AutoCAD File Recovery: How to Recover Deleted AutoCAD Files

Can I Recover Deleted AutoCAD Files?

AutoCAD is a widely employed computer software for drafting and designing, typically saved with the .dwg extension. Architects rely on it to create intricate blueprints for structures like bridges and computer chips. While most users encounter no issues with this software, there are instances where accidents happen, and work gets deleted.

Can unsaved or deleted AutoCAD files be recovered? The answer is yes. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to recover deleted AutoCAD files, read on to explore 5 useful methods you can take to recover deleted or unsaved AutoCAD files.

We understand the time-consuming nature of rendering drafts in AutoCAD. Losing a file not only results in wasted efforts but can also lead to missed deadlines.

Part 1: Recover Unsaved AutoCAD Files from Backup

How to recover AutoCAD files from backup? There are some different options. Keep reading and choose the suitable one for your AutoCAD file recovery.

Way 1: Utilize the .bak file backup method

To execute this method, simply change the file extension of the BAK file to DWG. You can accomplish it in Windows Explorer by following these steps:

1. Locate the backup file in Windows Explorer, identified by the .bak extension.

2. Right-click on your file, then click on Rename. Then, change the extension to .dwg.

After the above, you can open the AutoCAD file normally.

Way 2: Employ the Automatic Save method (.sv$)

How to recover unsaved AutoCAD file? You can follow these steps to recover unsaved AutoCAD files using the Automatic Save feature:

1. Begin by locating the autosave folder location (usually found at C:\Users\AppData\Local\Temp).

2. Identify files with the .sv$ extension, similar names but different dates and times compared to the corrupted .dwg file.

3. Rename the file extension from .sv$ to .dwg.

Attempt to open the new file, and you should be able to recover unsaved AutoCAD file.

Way 3: Retrieve temporary files with the .ac$ extension

To recover deleted AutoCAD files using the approach of the temporary file, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the path of the temporary file, typically labeled as "C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp." Alternatively, you can access it by pressing Win+R and typing "%temp%".

2. Search for files with the BAK or ac$ extension. Identify it using either the file size or partial name as a reference.

3. Copy the selected file to the local server to avoid corruption of the temporary files.

4. Open the AutoCAD application. Then, go to Drawing Utilities, and click Recover to open the drawing recovery manager. 

5. Locate the previously saved temporary file and, upon completing the recovery process, regain your unsaved AutoCAD file.

Part 2: Use the Recover Command to Retrieve AutoCAD Files

The Recover Command serves as a direct means of restoring your deleted or lost AutoCAD files. Follow these steps to employ this method successfully:

1. Open a new drawing in AutoCAD.

2. Click on "File," select "Drawing Utilities," and choose "Recover."

3. Select the desired drawing from the dialog box and click "OK."

By following these three simple steps, the Recover Command will efficiently restore your lost AutoCAD files within minutes.

Part 3: Recover Deleted AutoCAD Files Using a Professional Tool

To make AutoCAD file recovery easier and faster, you need a simple yet professional data recovery tool like AOMEI FastRecovery. With it, you can recover more than 1000 types of files, including AutoCAD files, Office files, video files, audio files, compressed files, and more.

AOMEI FastRecovery

Powerful File Recovery Software for Windows

• 🧩💻 All-encompassing: Recover datafrom any data loss situation like accidental deletion, formation, device crashes, and more.
• 👍Top algorithms: Integrate Quick Scan & Deep Scan to to find all your recoverable files.
• 🚀High-efficiency: Organize and display recoverable data by Type or Path, allowing you to sort, search, filter, and preview files before recovery.
• 🔥 Crashed PC Recovery: Create a bootable USB to recover data from hard drive without OS.
• 🧬Wide compatibility: Recover deleted files inWindows 11, 10, 8, 7,and Server; Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8/7/Server

100% Secure

Once you download and install AOMEI FastRecovery on your computer, you can follow the easy tutorial for AutoCAD recovery files easily.

📍📍📍Notes:
✅ Please install AOMEI FastRecovery and save retrieved files in a new path to avoid data overwriting.
✅ The free version allows users to retrieve 500 MB of files at no cost. For unlimited data recovery, consider upgrading to the advanced edition.

1. Hover the mouse over the partition or disk where your AutoCAD files were saved before. Then, click Scan to scan it.

2. AOMEI FastRecovery will operate Quick Scan automatically and display all recoverable data by Type or Path, allowing you to sort them across multiple options. 

3. Choose the AutoCAD files that you want to recover. Then, click Recover and choose a new safe path to keep them.

How to Protect AutoCAD Files Better

To ensure the protection of your work, it is essential to enable the Autosave feature in your AutoCAD files, similar to the Autosave functionality in Google Docs. By activating this feature, you can prevent the loss of your work. 

1. Access the CAD options dialog box and open it.

2. Right-click on the open and save options within the dialog box.

3. Customize the autosave interval according to your preferences and enable the Autosave option.

Conclusion 

This article includes 5 useful methods to recover deleted autocad files without any obstacles. Among them, restoring files from backup are the most reliable methods, but it requires you to create backup files before file loss. If you don't have any backup, try the recovery command or professional data recovery software - AOMEI FastRecovery.