How to Recover a SketchUp File After a Crash

Experiencing a SketchUp crash can be frustrating, especially if you’ve invested hours into your 3D model. Thankfully, SketchUp has built-in features that can help you recover your work. Here’s a comprehensive guide to recovering your SketchUp file after a crash.

Step 1: Locate Auto-Save Files

SketchUp has an auto-save feature that periodically saves your work to prevent data loss. By default, auto-saved files are stored in your computer’s designated SketchUp folder.

How to Find Auto-Save Files

1. Default Path:
   • Windows: C:\Users\<Your Username>\AppData\Local\SketchUp\SketchUp 20XX\SketchUp\working\
   • Mac: /Users/<Your Username>/Library/Application Support/SketchUp 20XX/SketchUp/working/
2. Search for a file with the same name as your project but with a ~ prefix, such as ~MyProject.skp.

Open the Auto-Save File

1. Open SketchUp.
2. Navigate to File > Open.
3. Select the auto-saved file and open it to continue working.

Step 2: Check for Backup Files

SketchUp also creates backup files (*.skb on Windows and *.skp on Mac) in the same folder as your original file. These backup files are a snapshot of your work before the last save.

How to Use Backup Files

1. Locate your project folder.
2. Look for a file with the .skb (Windows) or .skp (Mac) extension.
3. Rename the backup file to remove .skb or change the file extension to .skp.
4. Open it in SketchUp to see the last saved state of your project.

Step 3: Recover Unsaved Changes

If neither the auto-save nor backup file contains recent changes, consider these additional steps:

1. Check Temporary Files

• On Windows, check the Temp folder: C:\Users\<Your Username>\AppData\Local\Temp\.
• Look for files with a .skp extension and open them in SketchUp.

2. Use File Recovery Software

• If the crash corrupted the file or deleted data, recovery tools like Recuva (Windows) or Disk Drill (Mac) can help retrieve lost files.

Step 4: Prevent Future Data Loss

To avoid losing progress in the future:

1. Enable Auto-Save and Backup Settings:
   • Go to Window > Preferences > General (Windows) or SketchUp > Preferences > General (Mac).
   • Ensure both “Auto-save” and “Create Backup” are enabled.
   • Set a shorter auto-save interval (e.g., every 5 minutes).
2. Save Frequently:
   • Use Ctrl + S (Windows) or Cmd + S (Mac) to save your work regularly.
3. Optimize Your Model:
   • Reduce file size and complexity to minimize crashes by simplifying geometry and using components effectively.
4. Update SketchUp:
   • Ensure you’re using the latest version with bug fixes and performance improvements.

Step 5: Contact Support

If none of these methods work, reach out to SketchUp’s support team. Provide details about the crash and the file to get expert assistance.

Conclusion

Recovering a SketchUp file after a crash is manageable with the right steps. Whether you use auto-save, backup files, or recovery software, having a clear recovery strategy ensures minimal disruption to your workflow. Implementing preventive measures like enabling auto-save and optimizing your models can also help reduce the likelihood of future data loss.