drawing is now saved as a new file in the selected, older version format.
Why Save to an Older Version?
Saving your AutoCAD drawings to an older file format is typically done for a few key reasons:
- Compatibility: The most common reason is to share files with colleagues, clients, or partners who are using an older version of AutoCAD that cannot open files saved in your current, newer format.
- Archiving: Sometimes, saving in a widely compatible older format ensures the file can be accessed with various future software versions.
Choosing the Right File Format
When you access the "Files of type" dropdown in the "Save Drawing As" dialog, you will see a list of available .dwg file formats, each corresponding to a specific release or range of releases (e.g., AutoCAD 2018-2020, AutoCAD 2013-2017, AutoCAD 2010-2012, AutoCAD 2007-2009, etc.).
Select the format that is compatible with the oldest version of AutoCAD that needs to open the file. For instance, if you know the recipient uses AutoCAD 2015, you should select "AutoCAD 2013 Drawing".
Important Considerations
While saving to a lower version is useful, be aware of potential issues:
- Feature Loss: Newer features, objects, or properties introduced in your current AutoCAD version might not be supported in the older format. They could be removed, converted to simpler entities (like lines and arcs), or appear as proxy objects.
- File Size: Saving to older formats might sometimes result in a slightly larger file size depending on the content.
- Loss of Fidelity: Complex objects or annotations might not display exactly as intended when opened in the older version due to differences in feature support.
It is always recommended to keep a copy of your drawing saved in the current, native version before saving it to an older format for sharing or compatibility purposes.
