Understanding Autosave Files in AutoCAD
Autosave files in AutoCAD play a crucial role in recovering work that hasn’t been manually saved. When the software is running, it automatically saves a temporary file at intervals, which can be utilized to restore your drawing in cases of unexpected shutdowns or crashes.
Steps to Access Autosave Files in AutoCAD
Follow these steps to locate and open your autosave files:
1. Locate the Autosave File Path
- Open AutoCAD and navigate to the options menu. You can access this by typing
OPTIONSin the command line and pressing Enter. - Switch to the "Files" tab. Here, you’ll find various file paths, including the one for "Automatic Save File Location."
- Make a note of this path, as it indicates where your autosave files are stored on your computer.
2. Navigate to the File Location
- Using Windows Explorer, go to the location that you noted in the previous step.
- In this folder, you’ll be able to identify files with the
.sv$extension. These are your autosave files.
3. Identify the Correct File
- The naming convention for these files typically includes the name of the drawing you were working on, followed by a timestamp or unique identifier.
- Choose the most recent
.sv$file that corresponds to the drawing you were working on before the incident occurred.
4. Change the File Extension (if necessary)
- To open the autosave file in AutoCAD, you will often need to rename it. While you can directly open it, changing the extension from
.sv$to.dwgcan sometimes make it easier for the software to recognize and open the file. - Right-click on the selected file, choose ‘Rename’, and change the
.sv$extension to.dwg.
5. Open the File in AutoCAD
- Launch AutoCAD if it is not already open.
- Click on the Application menu (the red “A” icon in the upper-left corner).
- Select the "Open" option, navigate to the folder containing your renamed file, and select the file.
- Click "Open" to restore your work from the autosave file.
FAQ
What should I do if my autosave file is missing?
If you cannot find your autosave file in the designated folder, check the AutoCAD settings to ensure autosave is enabled. Additionally, verify the designated autosave location. If you continue to face issues, consider searching for temporary files within your system.
How do I adjust the autosave interval in AutoCAD?
You can change the autosave settings by going to the Options menu (type OPTIONS in the command line), navigating to the "Open and Save" tab, and adjusting the "Automatic Save" interval.
Can I recover files older than the last autosave?
Typically, autosave files only store the most recent versions of your work. For older versions, you can check for backup files that AutoCAD creates, which usually have a .bak extension and can be renamed to .dwg as well.
