How To Open Default File In AutoCAD?

Opening Default Files in AutoCAD

To streamline your workflow in AutoCAD, it’s essential to know how to set a default file for opening drawings. Doing so can save you time and enhance your efficiency when starting a new session. Follow the steps outlined below to ensure that AutoCAD opens with your preferred drawing file by default.

Setting AutoCAD to Open a Specific DWG File

1. Locate a DWG File:
   Begin by finding any DWG file already stored on your computer. This file should be one that you want AutoCAD to use as a default opening file.

2. Access File Properties:
   Right-click on the selected DWG file. This action will trigger a context menu with various options.

3. Select Open With:
   From the context menu, choose the option labeled “Open With.” This leads to another submenu that allows you to pick how you want to open the file.

4. Choose Default Program:
   Click on “Choose Default Program” to initiate a new window. You will see a list of compatible applications.

5. Set AutoCAD as Default:
   From the list, find and select AutoCAD. If AutoCAD does not appear in the list, you may need to click on “Browse” to locate the application manually.

6. Confirm Selection:
   After selecting AutoCAD, ensure the checkbox labeled “Always use this app to open .dwg files” is checked. This sets AutoCAD as your default program for opening DWG files.

7. Finalizing the Selection:
   Click on “OK” to finish the process. From now on, whenever you double-click a DWG file, it will automatically open in AutoCAD.

Changing the Default File Format in AutoCAD

If you wish to modify the default file format for saving drawings, follow these detailed instructions:

1. Access the Options Menu:
   Start AutoCAD and type OPTIONS into the command line. Hit Enter, and the Options dialog box will appear.

2. Navigate to Open and Save Settings:
   In the dialog box, click on the “Open and Save” tab. This section allows you to change various settings related to file management.

3. Select File Save Format:
   Find the area labeled “File Save.” Here, locate the “Save as” drop-down menu.

4. Choose Desired Format:
   Click on the drop-down menu and select your preferred file format for saving, whether it’s DWG, DXF, or another compatible format.

5. Apply Changes:
   Click “OK” to save your changes. From now on, AutoCAD will use the selected format as the default for new files you save.

Accessing Files in AutoCAD

To open files effectively within the AutoCAD interface, consider the following methods:

1. Use the Start Tab:
   Begin by navigating to the Start tab and clicking on “Open Files.”

2. Utilize the Application Menu:
   Click on the Application menu and choose the “Open Drawing” option.

3. Right-Click on File Tabs:
   Right-click on any file tab that appears in your workspace and select the “Open” option.

4. Quick Access Toolbar:
   Use the Quick Access toolbar located at the top of the window and click on “Open” to access the open file dialog.

5. Double-Clicking:
   You can also directly double-click a drawing file in Windows Explorer or File Explorer, and it will open in AutoCAD automatically, provided AutoCAD is set as the default program for DWG files.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I open AutoCAD files without the software?
Yes, Autodesk offers a free viewer called DWG TrueView that allows you to open and view DWG files without installing AutoCAD.

2. How can I change AutoCAD’s default save location?
To modify where AutoCAD saves files, right-click the AutoCAD shortcut on your desktop, select Properties, and enter your desired path in the "Start In" field on the Shortcut tab.

3. What should I do if AutoCAD crashes while saving a file?
If AutoCAD crashes during a save, you can try using the “Recover” option found within the Drawing Utilities menu to retrieve lost data.