ActiveWords 5 is currently available as an alpha release. Before installing, it’s important to understand how it interacts with existing versions and what to expect during testing.
This article explains what happens when you install ActiveWords 5 and how to proceed safely.
What to Know Before Installing
ActiveWords 5 is designed for early testing and feedback. While it is stable enough to explore new features, it is not yet a final release.
Before installing, keep in mind:
- ActiveWords 5 replaces ActiveWords 4 during installation
- Some changes are not backward-compatible
- Documentation is still evolving alongside the product
If you depend on ActiveWords daily for critical workflows, review this information carefully.
What Happens When You Install ActiveWords 5
When you install ActiveWords 5, it replaces ActiveWords 4 on your system and begins using a new internal database format.
At install time:
- ActiveWords 4 is automatically removed
- Your existing ActiveWords data is preserved
- ActiveWords 5 starts using its own database structure
Your existing actions are available immediately after installation. However, any actions you create or modify in ActiveWords 5 are handled differently due to the new database format.
Returning to ActiveWords 4 If Needed
Installing ActiveWords 5 does not permanently lock you in.
If you decide to return to ActiveWords 4, you can:
- Uninstall ActiveWords 5
- Reinstall ActiveWords 4
When you return to ActiveWords 4:
- ActiveWords 4 uses its original data
- Actions created or modified in ActiveWords 5 do not appear
This allows you to explore ActiveWords 5 as part of the alpha program without committing permanently or risking your existing setup.
Important: ActiveWords 5 uses a new database structure. Actions that are created or edited in ActiveWords 5 cannot be used in ActiveWords 4, and if you switch back to ActiveWords 4, any changes made in ActiveWords 5 will not carry over. This behavior is expected during the alpha phase and supports future development.
Recommended Approach for Testing
If you want to explore ActiveWords 5 safely:
- Avoid making large structural changes if you expect to return to V4
- Use V5 to test new features and workflows
- Treat V5 as a separate environment for experimentation
Power users with large action libraries should be especially mindful of this distinction.
Who Should Install the Alpha
ActiveWords 5 alpha is best suited for:
- Existing users curious about new features
- Power users willing to test and provide feedback
- Anyone comfortable working with early-release software
If you prefer a fully finalized experience, it may be best to wait for a later release.
What to Read Next
To better understand how ActiveWords 5 manages data and why compatibility differs from previous versions, read:
- Understanding the New Folder Structure and Database Changes
- What’s New in ActiveWords 5
