Accessing Recent Documents in AutoCAD
AutoCAD provides a convenient feature that allows users to maintain a list of recently opened files. This functionality can help streamline workflows by providing quick access to frequently used documents. However, there may be instances where you wish to clear or reset this list, either for privacy or organizational purposes.
Steps to Clear Recent Documents List in AutoCAD
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Open AutoCAD: Launch the AutoCAD application on your computer.
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Navigate to the Application Menu: Locate the big ‘A’ or the application icon at the top-left corner of the screen. Click on it to open the menu.
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Access Options: From the menu dropdown, select the ‘Options’ setting, typically indicated toward the bottom of the list.
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Open the Open and Save Tab: In the Options dialog that appears, find the ‘Open and Save’ tab. This section allows you to customize your file handling preferences, including the management of recent files.
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Set Recent Files Count: Look for the section titled ‘Application Menu Number of Recently Used Files’. Here, you will see a numerical box indicating how many recent files are displayed. Decrease this number to ‘0’ to clear the recent documents list entirely.
- Confirm Changes: After adjusting the number, click ‘OK’ to save your changes. This action will remove all entries from the recent documents list.
Checking File History in AutoCAD
AutoCAD includes a feature that allows users to view the history of their recent files. Should you wish to check this feature before clearing your list:
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Open the Quick Menu: Click the ‘Open’ button located on the Quick Menu toolbar.
- Access File History: When the ‘Select File’ dialog box opens, locate and select the ‘History’ option on the left side. This will allow you to preview prior versions and check your recent activity.
Managing File History Settings
For users who utilize File History for broader backup purposes:
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Go to Control Panel: Navigate to the Control Panel on your computer.
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Find System and Security: Click on the ‘System and Security’ tab.
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Select File History: Click on ‘File History’ to access its settings. Here, you can turn off the feature or adjust its configurations as needed.
- Backup Verification: Make sure your File History settings are enabling backups of the relevant folders such as Documents and Downloads.
FAQ
Q1: Will deleting recent documents affect my files?
No, clearing the recent documents list only removes the history of opened files from AutoCAD; it does not delete the actual files from your system.
Q2: Can I access recently opened files again after clearing the list?
Once the list is cleared, you cannot retrieve the previous entries unless you have opened them again after the reset.
Q3: Is there a way to limit the number of recent files shown without clearing them?
Yes, by adjusting the number in the ‘Application Menu Number of Recently Used Files’ section, you can limit the number of entries shown without deleting them. Adjust it to a desired number to change the display.
