Numbers 08 file will not open in Numbers 3.0

I have the same problem with my Numbers '09 files: the new Numbers 3.0 won't open them because the files are "too old," Numbers 3.0 tells me to save them in Numbers '09, which I did but Numbers 3.0 still won't open them.

I;m having the same problem. I have a file in Number '08 format and can't open it in Numbers 3.0 and I don't have the Numbers '09 to convert it either.

Im having the same problem since migrating to Mavericks and updated IWorks. I cannot believe that it is not backward compatible.

A,

You aren't likely to have a computer that's still under Applecare support, but if you do call them. Another user reported here that Applecare is sending him a Numbers '09 disk so he can make the conversion. All OS upgrades used to include a few complementary Applecare calls, so you might try that.

Jerry

There is a copy of iWork '09 in Applications folder.

Use the older apps to open your old files.

Hi Jessica,

According to Aeslee's original post, he/she never purchased iWork '09.

In another post I saw a screen shot indicating that when one user tried opening an iWork '08 document, she was offered an iWork download, to make the transfer to Numbers V3 possible. Seems a fair deal on the part of Apple, even if it is somewhat inconvenient. And, since nobody can make her use the newest app, she can happily settle into iWork '09, the "pro" version.

Jerry

Another work around is to export the Numbers '08 file to Excel format, and open that in the new Numbers. (Yes, the new Numbers can read older Excel files but not older Numbers files!) Most of my original spreadsheet came through fine.

Worked just well. All my files came through fine. Thank you very much.

The current version of Numbers is 3.0. The update is available for those using Number 2.3, iWork '09. Even if it were possible to update iWork '08 to the new versions, you would have many, many problems. The new versions cannot open any iWork '08 or earlier documents or templates. You will get an error saying to open the files in iWork '09 then open them in the new version. I suggest you buy the retail box of iWork '09 from a third party such as Amazon.com or eBay. Be sure to run Software Update after installing & before running any of the applications. You can also download the standalone updater from this page. You could then update to the new iWork apps in the Mac App Store. You might check this link for the iWork '09 trial. I have no idea if it is still available.

Thanks, the trial version of iWork 09 did the trick. 🙂 There is the same problem with keynote as well. But I must say Apple really disepointed me with this one. 😟 I dont think files from 2008 version is really old and if you have a couple of hundres files to convert......

Dwonloading the iWork 09 trial, saving it in the 09 format and then opening it in Numbers 3.0 did he trick.

Unfortunately it is sad I had to do that. 😟.

I have the same problem as you all.

I've talked to an Apple Care Senior Advisor and he told me the following:

When you update to Mavericks, Apple will install iWork version 3.0 and (!!) iWork '09.

What does this mean? When you go to the Numbers or Pages file in the Finder. Right click and choose Open with.. '09.

When it is allright it will open '09. You can then save the file and open it with the new version of iWork.

I don't know if it works, because I have not updated my old computer yet.

They also send me the dmg file of the trial version of 09. This should work to for a limited period of time.

Good luck everyone!

Numbers '09 in installed in the folder "/Applications/iWork '09"