Cannot save project as text

[Christian_Sedlmair]

Having Xojo 2025.1, i am just not able to convert a project to text format (.xojo_binary_project to .xojo_project).

I tried all:

On the FileMenu i have only a “Save as” button (not something like “Export Project as” or “Save a Copy as”) and there i cannot select the format.

So, on the “Save As:” field i typed “PasswordsClient.xojo_project” but this had no effect to the output format, it still is a binary format.

Then i tried to “IDE Scripts > new IDE Script” and there commands like “SaveAs(“/path/to/Passwords.xojo_project”)” but all theese didnt work.

Next i switched on the Settings, but there i can only change the default-project-type to text. Restarted my xojo, reopened the project, tried to save but all theese attempts leads not to any format-change.

How to?

Thanks

[MarkusR]

@Christian_Sedlmair

So, on the “Save As:” field i typed “PasswordsClient.xojo_project” but this had no effect to the output format, it still is a binary format.

at save as
below the file name is the project type combobox, there you select the xojo_project type and the name extension should also be set then.

(Windows 11 Xojo 2025r2.1)

[Christian_Sedlmair]

Thank you Markus! Exactly this select (“Dateityp:”) i cannot find. I only have (MAC):

and:

[Thomas_Kaltschmidt]

What project type is this and which license for Xojo do you have?

[Jeff_Tullin]

@Thomas_Kaltschmidt

which license for Xojo

The lite licence did/does not allow for saving as text format

[Thomas_Kaltschmidt]

It does (since 2024r1, i think) but only for Desktop-Projects, since Lite was Desktop-Only.

[MarkusR]

check menu Help > License Keys
that you are not on the free mode.
can you current project create a executable via build?

[AlbertoD]

@Christian_Sedlmair

Next i switched on the Settings, but there i can only change the default-project-type to text. Restarted my xojo, reopened the project, tried to save but all theese attempts leads not to any format-change.

That setting (the one that offers Text) is always there even if you are working without license and you will not be able to write to text format.

You really need to check which License (if any) is active with your Xojo 2025.1, after you confirm you have a License, then we can help you resolve your problem. For example, if you have Lite license and trying to save a Web project you can’t save as Text, only Desktop.

[Christian_Sedlmair]

Wow! Thank you so much for the many responses I received so quickly! I found that my Xojo desktop licence has expired and I need to renew it.

But: Does this function disappear when the licence expires? I thought that licence expiration only prevented updates, not disabled functions.

I only use Xojo for one app, which I use internally, but it is important for that.

[Emile_Schwarz]

I just recall having see that in the Settings window:

The Radio Button do nothing in the displayed case: the default project format stays as Binary if there is no valid license for the running Xojo…

[Christian_Sedlmair]

Thanks, Emile! I have this setting too, but it doesn’t help with an existing project that is saved as binary and needs to be converted to readable text.

[Emile_Schwarz]

@Christian_Sedlmair

but it doesn’t help with an existing project

I created a brand new one after setting that to text and while trying to save, no change: the project is saved as xojo_binary, not text.

That said, I have to add something: when you have a valid license for the used Xojo, create a folder to save your project as text (Xojo Default). Why ? Because you will get plenty text files (one for each object in the Navigation pane if my memory serve), doing so will allow you to not flood your working data. Then, you can add your data in folder there and keep a manageable environment (i hope so).

[AlbertoD]

@Christian_Sedlmair

But: Does this function disappear when the licence expires? I thought that licence expiration only prevented updates, not disabled functions.

No, this function does not disappear. Looks like (maybe) an OS update affected your license.

Are you sure your license covers Xojo 2025r1?
The license shows in ‘License Keys…’ under Xojo menu?
I have a Pro license that expired and I still can save as Text with all Xojo versions before the expiration, as long as I’m logged in and the license shows in ‘License Keys…’

[Christian_Sedlmair]

Thank you, AlbertoD! Then its answered for me.

[Greg_O]

My thought is that Xojo just didn’t fix this spot in the IDE. try a newer IDE and if that doesn’t fix it, file a bug report.

[Emile_Schwarz]

My license (Pro) does not cover the current version, but with the current version, I cannot use Xojo Format (a.k.a. Text).

Maybe I overlook something.

[AlbertoD]

@Emile_Schwarz

Maybe I overlook something.

You did not overlook. That is the correct behavior.

You can’t save as text in a newer version that your license, on a Mac.

[Emile_Schwarz]

Before today, the last time I tried was with my licensed version and naturally, that worked.

BTW: why each and every (real) English words get red lines below them ?

(real) english words: version exist also in French and is not underlined by the automatic word checker.