Upgrade of Projects (Structural & FEA)#

Preliminary Note#

This document compiles information and hints regarding the upgrade of existing SOFiSTiK projects (version 2018 or 2020) for processing with the new version SOFiSTiK 2023.

Hint

We recommend not to switch the major release during one running project, please contact support@sofistik.de for individual support if you have to do so.

Hint

Only the version 2018 and 2020 can be directly upgraded to the new version of SOFiSTiK 2023. All other earlier versions can be upgraded only to the next major release, e.g. 2014 2016, 2016 2018.

Upgrade of Project Files#

SSD Project Files (.sofistik)#

When opening a project file into Structural Desktop 2023, the user is prompted to authorize an automatic upgrade process. During this process, all SSD related data formats are upgraded.

Important

After upgrade, the project file can no longer be processed by earlier versions than SOFiSTiK Structural Desktop 2023 version. Thence it is recommended to make a backup of older project data.

In addition, one automatic upgrade of the database (.cdb) is being performed. If tasks are no longer existing in the new version their respective input will be converted in a simple Text-Task.

SOFiPLUS(-X) Project files (.dwg)#

When opening a project file into SOFiPLUS(-X) 2023, the user is prompted to authorize an automatic conversion process. During this process, all SOFiPLUS(-X) related data formats are upgraded.

Important

After upgrade, the project file can no longer be processed by earlier versions than SOFiPLUS(-X) 2023 version. Thence it is recommended to make a backup of older project data.

In addition, one automatic upgrade of the database (.cdb) is being performed (refer to Database (.cdb)).

Database (.cdb)#

The data formats in databases of version 2018, 2020 and 2023 are compatible to a large extent, but not identical.

Important

Merging of data from different database versions should be avoided, because in this case, the quality and accuracy of data cannot be assured.

There is an automatic mechanism for the upgrade of the data formats from version 2018 or 2020 to version 2023.

This upgrade is possible through:

  • Upgrade of the SSD project files (.sofistik) or

  • Upgrade of the SOFiPLUS project files (.dwg).

Important

After upgrade, the project file can no longer be processed by earlier versions than SOFiSTiK 2023 version. Thence it is recommended to make a backup of older project data.

CADINP Commands#

Due to the generic symbols of the CADiNP language, an automatic upgrade is not possible and is not supported. SOFiSTiK’s strategy, regarding this issue, is shortly outlined here.

Some CADINP commands may be labeled as deprecated. For these commands, the following holds:

  • They are (and remain) fully functional for the actual major release (Version 2023).

  • Support of these commands will be discontinued at some point in the future (usually as with the next major release).

  • In most cases, documentation or input description for these commands is no longer available for the actual major release (Version 2023).

  • Deprecated input commands are marked with a warning. Generally, this warning also issues a specific hint regarding the recommended replacement.

Tip

It is recommended to avoid deprecated input commands and adopt the advised replacement instead.