What is the best way to share my Observer project with another user? Can I simply send the .vop (Observer Project) file?

Knowledge Base Search

MyNoldus Knowledge Base Related to The Observer XT What is the best way to share my Observer project with another user? Can I simply send the .vop (Observer Project) file?

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:

Project folder structure

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:

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.