Where Are AutoCAD Backup Files Located?

Locating AutoCAD Backup Files

AutoCAD, a leading software application in computer-aided design (CAD), integrates features that help safeguard your work by creating backup files. Knowing where these backup files are stored can be essential for preserving your progress in case of unexpected software crashes or other issues.

Default Storage Location for Backup Files

By default, AutoCAD generates backup files with the .sv$ extension. These files are typically found in the same directory as your original drawing files. Therefore, if you have saved a drawing named Project.dwg, you can find the associated backup file labeled Project.sv$ located within the same folder.

To identify this folder, follow these steps:

1. Open AutoCAD 2025.
2. Click on the “Application” menu (the AutoCAD logo in the top left corner).
3. Choose “Drawing Utilities.”
4. Select “Options.”
5. Go to the “Files” tab in the Options dialog box.
6. Expand the “Automatic Save File Location” entry, which will display the path where AutoCAD saves the .sv$ files.

Understanding AutoCAD’s Autosave Feature

AutoCAD’s autosave feature is an automated process designed to create periodic backups of your work. By default, it saves your drawings every 10 minutes. This feature acts as a safety net, ensuring you don’t lose significant progress in case of a sudden termination of the application or a power outage.

To check or adjust the autosave settings:

1. Open the “Options” dialog (as described above).
2. Navigate to the “Open and Save” tab.
3. Under the “Automatic Save” section, you can see the frequency of the autosaves and modify the timing as needed.

Recovering Autosave Files

If you need to recover your work from an autosave file, the process is straightforward:

1. Locate the .sv$ file in the designated autosave location mentioned earlier.
2. Rename the file by changing its extension from .sv$ to .dwg.
3. Open the renamed file in AutoCAD 2025 to restore your drawing.

Converting SV$ Files to DWG Format

If you ever find yourself needing to convert an autosave file back into a usable format, follow these simple steps:

1. Use Windows File Explorer to navigate to the folder containing the .sv$ file.
2. Ensure that file extensions are visible in your Explorer settings.
3. Right-click the .sv$ file and select “Rename.”
4. Change the file extension to .dwg.
5. Open the newly renamed .dwg file in AutoCAD.

Changing Default Application Settings for DWG Files

To set or change the default application for opening .dwg files, you can follow these instructions:

1. Locate a .dwg file in your file explorer.
2. Right-click on the file and select “Open With.”
3. Choose “Choose another app” from the submenu.
4. From the list of applications, select AutoCAD DWG Launcher.
5. Check “Always use this app to open .dwg files.”
6. Click “OK” to save your selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How frequently does AutoCAD create backup files?
AutoCAD performs autosave every 10 minutes by default, generating backup files to help preserve current progress.

2. Can I recover a corrupted DWG file using the backup files?
Yes, you can recover a corrupted drawing by renaming existing autosave files or backups, allowing you to retrieve the last saved state.

3. Are backup files deleted automatically?
Backup files like .sv$ are usually temporary and may be deleted when you close AutoCAD, unless manual recovery or renaming is performed before closing.