Where AutoCAD Backup File Location?

Locating AutoCAD Backup Files

AutoCAD creates backup files to safeguard your work in case of unexpected issues. Understanding where these backup files are stored is crucial for recovering your work seamlessly. In AutoCAD 2025, the default location for these backup files is typically set to a temporary directory on your computer. This directory can usually be found at:

C:\Users[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Temp

Backup files generated by AutoCAD usually carry the extension .sv$, a quick reference for these autosave files.

Steps to Find Autosave Files

1. Open AutoCAD 2025: Start the application to access the interface.
2. Navigate to Options: Click on the Tools menu and select Options.
3. Access the Files Tab: Within the Options dialog, find and select the Files tab.
4. Locate Automatic Save File Location: Scroll through the list to find the settings related to Automatic Save File Location. The path listed here is where you can locate your autosave files.
5. Explore the Directory: Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to the specified directory path from the previous step.

Recovering Autosave Files

To recover your work from an AutoCAD autosave file:

1. Find the .sv$ file: Using the steps above, locate the necessary autosave file in the specified directory.
2. Rename the File: Change the file extension from .sv$ to .dwg. This can usually be done by right-clicking on the file, selecting Rename, and making the extension change.
3. Open the File in AutoCAD: Once renamed, double-click the file or open it directly through AutoCAD to access your recovered drawing.

Dealing with BAK Files

In addition to autosave files, AutoCAD also generates .BAK files, which serve as full backup copies of your drawing files.

Finding BAK Files

BAK files are typically located in the same directory as your original DWG files. Follow these steps to find them:

1. Check the Drawing File Directory: Navigate to the folder where your DWG files are stored.
2. Look for the .BAK Extension: Check for files that have the .BAK extension in this directory.

Recovering from BAK Files

To recover from a BAK file:

1. Locate the Desired BAK File: Identify the .BAK file corresponding to your original file.
2. Rename the File: Change the file extension from .BAK to .DWG.
3. Open in AutoCAD: Open the renamed file in AutoCAD to retrieve your drawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I cannot find my autosave or BAK files?
   If you cannot locate them in the specified directories, ensure that your AutoCAD settings are configured to save autosave files and BAK files appropriately. You may need to check the Options dialog to verify that the paths align with your file-saving habits.

2. Can I change the default autosave location in AutoCAD?
   Yes, you can change the autosave location by going into the Options dialog under the Files tab and modifying the path in the Automatic Save File Location field to your preferred directory.

3. Are there risks in deleting BAK files?
   While you can safely delete BAK files, it is advisable to keep them until you are confident that your original files are complete and error-free. A temporary backup can be invaluable in case of accidental file corruption or loss.