Updated 27 April. 2023

Recovering DWG files on Windows and Mac

DWG recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for DWG, AutoCAD Drawing Database File

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
Download
rateDisk Drill
666762
Undelete 360
Freeware
Free recovery: Freeware
Download
rateUndelete 360
9297
iCare Data Recovery Free
Free, Home $69.99, Workstation US$89.99, Technitian 289.99
Free recovery: Free recovery - 1GB
Download
rateiCare Data Recovery Free
71211
Recovery Explorer
Standard €39.95 , Raid €79.95, Professional €179.95
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateRecovery Explorer
341
UFS Explorer Standard Recovery
Personal License €129.95, Commercial License €129.95, Corporate License €399.95
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateUFS Explorer Standard Recovery
3974

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 11
time icon How long we tested 4 weeks
exam icon Number of tested tools 15

3 essential factors to consider when choosing DWG recovery software

Storage media compatibility

There’s no telling when data loss can strike and you may end up having to recover files from any kind of storage medium, such as SD cards, SSDs, hard drives, RAID setups, and more. It’s important that your chosen data recovery software is fully compatible with the ones you use.

Operating system availability

Data loss can occur on any operating system but not all data recovery programs support multiple platforms. Make sure the app you choose is fully compatible with the OS you run or, at least, has a version for that platform particularly. Certain programs even allow the recovery of storage media formatted for a different operating system entirely.

File preview

There’s a good chance that when you attempt to recover files from a particular storage medium, there will be a whole lot of recoverable files to sift through on the results page. That’s why it helps if the program is equipped with a preview feature that allows you to get a glimpse of a file before recovering it.

Simple steps to recover deleted DWG, AutoCAD Drawing Database File on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

Download the program to your Windows or macOS laptop and install it

Step 2:

Launch the program and choose the disk or partition that contained the deleted data

Step 3:

Select the Recover button in order to start scanning the disk for recoverable files

Step 4:

Click Recover after determining which files are to be recovered from those in the preview display

3 best ways to prevent DWG files loss

1 Tip

Keep work and leisure separate. It’s always a good idea to have a separate computer/laptop for work and general use. If you keep installing and uninstalling programs on a machine, it will hasten the rate at which the operating system might break down. And when it finally does become unstable, you could lose some important data in the process.

2 Tip

Create an image at the first sign of storage failure. If you notice that your storage device is starting to fail, you should immediately create a backup image of the medium so that you can attempt data recovery later. That way, you can preserve whatever information is currently on the drive before it incurs further data loss.

3 Tip

Invest in a surge protector. A major power surge can do heavy damage to your computer. A strong enough one could fry the components in your computer, taking all of your important files along with it. So if you live in an area with unpredictable electric currents, spending some money on a surge protector can be a lifesaver.

FAQ

When DWG files are deleted from a computer, they are not permanently erased just yet. So long as they’re not overwritten by new data, these files remain out of sight on the storage media and can be recovered through quality data recovery programs. Backup tools like File History, System Restore, and Timeline can also be used to recover lost data.

A quality data recovery program should allow for the retrieval of a wide range of different file types, whether they’re documents, images, audio clips, and others. Disk Drill is an excellent option that is capable of recovering DWG extension and you can easily filter out the results by typing the extension into the search bar at the results screen.

If you find that DWG files are randomly being deleted from your computer, it’s a good indication that your hard drive is failing. In these cases, it’s a good idea to make a backup image of the drive to avoid further data loss. Another reason is that your computer has been infected by a virus or some form of malware.