How to Open DWL File in AutoCAD? Understanding and Managing Lock Files Effectively

When working with AutoCAD, you might come across files with the DWL or DWL2 extension in the same folder as your drawing files (DWG). These files might raise questions, especially if they remain after closing a drawing. This article explains what DWL files are, why they exist, and how to manage them effectively.

What is a DWL File?

A DWL file is a temporary lock file generated automatically by AutoCAD whenever a DWG drawing is opened. Its purpose is to prevent multiple users from editing the same drawing file simultaneously by locking the DWG file to the current user. Here are key elements of a DWL file:

• User Information: It contains details about the user who opened the DWG file.
• Time and Date: The exact time and date when the file was opened.
• File Path: The full path to the drawing file on the computer or network.

Why Does AutoCAD Create DWL Files?

DWL files are essential for file management in a collaborative environment. When someone opens a DWG file, AutoCAD creates a DWL file to ensure that only one person has read/write access at a time. This lock file prevents conflicts that might arise if multiple users try to modify the same drawing simultaneously.

Important Note: DWL files are not design files, so they are not meant to be opened or edited directly. AutoCAD deletes these files automatically when the drawing is closed.

Can You Open a DWL File in AutoCAD?

No, a DWL file cannot be opened in AutoCAD because it’s not a drawing file. It serves only as a lock file to support the DWG file. If you attempt to open a DWL file, you’ll receive an error message or prompt asking how to open the file, as the DWL file format is not recognized as a drawing.

What Should You Do Instead?

To access your drawing, follow these steps:

1. Locate the DWG File: Find the corresponding DWG file, which will have the same name as the DWL file but with a .dwg extension.
2. Open the DWG File in AutoCAD: Double-click the DWG file, or use AutoCAD’s “Open” command to open the drawing. AutoCAD will handle the DWL file automatically.

Tip: If you’re unsure about the connection between DWL and DWG files, remember that DWL files are usually small (a few bytes) and exist only while the DWG file is open.

If the DWL File Persists After Closing AutoCAD

Sometimes, a DWL file may remain in the folder after closing AutoCAD. This can happen if the program crashes or doesn’t shut down properly. In this case, the DWL file can be safely deleted without affecting the actual DWG file. Here’s how to handle it:

1. Ensure No One Else Is Using the File: Before deleting the DWL file, make sure no other user is currently working on the corresponding DWG file.
2. Delete the DWL File Manually: Navigate to the folder where the DWG and DWL files are located, right-click on the DWL file, and delete it. This will remove the lock from the DWG file.

Note: If AutoCAD frequently crashes, leaving behind DWL files, you might want to check for software updates or consider troubleshooting potential issues with your hardware or installation.

What Information is Inside a DWL File?

If you’re curious about what’s inside a DWL file, you can open it using a simple text editor like Notepad. Here’s what you’ll typically find:

• User Name: The name of the user who opened the file.
• Computer Name: The name of the computer where the DWG file was opened.
• File Path: The full path to the DWG file.
• Date and Time: When the file was opened.

This information can be useful for troubleshooting in multi-user environments, especially if someone has locked a file and forgot to close it.

Preventing DWL Files from Being Left Behind

While DWL files are typically deleted automatically, here are some tips to avoid leftover lock files:

1. Close AutoCAD Properly: Always close your drawings and exit AutoCAD in the correct way. Avoid force-closing the program.
2. Save Your Work Regularly: Regular saves will help prevent crashes, ensuring AutoCAD has the latest data to work with.
3. Keep AutoCAD Updated: Ensure you’re using the latest version of AutoCAD. Updates often fix bugs that can cause crashes or improper shutdowns.

How to Handle Crashes and DWL Files

If AutoCAD crashes often and leaves DWL files behind, consider the following steps:

1. Check for Software Updates: Sometimes crashes are due to outdated software. Ensure AutoCAD is up-to-date.
2. Review Hardware Requirements: Verify that your computer meets the necessary hardware specifications for the version of AutoCAD you’re using.
3. Backup Your Work: Regularly back up your DWG files to prevent data loss in case of crashes. Having a backup strategy will also help if you need to recover corrupted files.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DWL files are lock files created by AutoCAD to prevent conflicts when multiple users attempt to access a DWG file simultaneously. You don’t need to open or interact with these files directly. Instead, focus on managing the DWG files and let AutoCAD handle the creation and deletion of DWL files in the background.

If you encounter persistent DWL files after a crash, they can be safely deleted once you ensure no one else is working on the associated DWG file. By following these best practices, you can manage your AutoCAD files effectively and avoid potential conflicts or crashes.