[Fixed] How to Recover Files in SketchUp on Windows

What is a SketchUp file?

SketchUp is one of the most popular 3D modeling software that is used to sketch or import models to assist with all kinds of projects, such as architectural design, interior decoration, video game creation, and whatever you like.

Files created with SketchUp are typically saved with the .skp extension. They contain all the model data, materials, textures, scene settings, and other information, making them an essential format among users.

Is it possible to recover SketchUp files on Windows?

In today’s digital world, data integrity is becoming increasingly crucial, but we still face the risk of losing data, including file loss. For example:

“I worked on a file for 5 days last week and forgot to save it. My computer restarted to do an update, but I assumed SketchUp auto saves at some point. I can’t find the file anywhere. Any suggestions on where to look?” 

Have you ever encountered a situation where your SketchUp files disappeared suddenly on Windows? The most pressing question becomes how to recover files in SketchUp. Don’t panic! Keep reading to find the solutions.

The ability to recover a SketchUp file primarily depends on the circumstances that caused the data loss. If your files are lost on account of unsaved changes or a software crash, you are allowed to effortlessly restore them using SketchUp’s Auto-save function or temporary backups.

However, if your files are lost due to accidental deletion, unexpected formatting, or file corruption, you may need more specialized methods or tools to get them back. 

How to recover files in SketchUp when not saved?

If you discover that your SketchUp files were lost without being saved in time, don't worry. Here are two practical methods to recover unsaved SketchUp files.

Method 1. Recover unsaved files using Auto-save

Sometimes, you may lose your important SketchUp files because the program shuts down abruptly or software crashes suddenly. How to recover unsaved files in SketchUp? Fortunately, SketchUp can automatically create backup files at regular intervals while working, provided you have enabled the Auto-save function in advance. With this function, you can easily retrieve the essential content that was not saved timely.

Follow these steps to recover SketchUp files after a crash:

Step 1. Locate the directory where your Auto-save files are stored.

Step 2. The Auto-save files are typically saved with a .skb extension. So search for files with this extension in the folder.

Step 3. Rename the desired file by changing its extension from .skb to .skp to make it a right SketchUp file.

Method 2. Recover unsaved files from temporary files

If you didn’t configure the Auto-save function beforehand, try to recover unsaved files by checking the temporary files created by your system. This method is particularly useful when Auto-save function was not enabled or didn't save the most recent changes. These temporary files might be stored with a .skp extension or as other file types, depending on how the system handled them.

To recover these files, simply search for the .skp file in the directory where temporary files are stored. For Windows PCs, temporary files are often stored in:

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Temp\

How to recover deleted SketchUp files?

In the previous section, we discussed how to recover files in SketchUp when they are not saved. In fact, it’s also common for SketchUp files to be deleted for various reasons. In this section, you will learn three effective ways to recover deleted SketchUp files.

Method 1. Recover deleted SketchUp files from Recycle Bin

If you accidentally deleted your SketchUp files on your PC, check the Recycle Bin first. Generally, most deleted files are stored temporarily there and can be restored easily with a few simple steps.

Follow these steps to recover deleted SketchUp files on Windows:

Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin.

Step 2: Select the files you want to recover. 

Step 3: Right-click on the files and click the Restore option. Just wait until the desired files are restored to their original locations.

Method 2. Recover deleted SketchUp files using software

When your SketchUp files are permanently deleted, using recovery software to restore them is one of the most straightforward solutions. This method can not only address various loss scenarios but also maximize the recovery effects.

While there are many recovery products available on the market, I strongly recommend AOMEI FastRecovery to you. This professional recovery software allows users to retrieve multiple types of deleted or corrupted files from different storage devices on Windows PCs and servers. Whether you're experienced or a newcomer, its intuitive interface will guide you through a smooth recovery process.

Here is how to recover deleted SketchUp files using AOMEI FastRecovery:

Step 1: Download and install AOMEI FastRecovery, and then choose the exact partition or disk where your files are located.

Step 2: Scan your disk to find the deleted files. It offers two modes, Quick Scan and Deep Scan, supporting thoroughly scanning your storage devices for finding lost data.

Step 3: After scanning, all missing files will be displayed. Kindly choose the specific files and then click Recover.

Step 4: Specify a path for the file and wait for the process to complete.

Some Using Tips: ◆ You can recover files during the scan if they appear on the interface. ◆ Preview your files before restoring them to avoid making the wrong choice. ◆ Choose a new location to save recoverable files to prevent your data from being overwritten.

Method 3. Recover deleted SketchUp files via backups

Apart from the two methods mentioned above, you can also recover deleted SketchUp files by using a backup if you have set it up in advance. Using external storage devices to create copies of your SketchUp files, or choosing a reliable cloud storage platform to back them up can both ensure your files stay safe and prevent them from losing. Common cloud storage platforms include Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and more.

For instance, here’s how to recover your SketchUp files from Google Drive.

Step 1: Visit the Google Drive website.

Step 2: Search your files that you have backed up in advance.

Step 3: Right-click the desired files and download them to your device.

FAQs

Q1: I accidentally closed SketchUp without saving. Can I recover it?

Yes, you can recover your files by using Auto-save, which creates backup files at regular intervals during working. If you didn't enable it beforehand, consider checking the system's temporary files because your files might be saved here. For more details, please refer to the methods described above.

Q2: Where are Auto-saved files stored in SketchUp?

Auto-saved files are typically stored in the same directory as your original SketchUp file with a .skb extension. However, if you haven't saved your work yet, the file might be stored in your system's temporary files folder.

Q3: Are there any tools available to recover corrupted SketchUp files?

Yes, there are tools available for recovering corrupted SketchUp files. It is suggested to recover them by using professional recovery tools, like AOMEI FastRecovery. It not only simplifies the recovery process but also improves the chances of successfully retrieving your files.

Summary

Sometimes, you may inevitably lose your important SketchUp files during work. How to recover files in SketchUp? Actually, the ability to recover a SketchUp file primarily depends on the circumstances that caused the file loss. This post offers two solutions for recovering unsaved SketchUp files and three solutions for recovering deleted SketchUp files. If you are still confused about this problem, read this post to find appropriate strategies for resolving it.