- Contour Setting Consolidation: In RockWorks 2026, the Contour Line and Colorfill menu settings have been consolidated. The same settings now apply to both 2D and 3D grid-based diagrams. As a result, 2D and 3D diagrams created from the same menu can no longer use separate colorfill or contour settings.
- Playlist, Command Script, and Project INI File Conversion: Because RockWorks now handles Contour Line settings differently, the format for Playlists, Command Scripts, and project INI files has changed. When older projects or automation files are opened, RockWorks will update them automatically.
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- When an older project is opened, RockWorks detects older menu variables and updates the project INI file. A backup INI file is saved in the project’s Backup folder.
- When older Playlist or Command Script files are opened, RockWorks converts them to the newer format and saves a backup in the Backup folder.
- If a Playlist item or project INI file includes a menu where both 2D and 3D diagrams are created at the same time, RockWorks uses the 2D settings for the new global contour line settings. If only a 2D or only a 3D diagram is enabled, RockWorks uses the settings assigned to the enabled diagram.
- RockWare has tried to account for all possible combinations of menu variables that may need to be replaced during conversion. If you encounter problems, please send us your backup INI or Playlist file along with a description of the issue so we can assist with the conversion.
- Fault Setting Consolidation: Options for incorporating faults into grids, solid models, and 2D/3D diagrams have been consolidated into a single Faulting tab. This tab is now available at the top of applicable RockWorks menus, making fault-related settings easier to find and manage.
- Backward Compatibility for Graphics Files: Because of new features and enhancements in RockPlot2D and RockPlot3D, graphics file formats have changed slightly. RW2D and RW3D files created in RockWorks 2026 may not open in older versions of RockWorks 2020 through 2025. If you or a colleague uses the RockWorks Viewer, install the latest update to ensure compatibility with new files. Files created in RockWorks 2020-2025 should open normally in RockWorks 2026.
What's New: Link to the What's New topic for significant changes since RockWorks20.
RockWorks20 has been continuously updated since its 2020 release, with many new features and enhancements added to the program. Notable features added since 2021 include:
- Opening a RockWorks17 project into RockWorks20xx *: Very easy! The project database will be updated for the new version and copied to a new project folder. You can can request that it copy all of your datasheets, models, graphics, and other files into the new folder automatically, as well, to get right to work. (More info)
- Simplified licensing: You can still activate your license right from within the RockWorks licensing window.
- Faulting Menu Changes: The Faulting tab is now available in the top row of applicable programs and it includes settings related to how faults are used during gridding and solid modeling and displayed in 2D Maps, Profiles, Sections and 3D Diagrams.
- Contour Options Improvement: This tab now includes settings that apply to both 2D and 3D grid displays. The options have been groupled and simplified for consistency and ease of use across programs.
* Note that the program name is "RockWorks2025" in the year "2025" and increments to "RockWorks2026" the year 2026, and so on. Thus you will see use of the name "RockWorks20xx" or just "RockWorks20" in this documentation.
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