Character XML compatibility between Unity and Classic?

[Essobie]

TL;DR:

1) Can I import character XML from Unity back into Classic?
2) Can I import character XML from Classic into Unity?

My monthly is about to run out on Classic standard, and I think I want to pay the one time fee to get standard. However, I think it might be cost efficient to get Unity standard instead of Classic (as I don't see how they continue to support classic once Unity is done). That said, right now I'm in 3 different groups, 2/3rds of which still use Classic, and I like being able to make characters on my own time.

Would it be possible to get Unity Standard, make characters in that, and be able to import them into a Classic game someone else runs? Or are they incompatible?

What about going from Classic to Unity? I read in another thread that campaigns can be converted Classic to Unity (one direction). Does that include all character files too? Maybe I should buy Classic Standard and not bother with Unity (rely on DMs with Unity ultimate license).

Thanks for any help!

[Fear Grounds]

1) Can I import character XML from Unity back into Classic?
2) Can I import character XML from Classic into Unity?

Yes, to both of these. I've imported character xml files from classic to unity, and from unity to classic.

If the majority of your games are in classic, in may be easier for you to just keep the classic edition. That way you are not having to manage the majority of your characters through two different applications. The Unity instances of course would still require the use of the second application.

The BIGGEST changes between Unity and Classic come down to mapping/image handling/memory. Classic cannot handle all the new features added into Unity. Character files do not appear to be affected at this time, at least not in my limited testing.

[Moon Wizard]

You should not import files from FGU to FGC. There are multiple data format differences in the files. While FGU can import and migrate FGC data files, it does not work in the other direction.

For example, I know that all image and dice fields will not be read correctly in FGC from FGU data; and there may be other migration changes as well.

Regards,
JPG

[Fear Grounds]

Thanks Moon Wizard, for the clarification. I haven't been able to use Unity as much as I want to, and apparently still have a lot to learn about it. LOL

[DangerVin]

Is that inadvertent? Or just a necessary change for the Unity system? I am in a situation where multiple GM's may be running sessions with the same party of characters but I am the only one who will be running in FGU. Is there a reference doc on the changes to the character xml output so I might be able to come up with a FGU to FGC converter for the character exports. I'd normally just create the same character in both systems and do the exports and diff the output, but if there are subtle changes based on particular scenarios that would probably miss more than it caught.

[LordEntrails]

It's a necessary change. No reference docs.

I suspect that in many cases you will be able to export a character from FGU and import it into FGC. Fear Grounds has said earlier that he has been able to do this. You might have to try and see :/

[damned]

You can do it but there are no guarantees that everything will be 100% correct when you go from Unity to Classic.

[Fear Grounds]

I just exported a 10th level gnome wizard from unity into classic, using D&D 5E with no issues. The only things that didn't carry over were the character portrait and the character token.

All custom text, spells, equipment, etc. Carried over with no problems


Running: Classic V.3.3.10, 5E ruleset, 5E Critically Awesome Essentials.ext, and Enhanced Spell Window.ext
Running: Unity v4.0.0 (2020-06-12), 5E ruleset, and same extensions.

[DangerVin]

Yeah. I tried creating the same character (lvl 3 warlock) in both systems. Then I exported and did a diff on the resulting xml from both systems. It looked mainly like superficial changes to things like ' vs ` and dash characters. Meaningful differences appeared to be in the dice objects where one has "d4" and the other had "1d4". After those comparisons I tried importing the exported char from FGU into FGC and like mentioned above I noticed the portrait did not come in, the Token did. Everything else appeared to come in fine (including custom groups on the action tab for "Eldritch Invocations"). The only big issue was the damage dice for physical weapons appear to have been messed up.
That being the case I think I can still run some stuff in FGU and I will just need to export the chars when I am done, import them into FGC and fix the weapon damages and re-export from FGC to share with the other GMs when they run their sessions.