How To Undo A Save In AutoCAD?

Ways to Undo a Save in AutoCAD

When working with AutoCAD, saving files is a routine part of the design process. However, mistakes can happen, and you may need to revert to a previous version of your drawing. Below are several methods to help you undo a save in AutoCAD.

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Utilizing the Undo Command

1. Activate the Command: Open your AutoCAD drawing and type U or UNDO in the command line.
2. Select Options: You might be prompted with options such as “Begin” or “End”. Decide how far you want to go back. If you haven’t specified a ‘begin’ point, you may simply just use the command to reverse your most recent action.
3. Confirm Actions: If prompted, confirm your choice to undo your changes. You can repeat the process as needed to backtrack through multiple actions.

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Using the AutoCAD Recovery Manager

If you want to revert files to versions saved before a certain point, AutoCAD’s Recovery Manager can be helpful.

1. Access Recovery Manager: Hover over the down arrow in the menu to find the Recovery Manager. In AutoCAD LT, you can also type DRAWINGRECOVERY in the command line.
2. Locate Backup Files: Under the “Backup Files” section, you will find a list of recoverable drawings from your session.
3. Open Files: Click on the desired file to automatically recover and open it if possible. The Recovery Manager will attempt to repair any damaged files.

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Restoring Previous Versions of Files

If you’ve saved a file and need an earlier version, the following steps can help:

1. Navigate to the Folder: Use File Explorer to find the folder where your AutoCAD file is stored.
2. Open Folder Properties: Right-click on the folder and choose “Properties”.
3. Previous Versions Tab: Select the “Previous Versions” tab where you will see a list of available restores.
4. Choose a Version: Select the version you want to revert to and click on “Restore”. Confirm the action in the dialog that appears.

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Setting Up AutoCAD Autosave

To prevent future loss of unsaved work, configure AutoCAD’s autosave feature:

1. Access Options: Right-click within the drawing area, then select “Options”.
2. File Safety Precautions: Navigate to the “Open and Save” tab.
3. Enable Autosave: Check the box that indicates Automatic Save and enter your preferred time interval for saves in the “Minutes Between Saves” section.

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Opening Backup Files

If you need to retrieve a backup file (.bak), follow these steps:

1. Find the Backup File: Using File Explorer, locate your file with a .bak extension.
2. Rename the File: Right-click on the file and select “Rename”. Change the extension to .dwg.
3. Open the File: Open it in AutoCAD as you would a typical drawing file, allowing you to access an earlier version.

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FAQ

1. Can I undo an entire save session in AutoCAD?

• While you cannot undo an entire save session at once, you can use the Undo command repeatedly to backtrack through your actions since the last save.

2. How often does AutoCAD autosave my work?

• By default, AutoCAD can autosave at intervals that you set, typically ranging from 1 to 60 minutes, depending on your configuration.

3. What should I do if AutoCAD crashes?

• AutoCAD will usually open the Recovery Manager automatically upon restart, showing recoverable files. You can also manually access it with the DRAWINGRECOVERY command.