Converting previous version files as a batch

Command

Path

Batch Convert

File

During a batch conversion, the program scans all files in the source folder (and in subfolders, optionally), and converts previous version files to the current format. Non-Vectorworks files and Vectorworks files that are too old to convert are skipped and recorded in the log file.

There are two options for Vectorworks files during batch conversions:

By default, the program moves the previous version files to an archive folder and places the converted versions of those files in the source folder.

Alternatively, the program makes no changes to the source folder. Instead, the converted files (and copies of any current version Vectorworks files) are placed in a specified folder.

To convert a batch of files:

Place all files to be converted in one folder, or in subfolders within the source folder.

In the Vectorworks program, select the command.

The Batch Convert dialog box opens.

Click to show/hide the parameters.Click to show/hide the parameters.

Parameter

Description

Source Folder

Click Choose to open either the Choose Source Folder dialog box (Windows) or the Browse for Folder dialog box (Mac). Select the folder that contains the files you want to convert.

Destination Folder

To place the converted files into a different folder, click Choose to open either the Choose Destination Folder dialog box (Mac) or the Browse for Folder dialog box (Windows). Select the folder, and then click Choose (Mac) or OK (Windows) to return to the Batch Convert dialog box. Then deselect Convert in place.

Include subfolders

Converts the files within the subfolders of the source folder

Convert in place

Moves the original Vectorworks files to an archive folder, and places the newly converted files in the original source file locations. The archive folder is created within the source folder and is named "Old Version Vectorworks Files."

Deselect this option to place the converted files in the destination folder and make no changes to the source folder.

Convert layer links into viewports

(Design Suite product required)

Creates viewports on design layers that reference one or more layers within the same file. Select this option to convert any layer links in the older version files into viewports.

Convert referenced layers into referenced viewports

(Design Suite product required)

Creates viewports on design layers that reference one or more layers in an external file. Select this option to convert any referenced layers in the older version files into viewports.

Convert absolute references into relative references

(Design Suite product required)

Converts workgroup references with absolute file paths to relative file paths, if a relative file path is allowed. A relative file path is not allowed if the file is on a different volume from the referenced file.

Click OK to convert the files.

Each file is briefly opened and re-saved into the appropriate folder. Subfolder names and hierarchies are recreated, if they are included in the conversion process. If Convert in place is selected, the original files are moved to the archive folder, in the original subfolder structure.

Once the conversion is complete, the Batch Conversion Results dialog box displays a summary.

Click to show/hide the parameters.Click to show/hide the parameters.

Parameter

Description

Total files in source folder

The total number of files contained in the specified source folder

Total files successfully converted

The total number of files successfully converted by the Batch Convert command

Total current version files copied

The total number of files that were already in the current version of the Vectorworks program; if Convert in place is selected, the files are left in place in the original folder; if Convert in place is not selected, the files are copied to the destination folder

Total files not converted

The total number of files that were not converted.

MiniCAD 6 and earlier versions are not supported by the Batch Convert command.

For solid conversion errors, check the log file to see which files had failures. You may be able to edit the converted geometry and regenerate the solids.

Click Details to view a log file with information about each file processed during the conversion.

Converting a single previous version file

Creating design layer viewports

 

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