# Open Project

The Open Project option allows you to load an existing project. Do this as follows:

1. Click the Open Project button on the Cognex Designer Launch Page
2. Browse the folder of the project you wish to open.
3. Select the folder, then click the Select Folder button to open the project.

Note:

- The Open Project button works only if the name of the selected project's folder and *.CDP file is the same.
- When opening an existing project that uses plugins, Cognex Designer checks if the specific plugin is still available, and if so, then which version of it is installed. In case a required plugin is not available, or it is available in different versions, Cognex Designer will notify you according to the status of the plugin:
  - If the plugin is not available on the PC, Cognex Designer indicates it with an error message on startup. While the project can still be loaded in this case, parts of the project may load incorrectly, resulting in data loss and stability issues.
  - If the plugin is available in a different version on the PC, Cognex Designer allows you to update it in the project through a dialog before opening the project. However, note that updating to a different version of a plugin may result in compatibility issues or breaking changes in the project.
  - If the plugin is duplicated (that is, the same version is installed in multiple copies), Cognex Designer will return an error. In this case, make sure that the specific version of the plugin is installed only in one copy.