AutoCAD Tip: AUDIT and RECOVER: DWG Maintenance Best Practices

Keep your DWGs healthy with AUDIT and RECOVER. Here’s how to apply them with confidence to prevent downtime and data loss.

When to use which command

• AUDIT: Checks the current, open drawing for database errors and offers to fix them. Ideal for routine maintenance.
• RECOVER: Opens a suspect or corrupted DWG and audits it before it loads. Use when a file won’t open cleanly.
• RECOVERALL: Like RECOVER, but also attempts to open and repair attached external references (Xrefs).
• Drawing Recovery Manager (DRAWINGRECOVERY): Launch after a crash to restore autosave/backup versions.

Proven maintenance workflow (open drawings)

1. Save and back up: Save As to a safe location before repairs.
2. Run AUDIT and choose Yes to fix errors.
3. Optionally follow with PURGE (and -PURGE for registered apps) to reduce file bloat.
4. Close and reopen to confirm stability; watch the command line for any residual warnings.

Recovery workflow (problem files)

1. From a clean session, run RECOVER and select the target DWG.
2. Review the recovery report; if Xrefs are suspected, run RECOVERALL.
3. If the file still won’t open, try DRAWINGRECOVERY to locate autosave (.sv$) or backup (.bak) versions.
4. After a successful open, immediately Save As a new file name and run AUDIT again.

Key options and settings

• Always respond Yes to “Fix any errors detected?” with AUDIT.
• Enable logging by turning on the audit log (system-controlled); logs are saved with the drawing for traceability.
• Use RECOVERALL on projects with nested Xrefs to fix the full chain in one pass.

Automation tips

• Script it: Use the command-line version -AUDIT with “Y” to fix automatically. Batch across multiple DWGs with a script runner.
• Action Recorder: Capture a quick macro that runs -AUDIT → Y → -PURGE → R (registered apps) → N (verify) to standardize cleanup.
• Integrate into milestones: Add an AUDIT step before publishing, eTransmit, or archiving.

Best practices that prevent corruption

• Audit after large imports (DGN, STEP/SAT, IFC, point clouds) and after binding complex Xrefs.
• Keep third‑party object enablers updated; mismatched versions can trigger errors.
• Avoid force‑quitting; let autosave complete and close drawings cleanly.
• Store projects on reliable, low‑latency storage; unstable network links increase risk.

Quick checklist

• Run AUDIT daily on active files.
• Use RECOVER/RECOVERALL for suspicious or crashing files.
• Log results and compare before/after file sizes and warnings.
• Follow with PURGE to keep models lean and responsive.

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