AutoCAD

How to Recover Files in AutoCAD 2013?

Recovering Unsaved AutoCAD Files

To retrieve an unsaved file in AutoCAD, first open the application and navigate to the File menu. Select the ‘Open’ option, and look for the ‘Recover Unsaved Documents’ button located at the bottom of the Recent File List. This feature allows you to access any files that were not saved before the program closed unexpectedly. Additionally, to enhance your chances of recovery in the future, navigate to File, and then Options. In the Options dialog, find the ‘Save’ section, where you can identify the location of AutoRecover files.

Locating AutoCAD Recovery Files

To find your AutoCAD recovery files, launch the Drawing Recovery Manager. This can be accessed by typing the command DRAWINGRECOVERY at the prompt or via the File menu by selecting ‘Drawing Recovery Manager.’ Within this interface, you will see a list of backup files under ‘Backup Files.’ Double-click on any drawing node to view available recovery files. You can attempt to open those backups, and in the case of corrupted files, AutoCAD will automatically try to repair them if feasible.

Utilizing the AutoCAD Recovery Manager

Using the AutoCAD Recovery Manager is straightforward. Access the menu and hover over the downward arrow until you reach the bottom. For users of AutoCAD LT, simply enter DRAWINGRECOVERY in the command line. Once the Drawing Recovery Manager is open, you can preview all the files available for recovery. Select the necessary file and save it to your desired location as a recovered DWG file.

Identifying Deletable Layers in AutoCAD

Some layers in AutoCAD are restricted from deletion. Specifically, Layer 0 and the Defpoints layer cannot be removed, nor can the current layer or any layer that has objects associated with it. To delete layers that can be removed, open the Layer Properties Manager through the Home tab, navigate to the Layers panel, and select the layer you wish to delete. Right-click on the layer and choose the delete option or press the Delete Layer button.

Comparing Two CAD Files

To identify differences between two CAD files, you can utilize the DWG Compare feature. Access this by clicking on the Application menu and navigating to Drawing Utilities > DWG Compare. This tool will visually highlight changes through color coding and revision clouds, making it easier to see what has been modified between the two files.

Deleting Empty Layers

If you need to remove all empty layers simultaneously, open the Layer Properties Manager. Click on any layer name and use Ctrl+A to select all layers. Then, click on the Delete Layer button or press Alt+Del. Confirm the deletion to rid your drawing of empty layers efficiently.

Managing Layers in AutoCAD

To hide layers from your view, go to the Layer Properties panel. Here, you can select any layer you wish to hide and toggle its visibility by clicking on the icon in the ‘On’ column. This allows for a cleaner workspace while focusing on specific elements of your project.

FAQ

1. How can I ensure my AutoCAD files are automatically saved?
To set up AutoSave in AutoCAD, go to the File menu, select Options, and then navigate to the Save section. Here, you can adjust the timer for AutoSave to your preferred interval, ensuring that your work is automatically saved regularly.
2. What should I do if I can’t find the Drawing Recovery Manager?
If the Drawing Recovery Manager does not appear, you can access it by typing DRAWINGRECOVERY into the command line. This will open the recovery interface, allowing you to locate any recoverable files.
3. Why is my AutoCAD not saving my files properly?
Several factors could cause saving issues, including permissions problems, insufficient disk space, or corrupt installations. Check that you have the necessary permissions to the directory you are saving to, ensure there is enough disk space, and consider reinstalling if the problem persists.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.