CAD Dictionary

What is an AutoCAD TMP file?

Introduction

An AutoCAD TMP (temporary) file is a file AutoCAD creates while you are editing or saving a drawing. These files store temporary data to help prevent data loss and maintain file integrity if AutoCAD is interrupted (crash, power loss, or forced shutdown). Understanding how TMP files work and how to use them for recovery can save hours of work.

What is an AutoCAD TMP file? (Explications)

  • TMP files are temporary snapshots created by AutoCAD during operations such as saving, AutoSave, or when the program writes interim data.
  • They often live in the same folder as the drawing, in the system TEMP folder, or in a folder configured by AutoCAD for temporary files.
  • TMP files act as intermediate backups. If a save fails or AutoCAD crashes, the TMP can sometimes be converted back into a usable drawing.

Why TMP files matter (Usage & examples)

  • Backup: TMP files can serve as a backup if the original DWG becomes corrupted or a save operation fails.
  • AutoSave: AutoCAD’s AutoSave feature may generate temporary files periodically to reduce potential data loss.
  • Recovery: After a crash, AutoCAD or the user can use TMP files (or related files like .sv$ and .bak) to recover unsaved changes.
Read Also:  What is an AutoCAD SV$ file?

How to locate AutoCAD TMP files (Steps)

  1. Close AutoCAD (recommended) to avoid overwriting TMP files.
  2. Check the drawing folder (where your .dwg is saved). Look for files with:
    • .tmp extension, or
    • names beginning with a tilde (~) or a dollar sign ($), or
    • extensions such as .sv$ or .ac$ (AutoSave files).
  3. Check the system TEMP folder:
    • On Windows, open file explorer and paste %TEMP% in the address bar.
    • Sort files by Date modified to find the most recent temporary files.
  4. Check AutoCAD’s configured temporary folder:
    • In AutoCAD, type OPTIONS → Files tab → Temporary Drawing Files to see the path (if AutoCAD opens).
  5. Use Windows search: search for .tmp, .sv$, *.ac$, or files modified near the time of the crash.

How to recover a drawing from a TMP file (Step-by-step)

  1. Make a copy of the TMP file and place it on your desktop or a safe folder (do not work on the original TMP).
  2. Rename the copied file:
    • Change the extension from .tmp (or .sv$/.ac$) to .dwg. Example: drawing.tmp → drawing_recovered.dwg.
  3. Open AutoCAD:
    • Use File > Open to try to open the renamed .dwg.
    • If direct open fails, run the RECOVER command in the command line: type RECOVER, press Enter, select the renamed file.
  4. If RECOVER partially works, run AUDIT and PURGE on the opened drawing to fix issues:
    • Type AUDIT, press Enter, answer Y to fix errors.
    • Type PURGE > all to remove unused data.
  5. Save the recovered drawing immediately under a new name.

Alternative recovery methods

  • Use the drawing recovery Manager:
    • After a crash, AutoCAD often opens the Drawing Recovery Manager automatically. You can also access it from the Application menu > Recent Documents > Drawing Recovery Manager.
    • Select the listed recovery file and open or save it.
  • Use .bak files:
    • Rename the file with the .bak extension to .dwg (example: drawing.bak → drawing_recovered.dwg) and open it or run RECOVER.
  • Use AutoSave (.sv$ or .ac$):
    • Rename .sv$/.ac$ to .dwg and open or recover as above.
  • Use cloud backups or versioning (OneDrive, Dropbox, Autodesk Drive) if enabled to restore previous versions.
  • Use a third‑party DWG recovery tool only as a last resort and from a reputable vendor.
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Common errors and fixes

  • Error: “File cannot be opened” or “Not a valid DWG file”
    • Fix: Make a copy of the TMP, rename to .dwg, then run the RECOVER command. If that fails, try opening with a different AutoCAD version or use AUDIT after opening.
  • Error: “Access denied” or permissions issues
    • Fix: Copy the TMP file to a folder where you have full permissions (Desktop or Documents). Run AutoCAD as Administrator.
  • TMP file not found
    • Fix: Search %TEMP%, look in the drawing folder, enable showing hidden files and extensions, and check AutoCAD’s Temporary Drawing Files path in OPTIONS.
  • AutoSave not creating files
    • Fix: Ensure AutoSave is enabled: OPTIONS → Open and Save tab → set “Automatic Save” frequency and check the path. Verify sufficient disk space.
  • Recovered file missing recent changes
    • Explanation: TMP/AutoSave snapshots are periodic; the most recent unsaved changes since the last AutoSave may be lost. Regular saving reduces this risk.

Best practices & tips

  • Enable AutoSave and set a short frequency (e.g., every 5–10 minutes) in AutoCAD OPTIONS → Open and Save.
  • Keep Backup (BAK) files enabled (AutoCAD usually creates .bak when saving).
  • Set your Temporary Drawing Files path to a fast local drive and ensure sufficient disk space.
  • Save frequently and use versioned file names (project_v1.dwg, project_v2.dwg).
  • Use cloud storage with version history (OneDrive, Dropbox, Autodesk Drive) for an extra layer of protection.
  • After recovering, run AUDIT and PURGE to clean the drawing.
  • Regularly clean your TEMP folder to prevent confusion, but only after ensuring no recovery is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a TMP file and an AutoSave (.sv$) file?

TMP files are general temporary files AutoCAD may create during operations; AutoSave (.sv$) files are specific periodic snapshots created by the AutoSave feature. Both can be renamed to .dwg for recovery.

Read Also:  What is an AutoCAD DSD file?

Can I always convert a TMP file into a DWG?

Not always. A TMP may be incomplete or corrupted. However, copying and renaming to .dwg and using AutoCAD’s RECOVER command often retrieves usable data.

Where does AutoCAD store TMP files on my computer?

Common locations: the drawing folder, the system %TEMP% folder, or the path shown in AutoCAD OPTIONS → Files → Temporary Drawing Files.

My TMP file is missing—what should I do?

Search %TEMP% and the drawing folder, show hidden files and extensions, check AutoCAD’s temp path, and look for related files (.sv$, .bak). If AutoSave was disabled, recovery might not be possible.

How can I prevent future data loss in AutoCAD?

Enable AutoSave, keep regular manual saves, use .bak backups, store files on cloud services with versioning, and set AutoSave frequency to a short interval.

Are third-party DWG recovery tools safe to use?

Some reputable tools can help, but they carry risk. Use trusted vendors, keep copies of original files, and attempt built-in AutoCAD recovery methods first.

What should I do immediately after recovering a file?

Save the recovered file under a new name, run AUDIT and PURGE, verify drawing integrity and important elements, and create a regular backup plan.

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