How Do I Recover AutoSave in SketchUp?

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In SketchUp, the AutoSave feature is a lifesaver when it comes to unexpected crashes or accidental closures of your project. It automatically saves your work at regular intervals, ensuring that you don’t lose hours of hard work.

However, there may be instances where you need to recover an AutoSave file. Let’s explore how to do that.

Locating the AutoSave Files

When SketchUp crashes or closes unexpectedly, it creates an AutoSave file that can be used to recover your project. To locate these files, follow these steps:

  1. Step 1:

    2. Open the File Explorer on your computer by pressing Windows key + E (on Windows) or Command key + Space Bar and type “Finder” (on Mac).

  2. Step 2:

    3. In the File Explorer/Finder window, navigate to the following folder:

    C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\SketchUp\SketchUp version\SketchUp\WorkingCache (on Windows)

    or

    /Users/YourUsername/Library/Application Support/SketchUp version/SketchUp/WorkingCache (on Mac)

  3. Step 3:

    4. In the WorkingCache folder, you will find a list of files with names starting with “autosave_”. These are your AutoSave files.

Recovering an AutoSave File

Once you have located the AutoSave file, follow these steps to recover your project:

  1. Step 1:

    2. Identify the most recent AutoSave file based on the date and time stamp in the filename.

  2. Step 2:

    3. Copy the AutoSave file to a secure location on your computer, such as your desktop or a dedicated folder.

  3. Step 3:

    4. Rename the file by removing the “autosave_” prefix from the filename.

  4. Step 4:

    5. Open SketchUp and go to “File” > “Open”. Navigate to the location where you saved the recovered AutoSave file.

  5. Step 5:

    6. Select the recovered file and click “Open”. SketchUp will load the AutoSave file, allowing you to continue your work from where you left off.

    Tips for Avoiding Data Loss

    While AutoSave is an excellent feature for recovering lost work, it’s essential to take preventive measures to avoid data loss altogether. Here are some tips:

    • Frequent Manual Saves: Make it a habit to save your project at regular intervals manually. This ensures that you have control over when and where your work is saved.
    • Backup Your Files: Create backups of your SketchUp projects regularly. Store them in a secure location, either on an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
    • Enable AutoSave Feature: Double-check that AutoSave is enabled in SketchUp’s preferences. Adjust the time interval for auto-saving according to your preference.

    By following these steps and taking preventive measures, you can recover AutoSave files in SketchUp and minimize data loss effectively. Remember always to save your work manually and create backups regularly.

    Happy modeling!