Have you ever come across a BAK file in AutoCAD and wondered how to open it? Don’t fret! In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to open a BAK file in AutoCAD.
What is a BAK file?
Before we dive into the process, let’s understand what a BAK file is. A BAK file is a backup file created by AutoCAD to safeguard your drawings.
Whenever you save your work in AutoCAD, it creates an automatic backup with the .bak extension. This backup file ensures that you can recover your work in case of any unexpected issues or data loss.
Step 1: Locate the BAK File
The first step is to locate the BAK file on your computer. Open the folder where your original DWG (drawing) file is saved. You will find the corresponding BAK file with the same name but different extension.
Tips:
- Make sure that you have enabled “Show hidden files” option on your computer to view the BAK files.
- If you are unable to find the BAK file, check if it has been accidentally deleted or moved to another location.
Step 2: Rename the File Extension
To open a BAK file in AutoCAD, you need to rename its extension from .bak to .dwg. Right-click on the BAK file and select “Rename”. Replace “.bak” with “.dwg” and press Enter.
Note:
Rename only if you are confident that this is indeed a backup of your original drawing and not another unrelated data file.
Step 3: Open File in AutoCAD
Launch AutoCAD on your computer. Go to the “File” menu and select “Open” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + O. Navigate to the folder where you saved the renamed BAK file and select it. Click on the “Open” button to open the BAK file in AutoCAD.
Tips:
- If you encounter any errors while opening the BAK file, double-check if you have renamed the file extension correctly.
- Ensure that you have the latest version of AutoCAD installed on your computer for optimal compatibility.
That’s it! You have successfully opened a BAK file in AutoCAD. Remember to save your work with a new name or overwrite the original drawing file to prevent any confusion with the backup file.
Conclusion
Opening a BAK file in AutoCAD is a straightforward process. By following these simple steps, you can easily recover your drawings from backup files and continue working without any hassle. Just remember to locate, rename, and open the BAK file using AutoCAD, and you’re good to go!
Happy CAD-ing!