AutoCAD

How to Open Backup Drawing in AutoCAD?

by Wei Zhang
3 min read

Steps to Open a Backup Drawing in AutoCAD

When dealing with lost or corrupted files in AutoCAD, knowing how to open and restore backup drawings is essential. Follow these detailed steps to access your backup files efficiently.

Locating Backup Files

  1. Access File Explorer: Open Windows Explorer on your computer. You can do this by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting ‘File Explorer.’

  2. Identify Backup Files: Look for files that have a .bak extension. These files are created automatically by AutoCAD to provide a backup of your drawings.

Renaming a Backup File

  1. Right-Click the Backup File: Once you’ve found your .bak file in File Explorer, right-click on it.

  2. Select ‘Rename’: From the context menu, choose the ‘Rename’ option.

  3. Change the File Extension: Rename the file to use the .dwg extension instead. For example, if your backup file is named drawing.bak, change it to drawing.dwg.

  4. Confirm the Change: If prompted, confirm that you want to change the file extension. This ensures that the file can be recognized by AutoCAD.

Opening the Renamed File in AutoCAD

  1. Launch AutoCAD: Open AutoCAD on your computer.

  2. Use the Open Command: Click on ‘File’ in the top menu, and then select ‘Open’. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + O as a shortcut.

  3. Browse for the File: Navigate to the location where you saved the renamed file. Make sure to select "All Files" in the file type dropdown to view your newly renamed .dwg file.

  4. Select the File: Double-click on the renamed file or select it and click ‘Open.’

  5. Verify the Drawing: Once the file is open, check to ensure that it contains the information and elements from your original drawing.

Additional Recovery Options

If the backup method doesn’t yield results, consider these practices to recover unsaved or corrupted drawings:

  1. Automatic Save Location: Check the Automatic Save File Location in AutoCAD by typing OP into the command prompt and navigating to the ‘Files’ tab. There you can find additional backup files, often listed with .ac$ or .sv$ extensions.

  2. Recover Using Drawing Utilities: Select ‘File’ > ‘Drawing Utilities’ > ‘Recover,’ and follow the prompts to locate any corrupt or damaged files.

FAQ

Q1: How often does AutoCAD create backup files?
AutoCAD typically creates backup files at intervals defined in the AutoCAD settings, often during every save or after a specified duration.

Q2: What should I do if I can’t find my backup files?
If backup files are missing, check your AutoCAD settings for the Automatic Save File Location. Ensure that backups are enabled and the specified path is correct.

Q3: Can I recover an AutoCAD drawing from the temporary files?
Yes, you may recover temporary files by locating them in the specified AutoCAD temp folder, usually found in your user profile’s AppData directory.

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.

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