Install latest 2D version and 2D CONNECT Edition V21.01 for converting older files


ApplicationPLAXIS 2D
VersionPLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21
PLAXIS 2D 2023 and later
Date created16 November 2018
Date modified2 February 2024

PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21 Update 1

PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21 Update 1 allows the direct conversion of older PLAXIS projects. This means that older PLAXIS files with the *.P2D can directly be converted using PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21 Update 1 right from the Input program. This is also possible with 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 

How to have the latest PLAXIS 2D version and PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21 simultaneously installed in your computer for converting older files

The procedure of converting projects created with PLAXIS 2D Classic, PLAXIS 2D 2012 or an earlier version (with extension *.P2D) in the PLAXIS latest versions (PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition and later) can be done with PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Editon V21 Update 1.

For conversion purposes, it is possible to install both versions side-by-side in your system i.e., PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21.01 and the latest PLAXIS 2D version:

  1. Start by downloading the required installers from our Software Downloads page for PLAXIS 2D
    1. You can pick any of the latest versions, and
    2. the PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21 Update 1 (21.01.00.479).
  2. Begin by installing first the PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21 Update 1.
    By default this is installed at: C:\Program Files\Bentley\Geotechnical\PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21
  3. Continue by installing the latest PLAXIS 2D version.
    By default this is installed at: C:\Program Files\Seequent
  4. You are advised to configure the default application for the PLAXIS projects to be the latest PLAXIS version.
  5. Done!
    You can convert the old projects with PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V21 Update 1 and continue working with the latest PLAXIS version

Note: for converting older PLAXIS projects with the extension *.PLX, contact the Support team by opening a Case. Read here on How to receive Technical Support.

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

See also