4D v18: Why Make the Switch?

The changes introduced with the new 4D v18 database version continue to raise questions among our customers. At first glance, the update appears to be nothing more than additional effort on the customer’s side, offering little to no immediate benefits. We’d like to dispel this misconception by outlining the reasons behind the switch as well as the key advantages of version 18.

• The primary and most critical reason for transitioning to v18 was necessity—particularly for customers using TOPIX on macOS. Without the switch, TOPIX would no longer be compatible with operating systems running exclusively on 64-bit architecture (starting with macOS 10.15). This would have meant that after a system update, access to company data could have been lost entirely—an unacceptable risk we had to avoid at all costs.

• Thanks to the new 64-bit technology, TOPIX is now also equipped for newer processor generations and can make better use of available RAM. For users, this means improved performance and a more stable system overall.

• For Windows users, the most noticeable change is the new SDI mode (Single Document Interface). Each TOPIX window now operates independently from the others and can be freely moved around. Previously, windows were restricted within a main application frame. Now, even Windows users can conveniently work across multiple monitors.

• Beyond that, version 18 introduces a completely redesigned toolbar in 4D Write Pro (TOPIX’s integrated text editor), offering more features and significantly improved usability. It also includes a powerful new table editor. You can now export text documents directly to Microsoft Word format. A native “Print to PDF” feature also allows you to generate PDF files directly from TOPIX—without any additional software—even on Windows. You can customize the output, for instance, by adjusting image quality within the PDF. Previously unavailable features, such as adding HTML links to images, are now fully supported.

• TOPIX’s integrated spreadsheet tool (4D View Pro) has also been thoroughly overhauled and now features the same modern UI as 4D Write Pro. The new ribbon interface and quick-report editor assist in creating customized calculations and reports. Moreover, it’s now possible to both export data to and import it from Microsoft Excel.

• Version 18 also lays the foundation for future improvements, thanks to ORDA (Object Relational Data Access) and Preemptive Processes (multi-core processing). These enable faster, more stable performance with fewer database commands and more efficient parallel processing.

• With this database upgrade, TOPIX is staying current with the latest technology. A key benefit is that bug fixes from our database partner 4D are prioritized for current versions—resulting in faster resolution of support tickets related to database issues.

A strong sign of this forward-looking approach is the upcoming TOPIX Workplace version, compatible with macOS Big Sur and Apple Silicon Macs (via Rosetta 2), which will be released as part of the year-end update. Customers interested in early access can reach out to their sales contact.

Bottom line

To summarize: Version 18 delivers a wealth of technical improvements and new capabilities that may not be immediately visible to users. However, in the long run, we as developers benefit from the enhanced framework—enabling us to further improve TOPIX. In turn, our customers benefit from a more stable, faster, and advanced business software platform.

And let’s not forget the effort on our side: over 2,000 hours of development (more than 250 person-days) have gone into making this transition possible. This investment reflects our commitment to providing a future-proof, secure, and high-performing product for our customers.