Where Are AutoCAD Temp Files Stored?

Understanding the Location of AutoCAD Temporary Files

Temporary files created by AutoCAD are crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of your projects. Knowing where these files are stored can help you manage your system resources more effectively and recover your work if necessary.

Locating AutoCAD Temp Files on Your System

1. Access AutoCAD Options:
   Start by launching AutoCAD 2025. Type OP (short for Options) in the command line and press Enter. This action will bring up the Options dialog box, where various settings can be adjusted.

2. Navigate to the Files Tab:
   Within the Options dialog, look for the "Files" tab. This section lists several paths related to your AutoCAD files, including backup, drawing, and temporary file locations.

3. Identify Automatic Save File Location:
   Once in the Files tab, scroll down until you find "Automatic Save File Location," which indicates where AutoCAD saves backup files automatically. Take note of this directory path. Temporary files are often found within this folder.

4. Explore Local Temp Folder:
   Apart from the AutoCAD-specific directories, temporary files are generally stored in a special system folder. You can access this by pressing Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type %temp% and hit Enter. This will open the Windows Temp directory, where you might also see numerous temporary files related to AutoCAD.

Checking AutoCAD’s Drawing Recovery Manager

The Drawing Recovery Manager is a valuable tool for accessing temporary and backup files created by AutoCAD during abnormal shutdowns or crashes.

1. Open Drawing Recovery Manager:
   In AutoCAD 2025, simply type DRAWINGRECOVERY in the command line or access it through the application menus. This function assists in recovering lost or unsaved work.

2. Review Available Files:
   The Drawing Recovery Manager will list any recoverable files, typically stored in the automatic save location mentioned earlier. Review the files displayed and double-click on a file to try and recover unsaved changes.

Regular Maintenance of Temporary Files

Monitoring temporary files can enhance the performance of AutoCAD and your overall system.

1. Delete Temp Files Regularly:
   Open the run dialog with Windows + R and enter %temp%. Select all files (Ctrl + A) and delete them (press the Delete key). Confirm any prompts that appear to ensure all selected files are removed.

2. Utilize Disk Cleanup Tools:
   To perform more thorough cleaning, you can right-click on the C: drive in File Explorer, choose Properties, and then click on Disk Cleanup. This helps to remove unwanted files, including those related to AutoCAD and other applications.

FAQ

Where exactly are AutoCAD temp files saved?
AutoCAD temp files are usually stored in the Automatic Save File Location set in the Options menu, along with standard Windows Temp folders.

Can I recover unsaved changes from AutoCAD temp files?
Yes, using the Drawing Recovery Manager, you can recover unsaved work from temporary files created during your last sessions.

Is it necessary to delete temp files frequently?
While AutoCAD and Windows manage temporary files automatically, regularly deleting them can help maintain system performance and free up disk space.