How to save a part file or assembly to an older version of Creo?

[ptc-210291]

Does anyone know how/if possible to save a part file or assembly to an older version of creo?

Example: a part or assembly made in Creo 7.0 save a version that can be opened back in Creo 6.0

[KenFarley]

Generally speaking, this is not possible. Once a file has been written in a newer version of Creo it cannot be opened up in an earlier version.

There is something called GCRI that is supposed to provide this functionality, but I've never used it. Here's a support article about it:

www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS34964 

Perhaps that will help you.

[BenLoosli]

There is a limitation with Creo 7 that will not allow its files to be opened in prior versions of Creo due to the changes in the data structures for multi-body modeling.

Your only options with Creo 7 files to be opened in an older version is to use a neutral file format like STEP or IGES.

[tbraxton]

Creo neutral file format (*.neu) is also an option, and I would give preference to this over STEP or IGES in this scenario.

[Patriot_1776]

'Sup Tom!  Interesting.  Neutral preferred over STEP...why?  Just for this scenario, or also for general use?  I've always used STEP files instead of anything else if possible.  Probably the most common and accepted and definitely a LOT better than the ancient IGES format.

[tbraxton]

I have found that Creo neutral files will have less chance of geometry problems on import back into Creo if the model is solid. Sometimes STEP files will not solidify without intervention in IDD to turn it into a solid. I have had this issue with ,neu format as well but at a lower frequency.

Most of the models I am dealing with are usually surface heavy and not composed of primitive or prismatic shapes. STEP will handle primitives fine but if you are using Style features or complex surfacing then a .neu file is probably a better option.

[Constantin]

Hi Patriot,
from Creo to Creo via neutral (.neu) works well, since they both use the PTC 'Granite' kernel.

[ProFeature]

Is it feasible for Creo+ to save in an earlier version as well?

[BenLoosli]

No, Creo+ is basically Creo 10 loaded on the cloud.

With the changes to allow true SAAS like OnShape coming, that would make it impossible to open a Creo+ file in Creo 9 or older.

[ProFeature]

Thank you @BenLoosli  for the answer.

Beginning with SOLIDWORKS 2024, you can save SOLIDWORKS parts, assemblies, and drawings created or saved in the latest version of SOLIDWORKS as fully functional documents in a previous version of SOLIDWORKS. You can save documents back to the previous two releases. Pack and Go also supports this functionality.

You can save SOLIDWORKS 2024 files as SOLIDWORKS 2023 or SOLIDWORKS 2022 versions. This previous release compatibility lets you share files with others who use one of the two previous versions of SOLIDWORKS. You cannot extend the previous release compatibility beyond those two releases. Saving SOLIDWORKS Documents as Previous Versions - 2024 - What's New in SOLIDWORKS