How to Disable Read-Only Mode in AutoCAD (Windows and Mac)

AutoCAD sometimes restricts files to read-only mode, which can occur for various reasons, such as file permissions, network settings, or temporary files. Follow these steps to resolve the issue on both Windows and Mac platforms.

How to Disable Read-Only Mode in AutoCAD

Windows Users: Disabling Read-Only Mode

1. Check File Properties:
   • Right-click on the DWG file.
   • Select Properties.
   • In the General tab, make sure the Read-only attribute is unchecked.
   • If the folder containing the file is also read-only, apply the same step to the folder.
   • Click Apply, then OK.

   Note: If an error occurs (e.g., due to insufficient permissions), contact your IT department or system administrator.

2. Remove DWL and DWL2 Files:
   • AutoCAD creates temporary DWL and DWL2 lock files whenever a DWG file is opened. These files sometimes persist after AutoCAD crashes.
   • Navigate to the folder where your DWG file is located.
   • Delete any DWL or DWL2 files present.
   • Ensure you have enabled viewing hidden files by going to Folder Options > View > Check Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
3. Check Folder Permissions:
   • Right-click the folder containing the DWG file and select Properties.
   • In the Security tab, ensure your user account has Full Control or Modify permissions.
   • If permissions are incorrect, contact your system administrator to adjust them.
4. Move the File to an Editable Location:
   • If the DWG file is stored in a non-writable location (e.g., a CD-ROM, email attachment, or network location with restricted access), copy it to your Desktop or another location where you have write access.
5. Check for Network Issues:
   • If the file is stored on a network drive, ensure that there are no network-related issues like latency or permissions conflicts.
   • For intermittent issues, try moving the file to a local drive, then back to the network once the issue is resolved.
6. Update AutoCAD and Network Drivers:
   • Make sure you are running the latest version of AutoCAD and that your network adapter drivers are up to date.
   • Delays in file syncing or slow network response times can result in AutoCAD files becoming read-only.
7. Antivirus and Firewall Settings:
   • Add an exception for AutoCAD files (DWG, DWL, TMP) in your antivirus software. This can prevent them from being scanned while AutoCAD is running, which might lead to temporary file locks.
8. Temporary Files and AutoCAD Settings:
   • Use the ISAVEPERCENT command in AutoCAD to set it to 0, which forces a complete save of the file rather than an incremental save.
   • You can also delete temporary files using Windows’ Disk Cleanup tool.

Mac Users: Disabling Read-Only Mode

1. Check File Permissions:
   • Open Finder, locate the DWG file, and right-click on it. Select Get Info (or use the shortcut CMD+I).
   • Under the General section, ensure the file is not Locked.
   • Scroll to the bottom to Sharing & Permissions and click the lock icon in the lower-right corner.
   • Enter your admin username and password.
   • Change any Read-only privileges to Read & Write.
   • Close the Get Info window.
2. Delete Temporary DWL and DWL2 Files:
   • Use Finder to locate the folder where the DWG file is stored. Enable viewing of hidden files by pressing CMD + SHIFT + . (period).
   • Delete any hidden DWL or DWL2 files that are present.
3. Move the File to a Writable Location:
   • Similar to Windows, if the file is in a read-only location (such as a network drive or ZIP file), copy the file to your Desktop or another writable location.
4. Network File Locations:
   • If your DWG file is stored on a NAS or SAN device, AutoCAD may not fully support those configurations.
   • Ensure the server is set to use SMB1 protocol, or activate AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) to prevent file-locking issues.
   • Contact the server administrator for further assistance if necessary.

Additional Solutions for Both Windows and Mac

• Check if the File is Open Elsewhere:
  • Ensure the file is not open in another instance of AutoCAD or another computer, as this can cause it to be read-only for other users.
• Save As a New File:
  • If the issue persists, use Save As to save the file under a different name or location.
• Network Timing Issues:
  • Heavy network traffic or outdated network drivers can cause files to become temporarily inaccessible or read-only. Ensure that your network is running efficiently and consider updating your drivers.
• Backup Files and Settings:
  • If AutoCAD is set to save backup files (BAK) or if the file is synchronized with a cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), there may be file-lock conflicts. Adjust backup file settings using the MOVEBAK command in AutoCAD.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most instances where AutoCAD files become read-only. Ensure you address both file-specific and network-related causes to prevent the issue from recurring.