Vectorworks 2017 can open:
Vectorworks 9
Vectorworks 10
Vectorworks 11
Vectorworks 12
Vectorworks 2008
Vectorworks 2009
Vectorworks 2010
Vectorworks 2011
Vectorworks 2012
Vectorworks 2013
Vectorworks 2014
Vectorworks 2015
Vectorworks 2016
All versions of Vectorworks since MiniCAD/Vectorworks 8 can open files from MiniCAD version 7 and newer.
MiniCAD/Vectorworks 8 is the last version that can open older (MiniCAD 5-6-7) files.
MiniCAD 5 should be able to open all earlier versions. However, keep in mind, to run MiniCAD 5 you need a very old Mac running a very old Mac operating system - pre Mac OS 10 (Mac OS 8 or 9).
From the Vectorworks Knowledgebase:
"Some older file formats are no longer readable by newer versions of Vectorworks regardless of backwards compatibility. Vectorworks 2012 back to Vectorworks 2009 can open 2008, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 and MiniCAD 7 files. Vectorworks 2008 and 12 can open as far back as MiniCAD 8."
Vectorworks 2016 can also open MiniCAD 7 files, but there are many cases where users think they have Minicad 7 files and the files are actually older. But that forward conversion will stick, it’s only exporting back multiple versions that will be shortened going forward to prevent compatibility issues.
We may be able to assist!
In case you do not have access to old Macs and older versions of Vectorworks, we have a colleague who does and is willing to translate a few files, with some advanced notice. Converting the files from older to current versions is a time consuming, manual process that involves a number of old computers. Given the labour involved, there is a nominal per-file fee for this service... but it is certainly less expensive that recreating the files from scratch.
The cost for having your old MiniCAD files converted to newer Vectorworks versions is:
plus
$30 for a single file conversion or
$40/hour for the file conversion process for multiple files
If you are in need of this service, please submit a support ticket to get in touch with us.