How to Recover Files in AutoCAD 2014?

Steps to Recover Unsaved AutoCAD Files

Recovering unsaved files in AutoCAD can be crucial, especially if you encounter a sudden power failure or accidental closure. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to retrieve your work in AutoCAD 2025.

Accessing the AutoCAD Recovery Options

1. Open AutoCAD: Launch the AutoCAD application on your computer.
2. Navigate to the Application Menu: Click on the big "A" icon located in the upper left corner of the screen. This opens the main menu where several options are available.
3. Select the ‘Drawing Utilities’: From the drop-down menu, hover over “Drawing Utilities” to reveal more options.
4. Choose ‘Recover’: Click on “Recover”. This will prompt you to navigate to the folder where your AutoCAD files are stored.

Locating Backup Files

AutoCAD automatically creates backup files while you work. These files can often be found in specific directories.

1. Check the Backup File Location: Go to the command line within AutoCAD and enter OPTIONS. Press Enter.
2. Find the File Locations Tab: In the Options dialog box, navigate to the "Files" tab.
3. Locate the Automatic Save Settings: Look for the section labeled ‘Automatic Save File Location.’ This path indicates where AutoCAD stores unsaved files.
4. Use the SAVEFILEPATH Variable: If you prefer commands, input SAVEFILEPATH into the command line to reveal the-backed up file location.

Recovering from the AutoCAD Backup

1. Navigate to the Backup File Folder: Use File Explorer or Finder (for Mac) to go to the directory specified in the Automatic Save settings.
2. Identify the Backup Files: Look for files with the .bak extension. These files are the editable backups of your projects.
3. Rename the File: Make a copy of the .bak file and then rename it to have a .dwg extension.
4. Open Your Recovered Drawing: Launch AutoCAD and use the Open command to select and open your newly renamed .dwg file.

Retrieving Autosave Files

If you have set AutoCAD to autosave at intervals, you can also recover work from these autosave files.

1. Check Autosave File Location: Refer back to the ‘Automatic Save File Location’ in the Options dialog to find where autosave files are stored.
2. Identify the Autosave File: Look for files with the .sv$ extension. These are your autosave files.
3. Rename the File to .dwg: Just like with the backup files, ensure to rename the autosave files to have a .dwg extension.
4. Open the File in AutoCAD: Use the AutoCAD Open functionality to access and restore your autosaved work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if AutoCAD crashes while I’m working?
If AutoCAD crashes, it usually tries to recover files automatically upon reopening. However, you can manually locate backup or autosave files as described above.

2. How often does AutoCAD autosave my work?
AutoCAD typically autosaves your work every 10 minutes by default. You can adjust this interval in the Options dialog under the ‘Open and Save’ tab.

3. Can I customize where AutoCAD saves my backup files?
Yes, you can change the backup file location. Go to the Options dialog, select the ‘Files’ tab, and modify the ‘Automatic Save File Location’ to your desired folder.