Have you ever wondered where AutoCAD stores its autosave files? Autosave is a crucial feature in AutoCAD that automatically saves your work at regular intervals, preventing data loss in case of unexpected crashes or power failures. In this article, we will explore the default location where AutoCAD stores these autosave files and how you can customize this location to suit your needs.
The Default Autosave File Location
By default, AutoCAD saves its autosave files in a specific directory on your computer. The exact location varies depending on the version of AutoCAD and the operating system you are using.
Windows
If you are using AutoCAD on a Windows system, the autosave files are typically stored in the following directory:
C:\Users\{Username}\AppData\Local\Temp
The {Username} placeholder refers to your Windows username. The AppData folder is usually hidden by default, so you may need to enable the display of hidden folders and files to access it.
Mac
For Mac users, the default autosave file location is:
/Users/{Username}/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD {Version}/ACAD/Backup
Again, {Username} should be replaced with your Mac username, and {Version} refers to the specific version of AutoCAD you are using.
Customizing the Autosave File Location
If you prefer to change the default location where AutoCAD stores its autosave files, you can easily do so by modifying the settings within the software. Follow these steps:
- Open AutoCAD and go to the “Options” dialog box. You can access it by clicking on the “Application” button in the top-left corner of the AutoCAD window and selecting “Options” from the dropdown menu.
- In the Options dialog box, navigate to the “Files” tab.
- Under the “Automatic Save File Location” section, you will find a text field displaying the current autosave file location. Click on the “..” button next to it.
- Select a new folder or create a new one where you want AutoCAD to save its autosave files.
- Click “OK” to save your changes and close the Options dialog box.
From now on, AutoCAD will store its autosave files in your specified location instead of the default directory.
Conclusion
Knowing where AutoCAD stores its autosave files is essential for recovering your work in case of unexpected crashes or power failures. By default, AutoCAD saves these files in specific directories depending on your operating system. However, you can customize this location within AutoCAD’s settings to better suit your needs and preferences.
Remember to regularly save your work manually as well, as autosave files are not a substitute for proper file management. Take advantage of this powerful feature while maintaining good file organization practices to ensure a smooth workflow in AutoCAD.