How to Open Recovery File in AutoCAD?

Accessing the AutoCAD Drawing Recovery Manager

To recover lost or unsaved work in AutoCAD, the first step is to access the Drawing Recovery Manager. Here’s how to do it:

1. Using the File Menu:

   • Navigate to the top menu and click on File.
   • From the dropdown, select Drawing Recovery Manager to open the recovery panel.

2. Through the Application Menu:

   • Click on the AutoCAD logo in the upper-left corner to open the Application Menu.
   • Hover over Manage and then select Drawing Recovery Manager.
3. Command Line Method:
   • Type DrawingRecovery in the command line and press Enter. This will also open the Drawing Recovery Manager directly.

Locating AutoCAD Recovery Files

Finding the location of recovery files is essential for retrieving your unsaved work:

1. Windows Users:

   • Open the Options dialog box by typing OPTIONS in the command line.
   • Click on the Files tab.
   • Look for the Automatic Save File Location entry within the list. This path will guide you to where your autosave files are stored.
2. Mac OS Users:
   • Navigate to the Preferences section by clicking on the AutoCAD application tab.
   • Check the relevant options to find where your autosave files are stored.

Steps to Recover a Drawing in AutoCAD 2025

If you’ve lost your drawing, the Drawing Recovery Manager allows for efficient recovery:

1. Open the Drawing Recovery Manager using any of the methods outlined above.

2. Identifying Backup Files:

   • Within the Drawing Recovery Manager, look under the Backup Files section. Here, you’ll see the list of available drawings, including any backup versions.
3. Opening the File:
   • Double-click on the desired drawing file. If any issues are detected, AutoCAD will attempt to repair the drawing automatically.

Understanding BAK Files

BAK files serve as backups for AutoCAD drawings. Here’s what you need to know:

1. What is a BAK File?

   • A BAK file is a backup created automatically by AutoCAD when you save your work. It retains the last saved version of your drawing, which can be invaluable if the original file becomes corrupted.
2. How to Open a BAK File:
   • Change the file extension from .bak to .dwg by renaming the file.
   • Open the newly renamed file via AutoCAD as you would with any standard drawing.

Converting Other File Types

If you’re working with files in formats other than DWG, follow these steps to convert them:

1. Download a File Converter:

   • Use software like reaConverter for converting files like SVS to DWG.
2. Follow Conversion Steps:
   • Load your SVS files into the converter tool.
   • Specify the output folder where you want the converted files to be saved.
   • Select DWG as your desired output format and initiate the conversion process.

Restoring DWL Files

For AutoCAD users, DWL files act as lock files. If you need to restore them:

1. Identify and Locate DWL Files:

   • When AutoCAD is open, if a specific drawing is locked or in use, locate the corresponding DWL file in the same directory as your drawing.
2. Restore the DWL File:
   • If AutoCAD does not automatically remove the lock file after closing the application, you may need to delete the DWL manually.
   • This can free up the drawing and allow you access again.

FAQ

1. Can I recover a drawing if AutoCAD crashed?
Yes, AutoCAD automatically saves backup files. Open the Drawing Recovery Manager to retrieve these autosaved versions.

2. What should I do if my BAK file is corrupt?
If your BAK file is corrupt, try using a dedicated file recovery tool that supports AutoCAD files, or check if there are any recent autosave files available.

3. How do I disable AutoCAD’s automatic save feature?
Open the Options dialog, go to the Open and Save tab, and uncheck the option for Automatic Save. However, it’s recommended to keep this feature enabled to avoid data loss.