Where Are My AutoCAD Autosave Files?

by

Where Are My AutoCAD Autosave Files?

If you are an AutoCAD user, you know how important it is to have a backup of your work. Autosave files can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected crashes or power outages.

But where exactly are these autosave files stored? Let’s find out.

Understanding Autosave in AutoCAD

Autosave is a feature in AutoCAD that automatically saves your work at regular intervals. This ensures that even if something goes wrong, you won’t lose all your progress.

By default, AutoCAD saves autosave files in a specific directory on your computer. The location may vary depending on the version of AutoCAD you are using and your operating system. Here’s how to find it:

Locating Autosave Files in Windows

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the following path:
    • C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Autodesk\AutoCAD\Rxx.x\enu\Support
  2. In the above path, replace YourUsername with your actual Windows username and Rxx.x with the version of AutoCAD you have installed (e.g., R23.1).
  3. In the Support folder, look for files with the extension .sv$. These are your autosave files.

Finding Autosave Files on macOS

  1. Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G to open the “Go to Folder” window.
    • Alternatively, you can click on the “Go” menu and select “Go to Folder”.
  2. Enter the following path in the “Go to Folder” window:
    • ~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD/Rxx.x/enu/Support
  3. In the above path, replace Rxx.
  4. In the Support folder, you will find files with the extension .

Recovering Autosave Files

If you ever encounter a situation where AutoCAD crashes or your work is lost, you can recover your autosave files to retrieve your progress.

To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Close AutoCAD if it's open.
  2. Navigate to the autosave file location using the instructions provided earlier.
  3. Look for the most recent autosave file based on its date and time stamp.
  4. Rename the file by removing the ".sv$" extension at the end.
    • For example, change "myfile.sv$" to "myfile.dwg".
  5. Open AutoCAD and use the "Open" command to browse for and open this renamed file.
    • Your recovered work should now be available for editing.

Configuring Autosave Settings

If you want to change the autosave settings in AutoCAD, you can do so by following these steps:

  1. Open AutoCAD and go to the "Options" dialog by either typing "OPTIONS" in the command line or selecting it from the application menu.
  2. In the "Options" dialog, navigate to the "Open and Save" tab.
  3. Under the "File Safety Precautions" section, you will find options related to autosave.
    • You can adjust the interval at which AutoCAD saves your work by modifying the "Automatic Save Interval" value.
    • You can also change the location where autosave files are stored by clicking on "Files.." and selecting a different folder.
  4. Once you have made your desired changes, click "OK" to save them and close the dialog.

Note: Modifying autosave settings can affect system performance, so be mindful of your computer's capabilities when making adjustments.

In Summary

Autosave files in AutoCAD are crucial for safeguarding your work. By default, these files are saved in a specific directory on your computer.

Should you need to recover a lost file, follow our step-by-step guide. Additionally, if you wish to customize autosave settings, make sure to do so via AutoCAD's options menu.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Regularly saving your work and utilizing autosave features can prevent hours of frustration and lost progress.