Troubleshooting: Opening Newer Inventor Files

When you try to open an Inventor file, you receive an error indicating you are attempting to open an Inventor file that is newer than your current version.

Issue

You are not able to open:

  1. A part or assembly file that is 1 or more years newer than your current version.
  2. A part or assembly file that is 2 or more years newer than your current version.
  3. A newer version of an Inventor drawing (.idw) or presentation (.ipn) file.

Solution

  1. Install the latest update from https://manage.autodesk.com to open a part or assembly file that is one year newer than your current version.
    Note: The update that supports opening newer file versions generally becomes available 1 month after the release the latest version of Inventor.
  2. Install the latest version of Inventor to open:
    • Part (.ipt) and assembly (.iam) files 2 or more years newer than your current version. Inventor does not support opening part (.ipt) and assembly (.iam) files 2 years newer than your current version.
    • All newer formats of Inventor drawing (.idw) and presentation (.ipn) files. Inventor does not support opening Inventor drawing (.idw) and presentation (.ipn) files that are newer than your current release.

    Tips

    If you do not have the latest version of Inventor:

    • Restore a backup version of the file that is of the same or older version than the software in use.
    • If the file was supplied by someone using a newer version than you, ask if they can provide a file version that is compatible with your software version. If the feature history is not significant, ask for a file saved in a supported neutral file format, such as SAT or STEP.
    • Try saving to a neutral file format until you can access a compatible version.