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Frequently asked questions
Can I use my PRIMER 6 workspace files in PRIMER 7?
Yes. PRIMER 7 can load PRIMER 6 workspace files. When working in PRIMER 7, you can also save your files in a PRIMER 6 workspace format. However, if you used any of the new features in PRIMER 7 that are not available in PRIMER 6, then you will not have full access to those particular results if you save the file in a PRIMER 6 workspace format and load it into PRIMER 6.
Will my version of PERMANOVA+ used with PRIMER 6 work with PRIMER 7?
Yes. PERMANOVA+ works seamlessly with both PRIMER 6 and PRIMER 7. If you currently have a licence for PRIMER 6 with PERMANOVA+ and you purchase an upgrade to obtain a PRIMER 7 licence, you will automatically get PERMANOVA+ with it.
Are there any updates or security patches for PRIMER 6?
We don’t provide updates or security patches for PRIMER 6. We encourage anyone using PRIMER 6 to upgrade to PRIMER 7 (with or without PERMANOVA+).
Does the software require Java or Corretto?
No.
Can I run PRIMER 7 and PERMANOVA+ on a Mac?
No, PRIMER 7 cannot currently be installed natively on a Mac computer. However, using PRIMER on a Mac is still possible through dual-booting or by running PRIMER within Windows virtualization software written for a Mac.
How do I install, re-install and update the software?
Please refer to the documentation provided to you with your purchase. Visit our Learning Hub for an installation guide, or email us at primer@primer-e.com for assistance.
What are the system requirements needed to run PRIMER 7 (and PERMANOVA+)?
- Operating system: Windows XP or later (this includes Windows 11). Note that PRIMER will not run natively on Apple Mac OSX, but it is possible to use it via virtualization software.
- CPU: Modern Intel or AMD processor
- RAM: Enough to run the operating system
- Hard-disk space: 100 MB or more
Please note that these are the minimum requirements to run PRIMER. As PRIMER runs numerical analyses, a faster CPU and more RAM and storage will positively affect the performance of PRIMER on larger datasets and/or more complex analyses.
Additionally, it is helpful to have Excel 2000 or later installed if you want to use excel files with PRIMER.
Learning Hub
Access our full suite of manuals and documentation:
- 'A Quick Guide to PRIMER'
- 'Change in Marine Communities, 3rd edition'
- 'PRIMER v7: User Manual / Tutorial'
- 'PERMANOVA+ for PRIMER: Guide to Software and Statistical Methods'
- 'Should I Use PRIMER or R?'
