AutoCAD

This guide covers using AutoCAD with Desktop Connector, including integration workflows, best practices, and troubleshooting solutions.

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What's New in AutoCAD 2026

For additional information about the new features in AutoCAD visit What's New in AutoCAD 2026.

Starting with AutoCAD 2024, + verticals (Civil 3D, Plant 3D, and others), require Desktop Connector 16.x or above.
If Desktop Connector versions of 15.x are installed, you will receive a warning that Desktop Connector needs to be updated.
The sign in process for Autodesk 2024 and 2025 products has changed. You may have to sign in twice depending on the version of the software you are using with Desktop Connector version. Refer to the Sign in Sign Out help page for additional information.

Starting with Desktop Connector 16.0.x the following AutoCAD system variables behavior has changed. Refer to the AutoCAD help topics for more detail.

Starting in AutoCAD 2022, AutoCAD will recognize that Desktop Connector is being used and backup (.bak) files will not be created in the cloud.

Note:

By default, AutoCAD creates a backup file (.bak), and it will be saved on your local connected drive. However, these backup files are blocked and are not synchronized or uploaded to the cloud workspace.
The AutoCAD system variable DCDOCSSUPPORT is available to control backup (.bak) file creation. It is important for you to note that the behavior of this variable can vary across different versions of AutoCAD and is explained by the following statements.

Important: Default Settings for the system variable DCDOCSSUPPORT:

AutoCAD 2022: DCDOCSSUPPORT <63> Do not create backup (.bak) files in the DC workspace.
AutoCAD 2023 and above: DCDOCSSUPPORT <59> Create backup (.bak) files in the DC Workspace.
- In AutoCAD 2023 this setting is not working as expected. Backup files (.bak) will be created no matter what the user selects.
AutoCAD 2024 and 2025: This setting has been resolved and will work as expected.
If you do not want backup files (.bak) created in the Desktop Connector workspace but still want backup (.bak) files to be created, then we recommend using the MOVEBAK command.

Beginning in AutoCAD 2022.1, opening files from the Desktop Connector workspace may cause an extra Checking for Latest Version dialog to show once the file is opened.
The dialog is only showing because of calls made during the Xref Compare feature and not a sign of more changes to the file. If you wish to avoid seeing the extra dialog, the work-around is to disable the Xref Compare feature using the SYSVDLG command in AutoCAD and set the XCOMPAREENABLE value to 0.

Sometimes opening a Sheet Set (DST) from the recently used list in the software home view may result in an error Sheet Set file is not valid. This typically happens when the file attempted to open and is either corrupt or no longer on disk.
- When this happens, manually sync the file (by right-click in File Explorer and select Sync or Always keep on this device) and try again.

The AutoCAD .bak (backup file) sometimes becomes read-only or corrupt in the workspace.
- This can result in the Drawing file is write protected error to display blocking save to an AutoCAD .dwg, or the file is not saved and a .tmp file is generated instead.
- Deleting the .bak file from the workspace allows the .dwg to the saved. A work-around for this issue is to use the MOVEBAK command to change the storage location for .bak files outside the Desktop Connector workspace.
  - For example you could set the folder to C:\Temp\BAKfiles.

When opening an AutoCAD data set with the Desktop Connector, some Xrefs may not be found even though they exist on disk at the referenced location. Close AutoCAD and move the files that weren't found to a shorter path. The files will then be found when reopening the data set.

When dwgs that have material texture image references are uploaded to the cloud, Desktop Connector will not upload those material texture references. The Large Model View (LMV) generated for cloud viewing will not display the material texture.

Issue: After making edits and saving a DWG file in AutoCAD or Civil 3D, the file becomes read-only. Desktop Connector uploads the changes, but the Autodesk Docs lock is removed and the file displays as read-only, requiring users to close and reopen the file to make further edits.
Cause: Third-party plugins or add-ins can interfere with the drawing save process. A known example is the Import/Export Surface Analysis plugin.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Test in Safe Mode: Start AutoCAD or Civil 3D using the /safemode switch. This loads the application without any plugins. Test your workflow to see if the issue persists. Learn more about How to start an AutoCAD Product with a minimum of plug-ins or add-ons.
2. Identify Problematic Plugins: If the issue doesn't occur in safe mode, gradually identify which plugin is causing the problem by moving suspected plugins out of the following folders and restarting AutoCAD/Civil 3D:
  - %APPDATA%\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins
  - %ProgramFiles%\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins
  - %ProgramData%\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins
3. Test and Restore: After moving plugins, test the workflow again. If the issue is resolved, the last moved plugin was likely the cause. Remember to return non-problematic plugins to their original locations.

Related Concepts: