Question
How can I reset AutoCAD-based products to the default settings?
Answer
Resetting AutoCAD to default settings can correct user-specific and profile-based issues.
Most AutoCAD products have a built-in reset utility that will perform this task. Those that do not can be reset manually (such as AutoCAD Plant 3D, AutoCAD P&ID, AutoCAD Civil 3D).
Windows
Locate the Reset Settings to Default app in the Windows Start menu located under the folder for the specific application.
- Windows 11: Start > All Apps > AutoCAD 20xx > Reset Settings To Default
- Windows 10: Start > AutoCAD 20xx > Reset Settings To Default
- Windows 7: Start > All Programs > Autodesk > AutoCAD 20xx > Reset Settings To Default
Occasionally you will find if you have multiple versions of a product or other AutoCAD products that the Reset Settings to Default app may be missing as seen below.
To find the specific folder that the Reset Setting to Default app resides in for that specific product:
- Right-click on one of the apps in the folder
- Select More
- Select Open file location
Here you will find the Reset Settings to Default for the specific product you need.
The default Windows path is usually something like this:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\
Here you will find a list of folders for your Start Menu items, and in the specific folder for your product, you will find the app.
Mac OS
To reset AutoCAD for Mac or AutoCAD LT for Mac:
- lick the program menu
- Choose Reset AutoCAD
Note: To restore settings for only the AutoCAD palettes, choose Reset Palettes from the program's Window menu.
Another method to reset AutoCAD for MAC to default can be done by holding down the SHIFT key while starting up AutoCAD for MAC. It can also be done through Preferences:
- From the AutoCAD menu, click Preferences.
- In Preferences, click the Application
- Click the Reset Application Options
- Click Reset AutoCAD.
Note: AutoCAD for Mac first creates a backup of the current settings and stores them at this location:
~home/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/Settings Backup <date/time>.tgz
Manual reset method
If the automated methods do not work, settings can be reset manually. This is especially applicable for those versions of AutoCAD-based products that do not have a reset utility (e.g., AutoCAD Plant 3D, AutoCAD P&ID, AutoCAD Civil 3D).
Windows
- AutoCAD Plant 3D: How to reset AutoCAD Plant 3D and P&ID to defaults
- Civil 3D: How to reset Civil 3D to defaults
Note: The links above apply to other AutoCAD software, though the folders may change depending on the product and version and are self-explaining.
Mac
- Quit AutoCAD
- Delete the folder:
~home/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD 201x Standalone/Rxx.x/roaming (AutoCAD 2016 and later)
~home/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCAD 201x Standalone (AutoCAD 2015 and earlier)
Note: To access the Library folder, hold down Option while selecting the Go menu in the Finder.
- Navigate to this folder:
~home/Library/Preferences
- In the Preferences folder, delete all files whose names start with com.autodesk.AutoCAD
Contact Support
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