How to Turn Off Backup in AutoCAD?

Disabling Backup File Creation in AutoCAD

AutoCAD automatically generates backup files each time a drawing is saved to safeguard against data loss. However, you might prefer to disable this feature for various reasons, such as managing storage or reducing clutter. Here’s how to turn off the creation of .BAK files step-by-step.

Steps to Turn Off Backup File Creation

1. Launch AutoCAD: Start by opening your AutoCAD application on your computer.

2. Access the Options Menu: At the top left corner of the screen, locate the “Tools” menu. Click on it to reveal a dropdown list.

3. Select Options: From the dropdown, click on “Options.” This action opens the Options dialog box.

4. Navigate to the System Tab: In the Options dialog, you will find multiple tabs at the top. Click on the “System” tab to open the system settings.

5. Modify Backup Settings: Look for an option labeled “Save project backup file (.BAK) when opening project.” Uncheck this box. This action stops AutoCAD from creating .BAK files in the future when working on projects.

6. Confirm Changes: Click on the “OK” button to save your changes and exit the Options dialog.

7. Restart AutoCAD (if necessary): While this isn’t always required, restarting AutoCAD ensures that your new settings are applied effectively.

Understanding the Need for Backup Files

Backup files are useful, providing a safety net if you accidentally erase a project or experience a program crash. Nevertheless, managing numerous backup files can become cumbersome, especially if you are confident in your project management practices. Turning off .BAK file creation can streamline your workspace.

Where to Find Existing Backup Files

If you decide later that you’d like to recover a previous version of your drawing, knowing where to locate these backup files can be crucial. Use the following steps to find them:

1. Open AutoCAD: Launch the program on your device.

2. Access the Options Window: Simply type OP into the command line and press Enter. This command opens the Options dialog box.

3. Locate Automatic Save File Location: Within the “Files” tab of the Options dialog, you should find a section labeled “Automatic Save File Location.” The path provided there will direct you to where your backup files are stored.

Hiding Backup Files

If you still want to keep backup files but prefer not to see them, you can hide them using the following method:

1. Navigate to the Backup File: Using Windows File Explorer, go to the directory where your .BAK files are saved.

2. Right-Click on the File: Find the specific .BAK file you wish to hide, then right-click on it.

3. Select Properties: Choose the “Properties” option from the context menu.

4. Change File Attributes: In the Properties window, navigate to the “Attributes” section and check the box next to “Hidden.” Click “Apply” to confirm the changes.

5. Apply and Exit: Click “OK” to finish, and the backup file will no longer be visible in your File Explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I safely delete existing .BAK files?

Yes, you can delete .BAK files if you want to free up space, but ensure that you have the latest versions of your drawings saved in .DWG format.

2. Can turning off .BAK files affect my AutoCAD performance?

Turning off .BAK files does not directly affect AutoCAD performance. However, it eliminates an automatic recovery option if a crash occurs.

3. What happens if I need a previous version after disabling .BAK files?

If you disable the creation of .BAK files and later need to revert to an earlier version, you will not have a backup file available. It’s advisable to frequently save and store different versions of your project manually.