How do I upgrade from VCarve Pro to Aspire, what does it cost and what carries over?

Cost

The official purchase page says existing owners can upgrade for just the difference in price. So the upgrade price is the difference between the two products, which means buying VCarve Pro first costs you nothing extra long-term, and "start with VCarve Pro if unsure" is safe advice. Current prices change, so check them on the official purchase page, and upgrades are handled through your V&Co portal account (log in and the upgrade options show your personalized pricing).

One thing to know: per the official FAQ, upgrading to a more expensive product trades in the earlier license. After upgrading VCarve Pro to Aspire you no longer have a license for VCarve Pro.

What carries over

• Your files: all .crv files open in Aspire. (One-way door: VCarve Pro saves .crv and Aspire saves .crv3d, and a .crv3d file is only compatible with Aspire. See the .crv/.crv3d entry.)
• Tool database: exportable/importable. Copy it over, since it does not migrate automatically (export from VCarve, import in Aspire, or use the Tool Database's migration tools).
• Toolpath templates, post-processors, gadgets: expected to carry over. Copy templates across, reinstall gadgets, and test that your posts still output correctly.
• Your skills: the interface, 2D suite, and toolpath forms are the same, so you mostly learn the new 3D modeling tools.

Pro tips

• Version timing: buying near a major release? Per the official FAQ, a major version released within 12 months of purchase is free, and for a product upgrade the 12-month window starts from the date you upgraded. Minor updates (12.0 to 12.5) are always free.
• Because the VCarve Pro license is traded in, plan on Aspire being the only program you run. Share files with VCarve customers as DXF, EPS or STL.