diff --git a/build.gradle.kts b/build.gradle.kts
index 40dee28c7..0d351be6b 100644
--- a/build.gradle.kts
+++ b/build.gradle.kts
@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ dependencies {
 }
 
 group = "net.sourceforge.plantuml"
-version = "1.2021.16-SNAPSHOT"
 description = "PlantUML"
 java.sourceCompatibility = JavaVersion.VERSION_1_8
 
diff --git a/gradle.properties b/gradle.properties
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..125f5c0a8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gradle.properties
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+version = "1.2021.16-SNAPSHOT"