AutoCAD is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software that is widely used in various industries like architecture, engineering, and construction. It offers a plethora of tools and features to create precise and detailed drawings. However, working on complex projects in AutoCAD can be quite time-consuming, and the fear of losing your work due to unexpected crashes or power outages can be daunting.
Does AutoCAD have Autosave?
One of the most common concerns among AutoCAD users is whether the software has an autosave feature. Autosave allows the program to automatically save your work at regular intervals, ensuring that you don’t lose any progress in case of an unexpected event. Fortunately, AutoCAD does have an autosave feature built-in to mitigate such risks.
How does Autosave work in AutoCAD?
AutoCAD’s autosave feature periodically saves your work in the background without interrupting your workflow. By default, it saves a copy of your drawing every 10 minutes. However, you can customize this interval based on your preferences.
When an autosave occurs, AutoCAD creates a backup file with the same name as your original drawing but with an extension .sv$ (e.g., drawing.dwg.sv$). These backup files are stored in a designated folder on your computer.
You can access these backup files by navigating to the “Automatic Save File Location” option in the AutoCAD preferences. Here, you can specify where you want these backup files to be saved or change the frequency of autosaves.
Please note that autosave files (.sv$) are temporary backups created by AutoCAD for recovery purposes only. They are not meant to replace manual saving practices. It is still essential to regularly save your work using the standard “Save” or “Save As” commands.
How to Recover Autosaved Drawings
In case of an unexpected crash or power failure, AutoCAD provides a straightforward method to recover your autosaved drawings. When you relaunch AutoCAD after a crash, it automatically detects the presence of unsaved autosave files and prompts you to open them.
To recover an autosaved drawing, follow these steps:
- Open AutoCAD.
- If prompted, click “Yes” to recover the autosaved drawing(s).
- In the “Drawing Recovery Manager” dialog box, select the drawing(s) you want to recover.
- Click “Open.”
Once you have successfully recovered the autosaved drawing, make sure to save it manually using the appropriate file name and location.
Customizing Autosave Settings
AutoCAD allows you to customize various autosave settings according to your needs. To access these settings, follow these steps:
- Click on the “Application” button in the top-left corner of AutoCAD.
- Select “Options” from the drop-down menu. This opens the Options dialog box.
- In the Options dialog box, click on the “Open and Save” tab.
- Under “Automatic Save File Location,” you can specify where you want AutoCAD to store your backup files. You can also change this location by clicking on the folder icon next to it.
- To customize the autosave interval, modify the value in minutes in the “Number of minutes between saves” field.
Remember that while increasing the frequency of autosaves can provide added protection against data loss, it may also impact performance due to increased file saving operations. Therefore, finding a balance that suits your workflow is crucial.
Conclusion
AutoCAD’s autosave feature is undoubtedly a valuable tool that helps safeguard your work in the event of unexpected crashes or power outages. By periodically creating backup files, AutoCAD ensures that you can recover your progress without losing valuable time and effort.
However, it is essential to understand that autosave files are not a substitute for regular manual saving practices. Make it a habit to save your work frequently using the standard “Save” or “Save As” commands to avoid any potential data loss.
With AutoCAD’s autosave feature and a disciplined approach to saving, you can focus on your design work with peace of mind, knowing that your progress is protected.