AutoCAD

How to Delete Recent Documents in AutoCAD 2017?

Managing Recent Documents in AutoCAD 2025

When working with AutoCAD, you may find that your list of recently opened documents grows over time. If you want to delete this list for a fresh start or simply to tidy up, follow these steps to manage and clear recent documents in AutoCAD 2025.

Accessing the Options Menu

  1. Open AutoCAD: Start the application on your computer.
  2. Locate the Application Menu: This is typically found at the top-left corner of the screen. Click on the AutoCAD icon to drop down the menu.
  3. Select Options: From the Application Menu, find and click on the “Options” button. This action will open the Options dialog box, where you can adjust various settings.

Navigating to the Open and Save Tab

  1. Open the Open and Save Tab: In the Options dialog box, navigate to the “Open and Save” tab. Here you will find all settings related to managing files in AutoCAD.

  2. Identify Recent File Settings: Look for the section labeled “Application Menu Number of Recently Used Files.” This setting controls how many recent files are displayed in your list.

Clearing Recent Documents

  1. Set Recent Files to Zero: Enter the number 0 in the text box provided for the “Number of recently-used files.” Setting this to zero will effectively clear your recent documents list.

  2. Apply Changes: After entering 0, click the “Apply” button and then press “OK” to save your changes. Your recent files list will now be cleared.

Optional: Further Management of Recent Files

If you’d like to adjust the number of recent files displayed instead of completely clearing them, simply change the number in the same field to your desired value (e.g., change it to 5 to show the last five recent documents). Don’t forget to click “Apply” and “OK” after making adjustments.

FAQ

Q1: Can I restore recently deleted files in AutoCAD?
AutoCAD does not provide a built-in way to recover files from the recent documents list once they have been cleared. If you need to access files again, ensure you have backups saved elsewhere.

Q2: Will clearing the recent documents list delete the files from my computer?
No, clearing the recent documents list only removes the reference from AutoCAD. The files themselves remain untouched on your computer.

Q3: Are there any shortcuts to access recent files other than from the Application Menu?
Yes, you can also use the “Quick Access Toolbar” in AutoCAD to access recently used files quickly. It’s a handy way to open your most frequently utilized documents.

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.