Version History Issues

Why OneDrive Version History Fails for Archicad Files & How to Fix It

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to restore older versions of Archicad files because OneDrive's version history only retains the latest version of PLN files.

Product: OneDrive / Archicad
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to revert to or retrieve a previous version of an Archicad project stored and synced through OneDrive.
Observed behavior: OneDrive version history fails to generate new versions for Archicad .pln files upon saving, though it successfully logs versions for other file types like .mod files.

Before you start

Verify that your OneDrive sync client is actively running and ensure Archicad is configured to automatically create backup files upon saving.

Solution 1Recommended

Recover Older Versions Using Archicad .BPN Backup Files

Because OneDrive struggles with Archicad's specific file-saving mechanics, relying on Archicad's native backup files is the most reliable way to recover an older version.

Archicad's method of overwriting files often bypasses the triggers OneDrive uses to capture version history. Fortunately, Archicad automatically creates a .bpn backup file whenever you save your main .pln project, preserving the previously saved state.

Locate the sync folder

Open File Explorer or Finder and navigate to the specific OneDrive folder where your original Archicad .pln file is stored.

Find the .bpn file

Look for a file with the exact same name as your project, but with the .bpn file extension instead of .pln.

Open the backup in Archicad

Double-click the .bpn file to open it. Once opened, you can verify the older project state and use 'Save As' to create a new .pln file.

Enable Automatic Backups: To ensure .bpn files are created, go to Options > Work Environment > Data Safety & Integrity in Archicad, and check 'Make Backup Copy'.

Solution 2

Restore Missing Backup Files from the OneDrive Recycle Bin

If you cannot find the necessary .bpn backup file in your local folder, the OneDrive sync process may have moved it to the cloud recycle bin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive version history work for Archicad .mod files but not .pln files?

Archicad overwrites the main project files (.pln) using a unique save-and-replace mechanism that often fails to trigger OneDrive's version logging. However, exported modules (.mod) and other secondary formats are saved differently, allowing OneDrive to properly detect changes and capture their version history.

What is an Archicad .bpn file?

A .bpn file is an automatic backup file generated by Archicad every time you save your main .pln project. It stores the exact state of your project from the previous save, acting as a crucial failsafe if your primary file becomes corrupted or if cloud versioning fails.

Can I force OneDrive to keep versions of my .pln files?

You cannot alter how OneDrive interprets Archicad's specific saving mechanics. To maintain strict version control for .pln files, the best practice is to manually use 'Save As' to create iterative files (e.g., Project_v1.pln, Project_v2.pln) or rely entirely on Archicad's native backup settings.

Document & File Issues