Backwards Compatibility

When you save an InfoDrainage model (.iddx) as a previous version, the software prepares a copy that an older release can open. Features that did not exist in that release are removed or converted automatically.

You can save back to InfoDrainage 2025.0 and later.

How to save as a previous version

The following methods allow you to save an InfoDrainage model as a previous version:

  • File → Save As
  • Export Phase - context menu option in Phase Management
  • File → Transmit Design

In Save as type, select your preferred InfoDrainage version from the drop-down list. If you are on a later patch release (for example, 2027.1), the list typically includes your current version, 2027.0, 2026.0, and 2025.0.

Before you save

  • Your open model is not changed. Only the file you save is adjusted.
  • Results of analysis are not included in a downgraded file. Deluge, 1D, 1D-2D, and Rational results are removed. Run the analysis again in the target version if you need these results.

How selected version affects changes made

Changes are cumulative. Saving to an older version includes every change listed for newer save targets, plus any additional changes for that version.

  • Save as 2027.0 - applies the changes listed below for 2027.0.
  • Save as 2026.0 - applies all changes for 2027.0, plus the additional changes for 2026.0.
  • Save as 2025.0 - applies all changes for 2027.0 and 2026.0, plus the additional changes for 2025.0.

Save as 2027.0

When saving from a release later than 2027.0 (such as 2027.1):

Discarded:

  • Analysis results (Deluge, 1D, 1D-2D) and Rational results on connections

  • Tables column setup

  • Flexible Reporting column setup

  • Model properties and features introduced after 2027.0

Modified:

  • External rainfall library - rainfall data is stored inside the .iddx file

  • Variable Depth Channels - converted to an equivalent Rectangular, Trapezoidal, Triangular, or Custom Open Channel (see below)

Save as 2026.0

Includes all changes listed for 2027.0, plus:

Modified:

  • Flow paths - all flow paths under the AutoProfile Flow Paths section are saved as User Flow Paths

  • Bioretention inlet destinations remapped:

    • Soil Layer → Subsurface Area

    • Storage Layer → Subsurface Area

    • Surface Layer → Ponding Area

  • Horton infiltration decay constant - rounded up to a whole number (for example, 2.5 becomes 3)

Save as 2025.0

Includes all changes listed for 2027.0 and 2026.0, plus:

Discarded:

  • Land Use and Soil Type definitions

  • Land Use calculation cache (but not the resulting values)

Modified:

  • Trimmed Desbordes rainfall - converted to Known Rainfall (Extended Desbordes is unchanged)

  • Arch and Ellipse connections - converted to Box Culvert

Note: For catchment areas that use Use Land Uses / Soil Types, calculated curve number, percent impervious, and PACN values are kept and treated as user-entered values when Land Use and Soil Type objects are removed.

Feature details

Variable Depth Channels

Each Variable Depth Channel is replaced with a standard channel type using whichever end of the channel has the smaller cross-section area:

Cross-section shape Converted to

Both side slopes are zero

Rectangular Channel

Both side slopes are equal

Trapezoidal Channel

Base width is zero and right side slope is zero

Triangular Channel

Any other shape

Custom Open Channel

Trimmed Desbordes rainfall

  • Only rainfalls with Method set to Trimmed are affected

  • A storm record is created for each storm duration that was in use

  • The Known Rainfall is named from the Desbordes settings, for example: Desbordes-2-Region3-Trimmed-7.5-0.31-3.8-0.22-0.65