AutoCAD FAQ

When AutoCad is installed, it creates a number of folders that the program uses as default search folders for a number of files, such as templates, icons, textures, help files and such.

In versions previous to 2004, these folders were placed under C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2002.

Since AutoCad 2004 the customization files have changed location, and were divided into two categories, roamable and nonroamable files.

Roamable files

Roamable files are those that are used when logged onto a network computer. These are for settings like plot styles, documents and profiles.

Roamable files are placed in a folder in the following path:
C:\Documents and Settings\"user log-in name"\Application Data\Autodesk\"specific AutoCAD version"\"version number"\"language"\

A typical example of this path would be:
C:\Documents and Settings\Admin\Application Data\Autodesk\Autodesk Map 3D 2007\R17.0\enu\

Nonroamable files

Nonroamable files are those that are stored locally on a particular computer. These are settings such as templates and textures.

Nonroamable files are placed in a folder in the following path:
C:\Documents and Settings\"user log-in name"\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\"specific AutoCAD version"\"version number"\"language"\

A typical example of this path would be:
C:\Documents and Settings\Admin\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\Autodesk Map 3D 2007\R17.0\enu\

Under the menu ToolsOptionsFiles it is possible to change the default search folders for most of these files.

Legend to the path terms: