Install latest 2D version and 2D AE for converting older files

Application	PLAXIS 2D
Version	PLAXIS 2D
Date created	16 November 2018
Date modified	15 September 2023

PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21 Update 1

PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21 Update 1 allows the conversion of older files from PLAXIS with our CONNECT Edition. This means that older PLAXIS files with the *.P2D can directly be converted to PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21 Update 1 right from the Input program! This is possible since the release of PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V20 Update 2.
This includes files last saved in PLAXIS 2D 2010, 2D 2011, 2D 2012 and PLAXIS 2D Classic, all with the file extension *.P2D.
See also Video: PLAXIS 2D Classic Converter for CONNECT

For the legacy versions (PLAXIS 2D 2019 and older), read the information below.

All dongle/hardware lock (HWL) based versions of PLAXIS 2D/3D are treated as "V8i SELECTseries 10" according to Bentley's Support Policy. This means that Bentley will discontinue support for hardware lock based versions of PLAXIS after December 31, 2021. This includes PLAXIS 2D 2019 and older, and PLAXIS 3D 2018 and older.

To see the benefits of the latest versions and how to get the latest version, please see PLAXIS CONNECT Edition: upgrade from Hardware lock to Flexible licensing

How to have the latest PLAXIS 2D legacy version and PLAXIS 2D AE simultaneously installed in your computer for converting older files

The procedure of converting projects created with PLAXIS 2D Classic, PLAXS 2D 2012 or an earlier version (with extension .P2D) for our legacy versions (PLAXIS 2D 2019 and older) can only be done with PLAXIS 2D AE. Since it is inconvenient to switch between installed versions constantly, you may use this tip to have both versions (2D AE and the latest legacy version of 2D) available in your system:

Request the PLAXIS 2D AE.02 installation via a support case: https://bentleysystems.service-now.com/csp
(requires using a Codemeter dongle)
After receiving the installer, double-click to launch the installation process and use the default install directory (C:\Program files (x86)\Plaxis\Plaxis 2D)
The shortcuts and file extension association (e.g. when double-clicking a file) will always refer to the last installed version, which will now be PLAXIS 2D AE.
If you do not want that:
1. Re-install the latest version of PLAXIS 2D to the default install directory:
  (C:\Program Files\Bentley\Geotechnical\PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V20)
  (for PLAXIS 2D 2019 and older: C:\Program files\Plaxis\Plaxis 2D)
2. After reinstallation of the recent PLAXIS 2D version, 2D AE will then need to be launched from its installation folder (C:\Program files (x86)\Plaxis\Plaxis 2D)

Notes

In order to use a PLAXIS 2D version, you must have access to the appropriate license;
For converting even older files with the extension *.plx, you can use the 2D Classic version, which can be found in the subfolder called classic, located inside the 2D AE program folder. See here for more details.