AutoCAD

How to Open Drawing Recovery Manager in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Drawing Recovery Manager in AutoCAD

The Drawing Recovery Manager is an essential tool in AutoCAD that helps users recover lost or unsaved work. This tool becomes valuable especially during unexpected crashes or when the software closes without saving your progress. Learning how to access this feature in AutoCAD 2025 can save a significant amount of time and effort in recovering essential files.

Steps to Access the Drawing Recovery Manager

1. **Launch AutoCAD 2025**: Begin by opening the AutoCAD application on your computer. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access files and the application.

2. **Locate the Application Menu**: On the upper left corner of the workspace, click on the big “A” icon, which represents the AutoCAD application menu. This menu contains various options, including those for opening and managing files.

3. **Select the ‘Open’ Option**: Within the application menu, navigate to the ‘Open’ sub-menu. This will bring up several options related to file management.

4. **Find and Open the Drawing Recovery Manager**: In the drop-down menu, look for the option labeled ‘Drawing Recovery Manager’. Clicking this will open a new window dedicated to file recovery processes.

5. **Review Available Recoverable Drawings**: The Drawing Recovery Manager will display a list of drawings that AutoCAD has automatically saved during your session. These are usually stored under temporary backup files. Review the entries to find the lost drawings you want to recover.

6. **Select and Open a File**: Highlight the specific drawing you wish to recover from the list. Use the provided options to open the file. This action will allow you to restore the work that was previously lost.

Alternative Recovery Options in AutoCAD

If you do not find the desired drawing in the Drawing Recovery Manager, there are additional methods to recover your work:

1. **Check the Autosave Location**: AutoCAD saves temporary files periodically. These files can typically be found in the Temp folder on your system. You can access this by typing “%TEMP%” in the Run dialog or File Explorer.

2. **Utilize the ‘RECOVER’ Command**: In cases where a file seems damaged, you can utilize the RECOVER command. Type “RECOVER” in the command line, select the corrupted DWG file, and allow AutoCAD to attempt a repair.

FAQs

1. What happens if the Drawing Recovery Manager does not show my lost files?

If the Drawing Recovery Manager does not display your lost files, you may check the Autosave directory or try retrieving previous versions of the file if you have enabled backup settings in AutoCAD.

2. Are recovered files identical to the original files?

Recovered files may not always be identical to the originals. If the recovery was successful, most of your work should be intact, but some recent changes may be lost based on the last autosave.

3. Can I adjust the Autosave settings in AutoCAD?

Yes, you can modify Autosave settings in AutoCAD by accessing the Preferences menu. Here, options for the frequency of saves and the locations for storage can be adjusted according to your needs.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.