Where Are AutoCAD Autosave Files Stored?

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Have you ever wondered where AutoCAD autosave files are stored? Autosave is an essential feature in AutoCAD that automatically saves your work at regular intervals, protecting you from unexpected crashes or power outages. In this article, we will explore the default location of AutoCAD autosave files and how you can customize this location to suit your needs.

The Default Autosave Location

By default, AutoCAD autosave files are stored in a specific folder on your computer’s hard drive. The exact location may vary depending on the version of AutoCAD and the operating system you are using. However, the general path is as follows:

C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Temp

Here, “{username}” refers to your Windows username. Keep in mind that the “AppData” folder is hidden by default, so you may need to enable hidden folders in your file explorer settings to access it.

Customizing the Autosave Location

If you prefer to change the default autosave location or want to store autosave files in a different directory for organizational purposes, AutoCAD provides you with an option to customize the autosave file path.

To change the autosave file location:

  1. Open AutoCAD and go to the Options dialog box. You can do this by typing “Options” in the command line or by navigating to the “Tools” menu and selecting “Options“.
  2. In the Options dialog box, click on the “Files” tab located on the left-hand side.
  3. In the Files tab, you will find an option called “Automatic Save File Location“.

    Click on the “+..” button next to it.

  4. A new dialog box will appear, allowing you to choose a new location for your autosave files. Browse to the desired folder and click “OK“.
  5. Finally, click “Apply” and “OK” in the Options dialog box to save your changes.

Note: It’s important to select a location that is easily accessible and has enough storage space to accommodate autosave files. Additionally, make sure to create a backup of your autosave files regularly.

Tips for Managing Autosave Files

To effectively manage your autosave files, consider the following tips:

  • Regularly Clean Up Autosave Files: Autosave files can accumulate over time and consume valuable storage space. Delete unnecessary autosave files periodically to free up disk space.
  • Enable Automatic File Recovery: AutoCAD also provides an automatic file recovery feature that helps you recover unsaved or crashed files.

    Make sure this option is enabled in the Options dialog box under the “Open and Save” tab.

  • Create Backup Copies: While autosave files offer protection against unexpected crashes, it’s always a good practice to create manual backup copies of your work at regular intervals. This ensures added security for your valuable CAD projects.

In conclusion,

The default location of AutoCAD autosave files is in the “Temp” folder of your user’s “AppData” directory. However, you have the flexibility to customize this location according to your preferences. Remember to manage your autosave files effectively by regularly cleaning them up, enabling automatic file recovery, and creating backup copies of your work.

Now that you know where AutoCAD autosave files are stored, you can work with peace of mind knowing that your progress is protected!