DWG (Drawing) files are the proprietary format for AutoCAD drawings and are widely used by architects, engineers, and designers. These files can contain crucial design data, and losing them due to accidental deletion, corruption, or system crashes can be frustrating. Fortunately, several methods and online tools are available to recover DWG files without spending a dime.
DWG files store design information, including vector image data and metadata. They are used across industries for drafting and creating precise technical drawings. Data loss can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

Accidental Deletion: Mistakenly deleting a DWG file while cleaning folders.
File Corruption: Power failures, abrupt software crashes, or disk errors may corrupt files.
AutoCAD Crashes: Sudden application crashes can result in unsaved changes and data loss.
Storage Issues: Malfunctioning storage devices can lead to missing or inaccessible files.
Methods to Recover DWG Files Online for Free
1. Use AutoCAD’s Built-in Recovery Tools
AutoCAD offers built-in tools that help retrieve lost or unsaved DWG files. Here are the key steps:
a) Check the Autosave Folder
Open AutoCAD and navigate to Options.
Click on the Files tab and locate the Automatic Save File Location.
Open this folder and look for files with the .sv$ extension.
Rename the .sv$ extension to .dwg.
Open the renamed file in AutoCAD.
b) Recover from the Backup (.bak) File
Find the backup copy of your DWG file (same location as the original file).
Rename the .bak file to .dwg.
Open it in AutoCAD to check if the data is intact.
2. Utilize Free Online DWG Recovery Services
Several online platforms offer free DWG file recovery services. Here are three popular ones:
a) Recovery Toolbox for DWG (Online Version)
Visit the Recovery Toolbox for DWG website.
Upload your corrupted DWG file.
Follow the prompts to initiate the recovery process.
Download the restored file if successful.
b) DWG Repair Kit (Trial Version)
Go to the DWG Repair Kit website.
Upload the damaged DWG file.
Allow the tool to analyze and repair the file.
Download the repaired file if available through the free tier.
c) CADSoftTools Free DWG Viewer
Access the CADSoftTools Free DWG Viewer.
Use the viewer to open and inspect DWG files.
Attempt to recover missing elements and save them to a new file.
3. Restore from Cloud Backups or Version History
If your DWG files are stored on a cloud service (such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox), you may retrieve older versions through version history:
Go to your cloud storage dashboard.
Locate the deleted or corrupted DWG file.
Right-click and select Version History (or Restore Previous Versions).
Restore the most recent intact version of the file.
4. Use Free Data Recovery Software
Panda Assistant is designed to be user – friendly, even for those with limited technical knowledge. To begin the recovery process, first, access the official website of Panda Assistant. Navigate to the section dedicated to file recovery, where you’ll find options for different file types, including DWG.
Once you’ve selected the DWG file recovery option, you’ll be prompted to upload the corrupted or lost file. This can usually be done by clicking a “Browse” button and locating the file on your local storage device. After selecting the file, click “Upload” and wait for the upload to complete. The time taken for upload depends on the size of the DWG file and the speed of your internet connection.
Upon successful upload, Panda Assistant’s advanced algorithms swing into action. These algorithms scan the file for any signs of damage or missing data. They work by analyzing the file structure and comparing it to known DWG file formats. If the file has been partially overwritten or has suffered from minor corruption, Panda Assistant attempts to reconstruct the missing parts.
5. Check Temporary Files
AutoCAD often saves temporary versions of your work. You can attempt recovery using these files:
Navigate to the Temp folder (usually C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Temp).
Look for files with a .ac$ or .sv$ extension.
Rename these to .dwg and open them in AutoCAD.
Tips to Prevent Future DWG File Loss
Enable Auto-Save: Ensure AutoCAD’s auto-save feature is activated and set to a low interval (e.g., every 5 minutes).
Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups on external storage and cloud services.
Use Version Control: Utilize version control software to track and restore previous file states.
Check Hardware: Regularly verify the integrity of your storage devices to prevent unexpected failures.
About us and this blog
Panda Assistant is built on the latest data recovery algorithms, ensuring that no file is too damaged, too lost, or too corrupted to be recovered.
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We believe that data recovery shouldn’t be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve designed Panda Assistant to be as easy to use as it is powerful. With a few clicks, you can initiate a scan, preview recoverable files, and restore your data all within a matter of minutes.
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