Porting a 32-bit Plug-In to 64-bit

Introduction

As of FME 2022, all plug-ins must be ported to 64-bit in order to work with FME, as we are discontinuing our support for 32-bit in FME 2021.2.x. Converting existing 32-bit plug-ins can be done using Visual Studio. 
 

Please note that Safe Software's technical support for FME 2021.2 will end in August 2025. This means that 32-bit versions of FME will no longer be supported. To continue to receive technical support for FME, please upgrade your operating systems to 64-bit and download a newer version.

Requirements

• A 64-bit FME. When installing, choose to install the Software Development Kit for FME.
• A 64-bit environment in which to build the plug-in
• Visual Studio 2008 or newer
• Visual Studio 64-bit Components.

Overview

1. Create a 64-bit build configuration for your project. See this article by Microsoft for instructions.
2. Build your plug-in using this configuration.
3. Test the 64-bit plug-in thoroughly using the Advanced Testing section of the Getting Started Guide, located in \pluginbuilder\samples\doc\FMEPlugInSDK_Cpp.pdf 

Troubleshooting

• For common problems that occur when porting a program to 64-bit, see this article by Microsoft.
• Your problem might also be addressed somewhere else in Microsoft's 64-bit programming guide.
• The Getting Started Guide contains tips on debugging plug-ins, including how to step into a plug-in using a debugger and how to use the FME logger to debug a plug-in.