# Upgrade Projects

All .rw8 projects will open and work the same in RapidWeaver Classic as they did in RapidWeaver 8.  RapidWeaver Classic also shares the same addons folder.

**ALL RapidWeaver 8 projects are 100% compatible with RapidWeaver Classic.**

When you open an existing RapidWeaver 8 project it will be upgraded to a RapidWeaver Classic project and saved as a copy with the extension .rwc — your original project will not be modified.

Once you've upgraded a project you should remember to always edit and work on the newer ones with the .rwc file extension.

### Plugin Compatibility with RapidWeaver Classic

All plugins are compatible with RapidWeaver Classic.

### Running Multiple Versions of RapidWeaver

As each version of RapidWeaver is a standalone app, it can easily be installed side-by-side, and can even share the same addons folder. RapidWeaver 8, RapidWeaver Classic, and the forthcoming RapidWeaver Elements can all be installed alongside each other without issue.

## Upgrading from RapidWeaver 8 or earlier

This section details how to upgrade your project from earlier versions of RapidWeaver to the latest. You can download older versions of RapidWeaver, along with license numbers in the [RapidWeaver FAQ](/classic-manual/general-faq.md#download-and-license-older-versions-of-rapidweaver). 

### RapidWeaver Classic (.rwc)

RapidWeaver Classic Project files use the .rwc file extension.

### RapidWeaver 8 (.rw8)

RapidWeaver 8 Project files use the .rw8 file extension.

### RapidWeaver 7 (.rw)

Make sure you're running RapidWeaver 7.5.5 ([the latest version](https://www.realmacsoftware.com/downloads/rapidweaver/RapidWeaver7-5-7-18828.zip)) - all files must be saved in this version before attempting to upgrade further.\
\
If you're using a custom add-on folder location, simply go to RapidWeaver > Preferences > Addons and choose your dedicated add-ons folder.

* Make a copy of your RapidWeaver 7 project file (backup)
* Right-click on your project file and select Open With > RapidWeaver 8
* Your project file will be upgraded to the RapidWeaver 8 format
* Add-ons: You can copy over RapidWeaver 7 add-ons to RapidWeaver 8 by going to RapidWeaver > Copy Addons from RapidWeaver 7

### RapidWeaver 6 (.rw6)

Make sure you're running RapidWeaver 6.4 ([the latest version](https://www.realmacsoftware.com/downloads/rapidweaver/RapidWeaver6-4-15176.zip)) - all files must be saved in this version before attempting to upgrade.

* Make a copy of your RapidWeaver 6 project file (backup)
* Right-click on your project file and select Open With > RapidWeaver 8
* Your project file will be upgraded to the RapidWeaver 8 format
* Refer to our guide on manually copying add-ons over from RapidWeaver 6 to 8

### RapidWeaver 5 (.rwsw)

Make sure you're running RapidWeaver 5.4.1 ([the latest version](https://www.realmacsoftware.com/downloads/rapidweaver/rapidweaver-541.zip)) - all files must be saved in this version before attempting to upgrade.

* Make a copy of your RapidWeaver 5 project file (backup)
* Right-click on your project file and select Open With > RapidWeaver 6
* Your project file will be upgraded to the RapidWeaver 6 format

### **RapidWeaver 4 and earlier**

While this technically could be achieved, we'd recommend starting afresh in a modern version of RapidWeaver to take advantage of the 10+ years of enhancements. Take it as an excuse to revamp your site!


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