Can an older SolidWorks open a newer file?

Only a file one release newer, read-only, from SP5 (Future Version). Anything further ahead is refused.

How do I save a SolidWorks file as an older version?

In the newer release, use Save As and pick a previous version — since 2024, two releases back, with an active subscription. Without the newer release, convert the part here instead.

Can I downgrade a SolidWorks 2026 part to 2022?

Not as a native part yet. SolidWorks' own Save As stops at 2024 from 2026. Convert it to STEP here, or ask the sender for one: 2022 imports it as a solid body.

Does converting keep the feature tree?

No. Only SolidWorks' own Save As keeps features. A converted part or a neutral file is an imported solid, usually on the part's own surfaces.

Does it work for assemblies?

Not yet — parts only. An assembly holds no part geometry; each part is its own file and can be converted on its own.

Open a Newer SolidWorks File in an Older Version

How to open a newer SolidWorks file in an older version

Your SolidWorks is older than the one that saved the part, and it will not open it.

SolidWorks never opens a file for editing that a newer release saved. There are four ways round it; which one works depends on how far apart the releases are and who has the newer one.

Short answer. From SP5, a SolidWorks release opens a part saved one release later, read-only (Future Version). To edit it, someone with the newer release can use Save As previous version, which since 2024 reaches two releases back and needs an active subscription. Without that seat, convert the part: MeshWeave writes a native part for SolidWorks 2025 or 2024, or a STEP for 2023 and older, usually on the part's own surfaces. Only Save As keeps the feature tree.

Updated 2026-10-01 · first published 2026-09-30

Why it will not open

Each SolidWorks release writes parts its predecessors cannot read, and an older release refuses them rather than guess. Nothing is wrong with the file; it is ahead of your software.

Check which release saved it first. In Windows File Explorer, right-click the part and open Properties, then Details: SW Last saved with names the release. Some tools show an internal number instead — 2024 is 17000, and each release adds 1000.

Future Version: look, but not edit

From SP5, a release opens a part saved one release later — 2025 SP5 opens a 2026 part — read-only, as a single node with no features. Enough to measure it or mate against it. Two releases apart, it does nothing.

Save As previous version: from the newer seat

Since 2024, SolidWorks can save a part back two releases with its features intact. It needs the newer release and an active subscription, and it refuses a part that uses a feature new to that release.

Saved in	Can be saved back to
SolidWorks 2026	2025, 2024
SolidWorks 2025	2024, 2023
SolidWorks 2024	2023, 2022
SolidWorks 2023 and older	No older release

Nothing reaches 2021 or earlier this way.

A neutral file: ask the sender

Whoever has the newer release exports a STEP, and any release imports it as a solid body without the feature tree. Quick when the sender is there; no help with an archived part or a supplier who has moved on.

Convert it yourself

Drop the part here with Older SLDPRT selected. SolidWorks 2025 and 2024 get a native part; for 2023 and older, choose STEP — native files for those releases are coming. No SolidWorks, and nobody with the newer seat.

No account needed

In your browserYour file never leaves this device. Meshes in any direction, STEP and BREP to mesh, and STL to STEP with real surfaces. Free, no limit.On our serversEvery format: STEP with real surfaces, SolidWorks, Parasolid, IGES, repair. Deleted within 24 h without an account.

Drop a SolidWorks part.sldprt · parts only · up to 200 MB · no account

On our servers. No account: deleted within 24 hours. Signed in: kept until you delete them. Never shared or used for training.

Either way you get the finished shape and no feature tree, usually with its own surfaces. Parts only: assemblies are not supported yet. Check the result opens in your release before relying on it.

Which to use

You only need to look, one release apart: Future Version.
You need the features, and someone has the newer seat: Save As previous version, if your release is within two of theirs.
No newer seat, and you are on 2025 or 2024: A native part from the converter above.
No newer seat, and you are on 2023 or older: A STEP, from the converter or from the sender.

SOLIDWORKS® is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. MeshWeave is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Dassault Systèmes.