Understanding On-Demand Object Upgrades and Version Interoperability

Learn when and when not to manually update your drainage objects for best results.

Drainage design and analysis tools for Civil 3D introduces an on-demand upgrade system for component-based objects (such as ponds, channels, and underground storage). This provides greater flexibility by allowing you to choose when to adopt new object features, rather than requiring an automatic, simultaneous upgrade of all objects in a drawing.

This manual upgrade approach enhances interoperability, enabling collaboration among team members using different versions of Civil 3D.

Automatic Upgrades and Proxy Objects

Previously, opening a drawing in a newer version of Civil 3D automatically upgraded all compatible objects. If this drawing was then opened in an older version of the software, the upgraded objects would appear as proxy objects. These proxies are placeholders that are not editable and do not display an object's full geometry, properties, or data. This requires software upgrades to maintain workflow continuity, potentially hindering full collaboration.

Component-Based Objects

On demand upgrades to component-based elements allow objects to be upgraded individually, on demand, rather than collectively. The primary advantage to this is that drawings created in newer versions of Civil 3D remain accessible and viewable in older versions without displaying proxy objects.

Note: If there is a version mismatch between Drainage design and analysis tools for Civil 3D and objects in the drawing, object property dialog boxes will display warnings that the object is out of date, or newer than the current software version.

To Upgrade Drainage Objects in a Drawing

The following procedure guides you through upgrading drainage objects.

1. In the command line, enter DRAINAGEDESIGNUPGRADE.

   A Version Conflict warning displays with an explanation of the conflict between drainage object versions and the current Civil 3D version.

2. Click one of the following options.
   • Upgrade objects
   • Keep existing objects

   Depending on your selection, the object behaviors in the drawing are defined as follows.

Opening a Newer Drawing in an Older Version (Backward Compatibility)

• Drainage Objects are Visible. Objects are visible and not proxy.
• Properties and Analysis. Object properties can be viewed, and analysis functions can be performed.
• Read-Only Geometry. Object geometry is read-only to protect the data from the newer version.
• Data Integrity. If the drawing is saved, the original object data is maintained.

You may see a notification such as: "This drawing contains objects from Civil 3D version xxxx. Upgrade to enable full editing."

Opening an Older Drawing in a Newer Version (On-Demand Upgrade)

• No Automatic Upgrade. Objects display accurately and analysis functions are available without an immediate or forced upgrade.
• User-Controlled Upgrade. Objects remain in their current version until manually upgraded.
• Upgrade Prompt. Attempts to edit the object geometry using newer features, Civil 3D will prompt to confirm the upgrade.
• Preserving Compatibility. Declining an upgrade prompt, keeps the objects in its current state, preserving full compatibility for collaboration using the older version.

Advantages to On-demand Upgrades for Component-based Objects

Enhanced Collaboration. Collaborative partners can use different Civil 3D versions on the same project.

No Proxy Objects. Drawings from newer versions remain accessible in older software; actual objects appear instead of proxies.

Controlled Editing. Objects in older versions are visible with limited, read-only editing capabilities, protecting data integrity.

Flexible Feature Adoption. Test and adopt new drainage design and analysis features on a flexible schedule without affecting existing workflows.

Faster Feature Access. Updates may be released more frequently, allowing access new functionality when you are ready.

Other Considerations

• Upgrade Prompts. When editing an object that requires new features, Civil 3D prompts for confirmation. Once upgraded, older versions will have restricted (read-only) editing for that object.
• Read-Only Status. Some objects may be read-only in newer versions until actively upgraded.
• New Workflows. You will need to become familiar with managing upgraded versus non-upgraded objects and understanding the new on-demand prompts.