How to Recover Unsaved File in AutoCAD?

Understanding AutoCAD Autosave and Backup Features

AutoCAD has an autosave feature that automatically saves your work at specified intervals. This feature is particularly useful for preventing data loss due to unexpected software closures or system failures. Familiarizing yourself with where these autosave files are stored and how to access them is critical for recovering unsaved work.

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Where Are AutoCAD Autosave Files Stored?

By default, AutoCAD saves autosave files in the Windows %temp% directory. You can customize this location by adjusting the settings in AutoCAD. To do this, navigate to the options menu by selecting the “Options” command, then locate the “Files” tab to redirect the autosave path. Be aware that these files are programmed to delete automatically when AutoCAD is closed gracefully.

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Steps to Recover Unsaved AutoCAD Files

When dealing with lost work in AutoCAD 2025, follow these steps to locate and recover your unsaved documents:

1. Access Temporary Files:

   • Open Windows Explorer.
   • In the address bar, enter C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp, replacing “username” with your actual system username. Alternatively, press WIN + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.

2. Identify Temporary Files:

   • Look for files with the extensions .BAK or .SV$. The .BAK files are backups, while .SV$ files are autosave files.

3. Rename and Open the File:

   • Right-click on the desired file and select “Rename.”
   • Change the file extension from .BAK or .SV$ to .DWG.
   • Open the renamed file in AutoCAD as you would any other drawing file.

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Accessing AutoCAD Backup Files

Backup files are an additional safety net provided by AutoCAD. To access these files:

1. Locate Backup Files:

   • Look for files that have a .BAK extension within your project folder or in the temporary files directory.

2. Rename the Backup File:

   • Right-click on the .BAK file and choose “Rename.”
   • Change the extension to .DWG.

3. Open the Backup File:

   • Run AutoCAD and open the renamed file just like you would any standard drawing.

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Converting Autosave Files to DWG Format

To recover an autosave file, you may need to convert its format. Follow these steps:

1. Find the Autosave File:

   • Navigate to the %temp% folder, looking for the latest .SV$ file that matches your AutoCAD drawing name.

2. Rename the File:

   • Right-click on the .SV$ file and select “Rename.”
   • Change the file extension from .SV$ to .DWG.

3. Save Your Drawing:

   • Open the newly renamed DWG file in AutoCAD and save it to your designated project folder.

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Showing Open Drawings in AutoCAD

If you can’t see your open drawings:

1. Access Command Line:

   • Type TASKBAR in the command line.

2. Modify Value:

   • Set the value to 1 to show a separate taskbar for each open drawing. Alternatively, a value of 0 will display only the current drawing name.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the .BAK file in AutoCAD?

The .BAK file in AutoCAD serves as a backup of your drawing, allowing you to recover previous versions if necessary.

How often does AutoCAD autosave?

The autosave interval can be set by the user in the Options dialog under the “Open and Save” tab. By default, it may range from every 5 to 10 minutes, but you can customize it as needed.

Can you disable the autosave feature in AutoCAD?

Yes, you can disable the autosave feature by unchecking the “Automatic Save” option in the Open and Save tab within the Options dialog.