How to Reset AutoCAD to Defaults

Solution:

AutoCAD for Windows

For users on Windows, the simplest way to reset AutoCAD is through the built-in utility known as Reset Settings to Default.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and navigate to the list of applications.
2. Locate the AutoCAD 2025 application folder.
3. Find and click on the Reset Settings to Default option.

For specific versions of Windows, the steps vary slightly:

• Windows 11: Go to Start > All Apps > AutoCAD 2025 > Reset Settings To Default.
• Windows 10: Go to Start > AutoCAD 2025 > Reset Settings To Default.
• Windows 7: Go to Start > All Programs > Autodesk > AutoCAD 2025 > Reset Settings To Default.

Before proceeding with the reset, you may wish to back up your current settings. During the reset process, select the option to “Back up and Reset Settings.” This action will create a ZIP file that you can store for later restoration. The customized files can be found in your AutoCAD App folder, typically located at:

C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2025

For visual guidance, consider watching relevant tutorial videos available online.

AutoCAD for Mac

Resetting AutoCAD on a Mac is straightforward. Use the following steps:

1. Open the AutoCAD application from your program menu.
2. Select “Reset AutoCAD” from the dropdown options.

For more granular control, especially if you wish to reset only the application palettes, you can navigate to the Window menu and choose Reset Palettes.

For further resetting options, hold down the Shift key while starting AutoCAD. This method is available for versions 2014 SP1 and later. Alternatively, you can use the Preferences menu:

1. Access the AutoCAD menu and click on Preferences.
2. In the Preferences dialog, select the Application tab.
3. Click the button labeled Reset Application Options.
4. Finally, confirm by selecting Reset AutoCAD.

Manual Reset Techniques

If the automated reset options are ineffective, users can opt for a manual reset. This approach is particularly relevant for some AutoCAD-based products lacking an integrated reset utility, such as AutoCAD Plant 3D, AutoCAD P&ID, and AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Manual Reset for Windows Users

For versions without the reset utility, follow these steps:

1. For AutoCAD Plant 3D and P&ID, refer to the guides on resetting these specific apps.
2. For Civil 3D, follow instructions dedicated to that product.

Note: Methods may slightly differ based on the application and version, but folders are mostly identifiable by product names.

Manual Reset for Mac Users

To perform a manual reset on Mac, adhere to these steps:

1. Close the AutoCAD application completely.
2. Delete the relevant folder from the Library:

~home/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD 2025 Standalone/Rxx.x/roaming (for AutoCAD 2016 and later)

or

~home/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCAD 2025 Standalone (for AutoCAD 2015 and earlier)

3. To access the Library folder, hold down the Option key while selecting the Go menu in Finder.
4. Afterward, navigate to the Preferences folder:

~home/Library/Preferences

5. Delete any files that start with com.autodesk.AutoCAD. from this folder.