Knowledge Base

Sharing The Observer XT Projects with Colleagues

Note: The .vop file is not the entire project. It is just one component within a project folder, which includes various data and configuration files. The project folder should look something like this:

To share a project, do not send the .vop file alone. Instead, use one of the methods below.

Solution 1: Colleague is using the same or newer version of The Observer XT

1. Open your project.
2. Go to File > Make Backup.
3. Save the resulting .vpb file and send it to your colleague.
4. Your colleague can restore it via File > Restore Backup.

Note: If restoring from an older version, your colleague will see this upgrade warning:

Missing the Backup Options?

If the Make Backup or Restore Backup options are not available in the File menu, you are likely using a Coder license (license number starts with OC). A full license (starts with OB) is required to perform these actions.

• To check your license, go to Help > About The Observer XT > License Info.
• Close the software before unplugging or switching license keys.
• Physical dongles: "Observer Coder" = coder license, "Observer XT" = full license.

Solution 2: Colleague is using an older version of The Observer XT

If your colleague is using an older version than you, send them your observation files:

1. Go to File > Export > Observation Data > The Observer XT.
2. Check Create separate file per observation and click OK.
3. Send the resulting .odx files to your colleague.

Your colleague can:

1. Open The Observer XT and go to File > New Project.
2. Then go to File > Import > Observational Data and select the .odx files.

The coding scheme used to create the observations will be automatically recreated.

Note: This method works with versions as old as The Observer XT 10.5.

Missing “New Project” Option?

If only “New Project from Template” appears in the File menu, a Coder license is in use. A full license is required to create new projects.