Kicad PCB file is listed as an older version and not visible

Software
1

I am having an issue with multiple projects, and I would appreciate some help. I created a few designs under kicad version 8 and upgraded to version 9. Since updating, my projects and schematics are shown as being version 9 projects, but my board remains listed as a v8 board file. When I try to open these boards, I get a loading error that says that I need to upgrade to kicad version 9 (which I am running). The boards vias, nets, and pad data is listed but I can’t see anything other than a black edge cut layer. I have lost all of my work and I actually rebuilt one from scratch as a version 9 project, but I am now having the same issue with this redesign. Does anyone know what is going on?

2

First, are you 100% sure you’re not running v8? In any case, copy and paste here the exact version info from the problematic KiCad from Help → About → Copy Version Info.

3

Application: KiCad x64 on x64
Version: 9.0.1, release build
Libraries:
wxWidgets 3.2.6
FreeType 2.13.3
HarfBuzz 10.2.0
FontConfig 2.15.0
libcurl/8.11.1-DEV Schannel zlib/1.3.1

4

Do you have version 8.0.x installed as well? Assuming Windows 10 or 11?

If you’re double clicking on the .kicad_pcb file instead of opening it in the project manager then the OS may be trying to open it with version 8.

Also, the “Copy Version Info” button copies a bunch more stuff than what you’ve shown. May help someone diagnose the issue if the entirety of the version info is shown.

1 Like
5

Thanks ill look into that when i get a chance. I dont think i have v8 installed but i dont underdtand how my board file could change from v9 to v8 without it being on my computer.

6

Did you potentially open the project file in v8 (before v8.0.9) after upgrading it to v9? It sounds a bit like the visibility bug. In that case, you can delete the .kicad_prl to reset the visibility settings.

That being said, I don’t know why that would cause the “black edge cuts layer” and there may be more going on here.

2 Likes
7

I had a similar issue in that if I opened the the pcb file from ‘file explorer’ then it would open in Kicad 8 not in 9.
I ended up removing Kicad 8 as I don’t use it and just save older projects as v9 as and when I need to.

1 Like
8

Can you post the bad .kicad_prl file?