Summary

The GibbsCAM Migration Tool allows you to copy compatible settings and configuration data from a previous GibbsCAM installation to a newer version.

Using the Migration Tool helps preserve your personalized working environment, including user interface settings, custom machine definitions, machine models, and other supported configuration files.

For best results, run the Migration Tool before launching the new version of GibbsCAM for the first time.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Before You Begin

Before running the Migration Tool:

  • Install the new version of GibbsCAM.

  • Do not start the new version yet.

  • Ensure the previous version of GibbsCAM is still installed.

  • Close all running instances of GibbsCAM.

Best Practice: Run the Migration Tool before launching the new version for the first time. This prevents newly created configuration files from replacing settings that could otherwise be migrated successfully.

What the Migration Tool Transfers

The Migration Tool can copy many commonly used settings and configuration files, including:

  • User interface (UI) preferences

  • Display settings

  • Custom MDD (Machine Definition Data) files

  • Custom VMM (Virtual Machine Manager) files

  • HSM settings

  • Bolt tables

  • Tap tables

  • Macro configuration files

  • Machine models

  • Other compatible configuration files

Only settings that are compatible with the newer GibbsCAM version are migrated.

What the Migration Tool Does Not Transfer

The Migration Tool does not migrate:

  • Plug-ins

  • Material databases

Note: While plug-ins themselves are not migrated, Plug-In Manager settings can be transferred to the new installation.

Running the Migration Tool

Option 1 – Start Menu

  1. Open the Windows Start menu.

  2. Navigate to:
    GibbsCAM > Migration Tool 2026.x.x.x

  3. Launch the Migration Tool.


Option 2 – Run as Administrator (Recommended)

Running the Migration Tool with Administrator privileges provides access to all supported files.

  1. Open the GibbsCAM installation folder.
    By default:
    C:\Program Files\Gibbs\GibbsCAM\<version>\Bin\


  1. Locate:
    GibbsMigrationTool.exe


  1. Right-click the file.

  2. Select Run as administrator.

Step 1 – Scan for Previous Installations

When the Migration Tool opens:

  1. Click Scan for versions.
    The tool searches your computer for installed versions of GibbsCAM.

  2. Select the version you want to migrate from.

  3. Click Check Compatibility.
    Allow the compatibility check to complete.

The Migration Tool verifies which settings are compatible with the current release.


Step 2 – Review the Migration Results

The second screen displays:

  • Files that can be migrated

  • Files that cannot be migrated

Review the results before continuing.

If the tool is not running with Administrator privileges, some protected files may not be available for migration.


Step 3 – Complete the Migration

After reviewing the list:

  1. Click Do It to continue with the migration.

  2. Wait for the process to complete.

  3. Close the Migration Tool.

The previous GibbsCAM installation is not modified during this process.


Step 4 – Launch GibbsCAM

After the migration is complete:

  1. Start the new version of GibbsCAM.

  2. Verify that your settings have been transferred successfully.

  3. Confirm that custom machine definitions, machine models, and other configuration files appear as expected.

Expected Result

The new GibbsCAM installation opens with your migrated settings and supported configuration files, allowing you to continue working with a familiar environment.

Troubleshooting

Problem: Previous Version Is Not Detected

Possible Causes

  • Previous version is no longer installed.

  • Installation location is not accessible.

  • Insufficient permissions.

Resolution

Verify that the previous version remains installed and run the Migration Tool as an Administrator.


Problem: Some Files Were Not Migrated

Possible Causes

  • File type is not supported.

  • File is incompatible with the newer version.

  • Administrator privileges were not used.

Resolution

Review the Migration Tool results to identify unsupported items. Rerun the Migration Tool as an Administrator if necessary.


Problem: Plug-ins Are Missing

Cause

Plug-ins are not migrated by the Migration Tool.

Resolution

Reinstall the required plug-ins after installing the new version of GibbsCAM.


Problem: Material Database Is Missing

Cause

Material databases are not migrated automatically.

Resolution

Recreate or restore the material database manually if required.

Best Practices

  • Run the Migration Tool before starting the new version of GibbsCAM for the first time.

  • Keep the previous GibbsCAM installation until you have verified that all required settings have been migrated.

  • Run the Migration Tool as an Administrator whenever possible.

  • Verify custom machine definitions, machine models, and macros after migration.

  • Back up important configuration files before uninstalling older GibbsCAM versions.

Related Articles

Keywords

Migration Tool, Gibbs Migration Tool, Migrate Settings, Upgrade GibbsCAM, Transfer Settings, Configuration Files, MDD, VMM, Machine Models, HSM Settings, Bolt Table, Tap Table, Macro Configuration, Installation Upgrade