How to Open TMP File in SketchUp?

Understanding TMP Files in SketchUp

TMP files are temporary files created by various software applications, including SketchUp. These files often serve as backups or caches while you work on a project. If SketchUp crashes or closes unexpectedly, it’s possible to recover your work using these TMP files.

Locating TMP Files in SketchUp

1. Navigate to the Right Directory:

   • On a Windows system, SketchUp stores TMP files in a specific directory. You can typically find them in:

     C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Temp\SKETCHUP

   • Replace <YourUsername> with your actual Windows username.
   • On a Mac, the location of these files can vary depending on user settings and should be checked within the temporary files directory.
2. Identifying the Right TMP File:
   • Temporary files generated by SketchUp often share names with the project files you are working on. This makes it easier to locate the correct TMP file corresponding to your lost session.

Steps to Recover a TMP File in SketchUp

1. Configure SketchUp Preferences:

   • Open SketchUp.
   • Go to the menu bar and click on Window, then select Preferences.
   • In the Preferences dialog, navigate to the General tab. Ensure that both Create Backup and AutoSave options are enabled. This setup will help you recover previous versions of your project should issues arise.

2. Access the AutoSave Feature:

   • If SketchUp crashes, launch the application again.
   • Upon reopening, SketchUp often prompts you to recover lost files. You will see a list of recovered files; simply select your desired TMP file and click on it to restore.
3. Opening TMP Files Directly:
   • If you know the location of your TMP files, you can try opening them directly.
   • Use a compatible file viewer or explore various methods such as altering the file extension (though this is not guaranteed to work).

Additional Recovery Notes

• Backup Files:
  • Apart from TMP files, SketchUp also creates SKB files if the backup option is enabled. These are dedicated backup files that can serve as an alternative Recovery method.
  • Locate SKB files in the same directory as your main SKP files. To convert SKB to SKP, simply change the file extension to .skp and open it in SketchUp.

FAQ Section

1. Can I delete TMP files after recovering my work?
Yes, you can safely delete TMP files to free up space. However, ensure that you do not have any active programs running before deletion.

2. What should I do if my TMP file is corrupted?
If a TMP file appears corrupted and cannot be opened, unfortunately, recovery may not be possible. Regular backups of your primary files can help mitigate data loss.

3. Are TMP files visible in my file explorer?
TMP files are usually hidden by default. To view them, you may need to adjust your folder settings to show hidden files and folders.