AutoCAD Tip: AUDIT for DWG Database Integrity

Keep drawings healthy by running AUDIT to detect and repair database errors before they become plot or stability issues. Here’s a focused workflow you can apply today.

What AUDIT does

• Scans the DWG database for inconsistencies caused by crashes, unstable plug-ins, bad imports, or legacy content.
• Repairs recoverable errors that can lead to slow opens/saves, failed plots, missing objects, or random crashes.
• Reports counts of fixed issues so you can gauge drawing integrity over time.

Run it the right way (fast and safe)

• Before you start: Save the file and ensure you have a recent backup or BAK. Consider WBLOCK key content as an extra safety net on critical jobs.
• Command line: Type AUDIT and press Enter. When prompted “Fix any errors detected?”, type Y (Yes).
• Let the pass complete and note the reported error counts. If errors were found and fixed, run AUDIT a second time until you get “0 errors found.”
• Have external references? Open each Xref and run AUDIT there as well. Issues inside references propagate symptoms to host drawings.

Batch and scripting tips

• Use the command-line version -AUDIT in scripts for multi-file maintenance. A simple script snippet:
  

  -AUDIT
  Y
  QSAVE
  

• Pair with -PURGE (including RegApps) after AUDIT to remove bloat introduced by third-party data.

When to use AUDIT vs other tools

• AUDIT: For open drawings to diagnose and fix many database-level issues.
• RECOVER/RECOVERALL: When a DWG refuses to open or contains nested Xrefs that also need recovery.
• PURGE / -PURGE (RegApps): After AUDIT to clean unused definitions and registered app IDs.
• OVERKILL: To remove duplicate or overlapping geometry and further streamline the file.

Pro tips to prevent corruption

• Run AUDIT on templates (DWTs) before rolling them out. Clean templates prevent issues from multiplying across projects.
• Avoid force-closing AutoCAD; let autosave and QSAVE do their job. Keep plug-ins up to date and vetted.
• Use careful import practices for third-party DWGs/DGNs/IFCs. Audit immediately after import or large copy-paste operations.
• Schedule a weekly scripted maintenance run on active projects: -AUDIT (Y) → -PURGE (All) → -PURGE (RegApps) → QSAVE.

Need help standardizing an “Audit + Clean” workflow across teams or looking to upgrade your AutoCAD toolset? Talk to the experts at NOVEDGE or explore AutoCAD options here: NOVEDGE • AutoCAD. Their guidance and licensing flexibility make it easy to deploy best practices at scale.

Bottom line: Make AUDIT a habit. Clean drawings open faster, crash less, and plot predictably—saving hours you can put back into design.