Locating AutoCAD Recovery Files
To successfully recover an unsaved drawing in AutoCAD, it’s crucial to first find the location of the recovery files. For users operating on Windows, navigate to the Options dialog box by selecting the Application menu. Under the "Files" tab, look for the "Automatic Save File Location" entry. This path will lead you to where AutoCAD stores autosave files. Alternatively, you can utilize the SAVEFILEPATH variable by typing it in the command line, which will display the current autosave location.
For Mac users, the autosave file location is accessible through the Preferences under the Application tab. Familiarizing yourself with these locations can save you time when searching for recovery files.
How to Recover Unsaved Drawings in AutoCAD 2025
Follow these steps to retrieve an unsaved drawing:
Access Options: Begin by launching AutoCAD and opening the Options window. You can do this by typing "OPTIONS" in the command line, or by selecting it from the Application menu.
Identify Automatic Save Location: In the Options dialog, check the "Files" tab to find the "Automatic Save File Location." Note the folder path listed there, as this is where AutoCAD stores temporary files during your sessions.
Navigate to the Save Location: Using Windows Explorer (or Finder for Mac users), go to the noted folder. This is typically found in the AppData directory for Windows users or under ~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk for Mac.
Look for Autosave Files: In the designated folder, search for files with extensions .sv$ (autosave) or .bak (backup). These are the files that may contain your unsaved work.
Rename Files: If you find your autosave file with the .sv$ extension, rename it by changing the extension to .dwg. For a .bak file, follow the same process to rename it to .dwg.
- Open the File: Finally, attempt to open the renamed .dwg file within AutoCAD. If successful, you should be able to continue working on your drawing.
Utilizing the Drawing Recovery Manager
The Drawing Recovery Manager is another effective tool for recovering lost drawings:
Open the Manager: Access the Drawing Recovery Manager by clicking on "File" and selecting "Drawing Recovery Manager" from the menu. Alternatively, you can type "DRAWINGRECOVERY" in the command prompt.
Check Backup Files: In the Drawing Recovery Manager, look for any backup files listed under "Backup Files." Here, you might see a list of your last sessions with possible autosave and backup files.
- Open the Files: Double-click on any file listed to open it. If the file is damaged, AutoCAD will attempt to repair it automatically, giving you a chance to retrieve your work.
Converting Backup Files
If you have found a .bak file but wish to open it as a standard AutoCAD drawing:
File Explorer Access: Launch Windows File Explorer and navigate to the location of your .bak file.
Rename the File: Right-click on the .bak file and select "Rename." Change the extension from .bak to .dwg.
- Open in AutoCAD: Once renamed, you can open this file directly in AutoCAD, allowing you to recover your unsaved changes.
FAQs
1. How often does AutoCAD autosave my work?
AutoCAD features an autosave option that can be set to save your work at specific intervals, usually ranging from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on your settings.
2. Is there a way to adjust the autosave settings in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can modify the autosave settings by opening the Options dialog, navigating to the "Open and Save" tab, and adjusting the "Minutes Between Saves" to your preferred interval.
3. What should I do if none of the recovery options work?
If you are unable to recover your drawing using the methods above, consider using third-party recovery software specifically designed for AutoCAD files, or reach out to Autodesk support for further assistance.
