17 Best AutoCAD Recovery Tools (2024) [FREE DOWNLOAD]

AutoCAD DWG File Recovery, Software Reviews April 18, 2024

1. Introduction

1.1 Importance of AutoCAD Recovery

AutoCAD is a highly regarded tool used by engineers, architects, and other professionals across the globe. Its advanced functionality is vital for creating precise, detailed designs and technical drawings. However, like any digital software, AutoCAD designs are vulnerable to damage, corruption, or accidental deletion. AutoCAD files, known as DWG files, may sometimes get corrupted due to issues like system failures, virus attacks, or improper shutdowns. In such instances, retrieving the corrupt or damaged DWG files becomes extremely important, hence the need for AutoCAD recovery tools. AutoCAD recovery tool is an essential process to restore your corrupt files and secure your projects from unexpected eventualities, enabling professionals to resume their work without losing their invaluable progress.

1.2 Objectives of this Comparison

The goal of this comparison is to provide detailed and unbiased information about some of the prominent AutoCAD recovery tools in the market. Understanding the features, advantages and shortcomings of these tools will allow users to make an informed decision when picking an ideal recovery tool to suit their needs. We will delve into their characteristics, assess their recovery capabilities, ease of use, supported formats, cost and customer support to help you choose the best solution for your AutoCAD recovery needs.

2. DataNumen DWG Recovery

DataNumen DWG Recovery is a powerful tool developed for the repair and recovery of AutoCAD DWG files. It uses sophisticated technologies to scan the corrupt or damaged AutoCAD DWG files and recover your data as much as possible, minimizing the loss in file corruption. The utility can recover data from all versions of DWG files, making it suitable for a wide array of users.

2.1 Pros

High Recovery Rate: DataNumen DWG Recovery boasts the highest recovery rate in the market, which is validated by comprehensive tests.
Batch Recovery: It allows recovery of multiple DWG files in one go, thereby saving considerable time for the user.
Support for All DWG Formats: Regardless of the AutoCAD version, this tool can recover data from any DWG file.
Preview Functionality: Users can preview recoverable items, aiding in selective recovery.

2.2 Cons

No Mac Version: DataNumen DWG Recovery is currently only available for Windows OS.

Free download

3. DWG Fix Toolbox

DWG Fix Toolbox is a software utility designed to restore data from damaged or corrupted DWG files, commonly used by AutoCAD users. With its powerful and intelligent algorithms, it can work with all versions of DWG files and is able to fix most of the common issues that lead to file corruption.

3.1 Pros

Easy to Use: Its interface is user-friendly, making it easy for users to navigate through the recovery process.
Fixes Common Issues: It is equipped to deal with common problems that cause DWG file corruption, like system crashes and virus attacks.
Preview Function: DWG Fix Toolbox includes a preview function, allowing users to view recoverable items before restoration.
Supports All Versions: It is compatible with all versions of DWG files, facilitating its broad use.

3.2 Cons

No Batch Recovery: This tool does not support the simultaneous recovery of multiple DWG files.
Limited Customer Support: Some users have noted that the customer support could be more responsive.

4. DWG Open File Tool

DWG Open File Tool is an advanced and efficient software that is designed to recover and restore corrupted AutoCAD files. It takes a non-destructive approach, ensuring that it doesn’t alter or damage the original DWG file during the recovery process. This tool has high compatibility and can work seamlessly with all versions of AutoCAD.

4.1 Pros

Non-destructive: It does not alter the original DWG file during the recovery phase, ensuring data integrity.
Intuitive User Interface: The tool has an easy-to-understand and user-friendly interface that simplifies the recovery process.
Preview Option: It comes with a preview function that allows users to view recoverable items before proceeding with the recovery.

4.2 Cons

No Batch File Recovery: It does not have functionality to recover multiple DWG files at once.
Slow Recovery Process: Some users have noted that its recovery process is relatively slow compared to other tools.

5. DWG Recovery Free

DWG Recovery Free is a dedicated tool that focuses on the recovery of DWG files used by AutoCAD design software. As the name suggests, it is a free utility that aims at providing reliable recovery options for users who are dealing with corrupted DWG files. Despite its freeware status, it offers notable recovery options to AutoCAD users.

5.1 Pros

Free: This recovery tool is available completely free of charge, making it ideal for users who are on a budget.
User-friendly: DWG Recovery Free has an intuitive and simple-to-use interface which is friendly even to those who are not tech-savvy.
Decent Recovery Options: Despite being a free tool, it offers a considerable number of features and recovery options.

5.2 Cons

Limited Functionality: Being a free tool, it lacks some of the advanced recovery options found in paid tools.
No Customer Support: Users may face difficulty getting customer support, which is typical of many free applications.
No Batch Recovery: The tool doesn’t allow for the recovery of multiple files simultaneously.

6. DWG Recovery Kit

DWG Recovery Kit is a robust recovery tool designed to restore data from damaged or corrupted AutoCAD DWG files. It uses proprietary recovery algorithms to extract as much data as possible from a damaged file. It supports all versions of AutoCAD, catering to a vast spectrum of users.

6.1 Pros

Advanced Recovery Algorithms: DWG Recovery Kit uses advanced proprietary algorithms for optimum recovery of data.
Supports All Versions: Its compatibility extends to all versions of DWG files, widening its user base.
Easy to Use: Its straightforward and easy-to-understand interface allows users to navigate through the recovery process with ease.

6.2 Cons

No Free Version: There is no free or trial version available, which might deter some users who wish to try the tool before purchasing.
No Batch Recovery: This tool does not support recovery of multiple DWG files simultaneously.

7. DWG Recovery Toolbox

DWG Recovery Toolbox is an efficient and reliable tool that promises recovery of DWG files with maximum data restoration. It is designed to rebuild and repair corrupted and damaged AutoCAD drawings and provides an interactive interface to make the recovery process simpler. This utility supports all versions of AutoCAD, extending its reach to a broad range of users.

7.1 Pros

Interactive Interface: This tool comes with an interactive and straightforward interface that guides the user through the recovery process.
Support for All Versions: The tool supports recovery from all versions of AutoCAD, catering to various user needs.
High Data Restoration: It aims to recover maximum data from the corrupt DWG files, minimizing data loss.

7.2 Cons

No Batch Recovery: The tool lacks the feature to recover several files simultaneously, a feature that could save users time.
Costly: Compared to other DWG recovery tools, the DWG Recovery Toolbox can be relatively expensive for some users.

8. DWG Repair Free

DWG Repair Free is an easy to use and free recovery tool designed to repair and restore corrupted DWG files used by AutoCAD. With its simple and intuitive interface, even non-technical users can easily repair their damaged DWG files. Despite being free, it offers a wide range of features to restore corrupt DWG files effectively.

8.1 Pros

Cost-free: This tool is entirely free of charge, providing recovery options without a financial commitment.
Ease of use: The interface is user-friendly and straightforward, which makes the repair process easy even for non-technical users.
Comprehensive Repairing Solutions: Despite being a free tool, it offers an array of recovery features to deal with different issues affecting DWG files.

8.2 Cons

Limited Features: As a free tool, it may lack some of the advanced features provided by paid alternatives.
Inconsistent Performance: Some users have reported inconsistent performance of the tool in recovering severely corrupted files.
No Customer Support: Given that it’s a free tool, it does not offer customer support which may be needed for complex recovery issues.

9. DWG Repair Kit

DWG Repair Kit is a top-tier recovery tool designed specifically for the repair and recovery of AutoCAD DWG files. Offering a comprehensive set of features, it uses proprietary algorithms to scan and repair damaged DWG files, mitigating data loss to the extent possible. It supports DWG files made in almost all AutoCAD versions, facilitating a broad range of use cases.

9.1 Pros

Advanced Algorithms: It uses proprietary recovery algorithms, which ensure maximum data repair and recovery.
Comprehensive Support: It supports a vast range of AutoCAD versions, making it a suitable choice for a variety of users.
Data Integrity: DWG Repair Kit retrieves the corrupted data without causing any alteration to the original files, ensuring data integrity.

9.2 Cons

No Batch Recovery: The utility lacks a batch recovery option, which means users cannot recover multiple DWG files simultaneously.
License Restrictions: There are restrictions on some versions of the tool, limiting its accessibility for some users.

10. DWG Repair Toolbox

DWG Repair Toolbox is a well-rounded recovery tool that provides powerful functionalities for the repair and recovery of corrupted DWG files. Its user-friendly interface and advanced data recovery suite make it one of the leading recovery solutions for AutoCAD users. It supports DWG files from all versions of AutoCAD.

10.1 Pros

Intuitive and User-Friendly: The tool’s interface is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, making the recovery process simple and straightforward.
Supports All Versions: DWG Repair Toolbox is compatible with all versions of DWG files, accommodating a wide variety of users.
Preview Functionality: It includes a preview feature that allows users to view and select which files to recover.

10.2 Cons

No Batch Recovery: This tool does not support the simultaneous recovery of multiple DWG files, which could be time-consuming for users with several corrupted files.
Costly: Compared to some of the other available tools, DWG Repair Toolbox is on the higher end of the price scale.

11. DWG Restore Toolbox

DWG Restore Toolbox is a comprehensive recovery tool specifically tailored for restoring corrupted or damaged DWG files. It uses efficient recovery algorithms to tackle various issues that may cause DWG file corruption. The tool is designed to support all versions of AutoCAD, providing a versatile recovery solution for a broad user base.

11.1 Pros

Effective Recovery: It adopts efficient recovery algorithms to restore as much data as possible from corrupted DWG files.
Supports All Versions: DWG Restore Toolbox is compatible with all versions of AutoCAD, making it a versatile recovery solution.
Intuitive Interface: The interface is user-friendly and straightforward, enabling easier navigation through the recovery process for users of all levels of expertise.

11.2 Cons

Slow Recovery: Some users have reported that the recovery process can be slower compared to other available tools.
No Batch Recovery: The tool does not offer the functionality to recover multiple files simultaneously, which can be time-consuming when dealing with multiple corrupted files.

12. DWG Viewer Tool

DWG Viewer tool, as the name suggests, is primarily used to view, edit, and sharing DWG files. It is a light-weight tool, widely used for its straightforward and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to preview DWG files. Moreover, it can also open, view, and plot DXF and DWF files as well.

12.1 Pros

User Friendly: This tool is very simple and user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners or users with limited technical skills.
Multiple Viewing Options: It provides various viewing options such like zoom, rotate, pan, etc. that helps users to inspect DWG files thoroughly.
Cost-efficient: This is a free tool which reduces the costs associated with viewing and basic editing of DWG files.

12.2 Cons

Limited Functionality: Though it is excellent for viewing and basic editing, this tool doesn’t support more advanced editing options or file conversion. It is not a full-fledged AutoCAD software.
No Recovery Feature: It doesn’t come with a recovery feature, which is a big disadvantage if you need to recover any corrupted or damaged DWG files.
May Fail for Large Files: It has been reported that the DWG Viewer tool can fail or take a long time to render very large DWG files, which can hinder efficiency.

13. dwgConvert

dwgConvert is yet another versatile tool for AutoCAD files. Developed by Guthcad, this tool allows easy conversion between the different versions of DXF and DWG file formats without necessitating the AutoCAD software. It supports a wide range of AutoCAD versions, which makes converting files between different software versions a breeze.

13.1 Pros

Wide Format Support: dwgConvert supports conversions to and from a vast range of DXF and DWG versions, offering flexibility for users working with different AutoCAD software versions.
Easy Conversion: It allows for seamless conversion of files without building, layer control or having AutoCAD software installed.
Batch Conversion: The tool provides a feature for batch conversions, which means multiple files can be converted simultaneously, saving time and increasing productivity.

13.2 Cons

No Direct Recovery: While dwgConvert allows conversion between different file versions, it doesn’t directly offer recovery of corrupted files.
Cost: Unlike some other viewing tools and conversion tools, dwgConvert is not free. It requires a paid license which may be a turn-off for some users, especially if they have a tight budget.
Requires Knowledge of File Versions: Users need to be aware of the specific DXF or DWG versions they are working with to use the software effectively. This could add to the learning curve for some users.

14. Recovery Toolbox for DWG

Recovery Toolbox for DWG is specifically designed to help recover data from corrupted or damaged DWG files. This tool, with its deep-scanning feature, can efficiently extract and restore data from even severely corrupt files while maintaining the detailing and accuracy of the original components.

14.1 Pros

Damage-tolerant: Recovery Toolbox for DWG is designed to deal with a wide range of damage in DWG files and extract as much usable data as possible unlike other software that simply can’t open or fail with corrupted files.
Precise Extraction: The tool ensures accurate restoration of geometric shapes, objects, and layers from the damaged files, maintaining the quality and precision of the original drafting.
User-friendly: Its intuitive interface allows users, even beginners, to follow a step-by-step process in recovering data from DWG files without needing advanced technical skills.

14.2 Cons

Cost: This tool is not free, there is a cost associated with using this software. However, considering the potential loss when a DWG file becomes corrupted, many may find it worth the cost.
Focus on Recovery: While it’s a pro in itself, the specific focus on recovery means this tool does not provide additional functionalities such as editing or conversion.
Not Always 100% Recovery: While Recovery Toolbox for DWG attempts to extract the most data possible from a damaged DWG file, there may be instances where some information might not be recoverable, depending on the severity of the corruption.

15. Repair toolbox Online

Repair Toolbox Online is a web-based service that offers AutoCAD file recovery. It helps to repair DWG files that have been damaged due to various reasons, saving users from potentially massive data loss. As it’s an online tool, it doesn’t require any software installation.

15.1 Pros

Convenience: As a web-based tool, it’s available from anywhere and doesn’t require any download or installation. Just upload the damaged file and start the recovery process.
Supports Multiple File Versions: The tool supports recovery from various versions of DWG files, ensuring a wide range of users can benefit from it.
Easy to Navigate: The user interface and step-by-step recovery process are simple and easy to navigate, even for less tech-savvy users.

15.2 Cons

Dependent on Internet: Because it’s a web-based tool, the recovery process is entirely dependent on the speed and reliability of your internet connection.
No Offline Version: There is no offline version available, which means a stable internet connection is mandatory for document recovery. This might be a limiting factor for users with unstable or slow internet.
Privacy Concerns: As the recovery process involves uploading damaged files to the tool’s server, there could be potential regarding data privacy and security.

16. AutoCAD DWG repair online

AutoCAD DWG Repair Online is a web-based tool that focuses on repairing and recovering damaged AutoCAD DWG files. This online tool provides a platform where users can upload and get their corrupted DWG files fixed in no time.

16.1 Pros

Convenience: The tool is available online, meaning users can quickly upload their files and start the recovery process without having to install any software.
Fast Processing Speed: This tool is known for its speedy processing time, recovering files in minutes.
Support for Multiple Versions: It provides support for different versions of DWG files, which makes it versatile for various users with different versions of AutoCAD software.

16.2 Cons

Internet-Dependent: Being an online tool, it requires a reliable internet connection to function effectively.
No Offline Availability: The absence of an offline version can be a disadvantage for users with unstable or slow internet connections.
Data Privacy: Users need to upload their corrupted files to the tool’s server for repair, leading to potential data privacy issues. Users dealing with sensitive data might want to consider this point before using the service.

17. Online AutoCAD DWG Recovery Service

Online AutoCAD DWG Recovery Service is a web-based recovery utility dedicated to repairing and restoring corrupted AutoCAD DWG files. This online service prides itself on a robust recovery algorithm that can restore the maximum possible content from damaged DWG files.

17.1 Pros

User-Friendly: With a streamlined interface and straightforward recovery process, users don’t need advanced technical skills to go through the recovery process.
Accessible Anywhere: As an online tool, it can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection, offering flexibility to the users.
Effective Recovery Algorithm: The tool uses a potent recovery algorithm designed to maximize data recovery.

17.2 Cons

Internet Requirement: The tool requires a stable internet connection for the recovery process, which may not always be available or reliable.
No Offline Version: With the absence of an offline version, users with unstable or slow internet might find it challenging to use.
Data Privacy Concerns: When using this service, users must upload their files to the website, which could raise potential concerns of data privacy and security.

18. Online Service for Recovering DWG Files

Like its desktop counterpart, the online version of the Recovery Toolbox for DWG is designed to help recover data from corrupted or damaged DWG files. It provides a highly accessible and efficient means for users to repair and recover lost data from their DWG files without needing to install any additional software.

18.1 Pros

Web-based Accessibility: As an online tool, it’s available from any location with just an internet connection. Users can conveniently launch the recovery process anywhere, anytime without having to worry about software installation.
Effective Data Recovery: Just like its offline version, the online tool prides itself with an advanced algorithm that maximizes data extraction from the corrupted files.
User-Friendly Interface: The straightforward and simple steps make navigations easy for users, ensuring a hassle-free recovery process.

18.2 Cons

Dependent on Internet Connection: The fact that it is an online tool means the speed and reliability of the recovery process heavily depend on the quality of your internet connection.
Lack of Offline Option: Users without a reliable or stable internet connection might face issues as there is no offline version of this service.
Possible Security Concerns: Users need to upload their damaged files on their server, which could instigate concerns about data security and privacy.

19. Summary

19.1 Best Option

DataNumen DWG Recovery stands out as the best option for DWG file recovery due to a combination of its robust features, high recovery rate, ease of use, and wide-ranging compatibility.

Free download

19.2 Overall Comparison Table

Tool	Recovery Rate	Price	Features	Ease of Use	Customer Support
DataNumen DWG Recovery	High	Expensive	Batch recovery, preview functionality	Very Easy	Excellent
DWG Fix Toolbox	Medium	Medium	Preview functionality	Easy	Average
DWG Open File Tool	Low	Medium	Preview functionality	Easy	Good
DWG Recovery Free	Low	Free	Limited	Easy	None
DWG Recovery Kit	Medium	Expensive	Advanced recovery algorithms	Intermediate	Good
DWG Recovery Toolbox	Medium	Expensive	Interactive interface	Intermediate	Good
DWG Repair Free	Medium	Free	Limited	Easy	None
DWG Repair Kit	Medium	Expensive	Advanced recovery algorithms	Intermediate	Good
DWG Repair Toolbox	Medium	Expensive	Preview functionality	Easy	Good
DWG Restore Toolbox	Medium	Medium	Efficient recovery algorithms	Easy	Average
DWG Viewer Tool	Low	Free	View and preview DWG files	Very Easy	None
dwgConvert	Medium	Paid	Converts DWG files between different versions	High	Available
Recovery Toolbox for DWG	Medium	Paid	Performs deep scan and recovery of DWG files	High	Available
Repair Toolbox Online	Medium	Paid	Web-based tool for DWG file recovery	High	Available
AutoCAD DWG Repair Online	Medium	Paid	Online DWG recovery	High	Available
Online AutoCAD DWG Recovery Service	Medium	Paid	Online recovery with robust algorithm	High	Available
Online Service for Recovering DWG files	Medium	Paid	Web-based recovery for DWG files	High	Available

19.3 Recommended Tool Based on Various Needs

If a high recovery rate is your top priority, then DataNumen DWG Recovery is best suited with its market-leading recovery rate.

For users with budget constraints, DWG Recovery Free and DWG Repair Free offer solutions at no cost.

If simplicity and ease of use are your top considerations, then DWG Fix Toolbox and DWG Open File Tool with their intuitive interfaces would be great choices.

When it comes to a balance of advanced features and ease of use, DWG Repair Kit and DWG Recovery Kit provide an admirable balance.

20. Conclusion

Picking the right AutoCAD recovery tool depends heavily on your specific needs and requirements. Understanding the pros and cons of each tool is vital while making your choice. It’s essential to keep in mind the recovery rate, price, features, and ease of use based on your ability and willingness to navigate complex interfaces. Customer support is another aspect to consider, especially for files of significant value or complexity. Always remember, what works best for one user might not be the best choice for others due to varying requirements and circumstances. Weigh all the factors before making an informed decision to find the recovery tool that serves you best.