Optimize and fix corrupt DWG files

Working with DWG files in AutoCAD can sometimes lead to issues where a file becomes corrupted and cannot be opened in the smino viewer.
There can be several reasons for file corruption, some examples are listed below:
- Third-party applications running internally in AutoCAD
- DWG files created or saved by non-Autodesk products
- AutoCAD terminated while saving the drawing
- Old drawings used repeatedly over long time periods
If you've encountered this problem, don't worry, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. We recommend the following method to optimize and repair your DWG files. Follow these steps within AutoCAD to potentially recover your file.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Corrupt DWG Files

Open the drawing file
In the first step open the original DWG file in AutoCAD. Even if the file appears to be corrupted, this step is crucial as it allows you to access the built-in tools for repair.

Audit and Fix Any Errors
AutoCAD includes a tool called AUDIT that can identify and correct errors in your drawing. See here for more Information about the command.

- Type AUDIT on the command line and press Enter.
- When prompted with "Fix any errors detected? [Yes/No]", type Y for Yes and press Enter.
This process will scan your drawing for errors and automatically attempt to correct them.

Remove Unused Named Objects
Over time, DWG files can contain unnecessary data like block definitions, dimension styles, groups, layers, linetypes, text styles, etc, that may cause corruption. Use the -PURGE command to clean up these unused objects. See here for more Information about the command.

- Type -PURGE on the command line and press Enter.
- Type A and press Enter to select all types of objects for purging.
- Type * (asterisk) and press Enter. This tells AutoCAD to purge all unused named objects.
- When prompted with "Verify each name to be purged? [Yes/No]", type N for No and press Enter.

Purge Registered Applications
Registered Applications (RegApps) can also cause a corruption of the DWG file. You can purge these using a similar process to the previous step.

- Type -PURGE on the command line and press Enter.
- Type R for RegApps and press Enter.
- Type * (asterisk) and press Enter.
- When asked to verify each name, type N for No and press Enter.

Remove Duplicate Components
Duplicate geometry can complicate your drawing and lead to errors. Use the OVERKILL command to clean up these duplicates. See here for more Information about the command.

- Type OVERKILL on the command line and press Enter.
- Use your mouse to select the entire drawing.
- Right-click and then click Ok in the dialog box that appears.
This will remove duplicate and overlapping lines, arcs, polylines and other geometry.

Save the Drawing
After completing all the steps above, save your drawing. This will overwrite the existing file with the optimized version, hopefully with no more errors.

Upload your file to smino platform
The error-free version of the DWG file has to be uploaded again to the plaform, and check the drawing should be processed.

These steps should help you recover and optimize a corrupted DWG file, allowing it to be opened in smino viewer. Regularly purging and auditing your drawings as part of your workflow can also help prevent future corruption issues.
If these steps do not resolve the problem, it may be necessary to consult us for further assistance or consider restoring an earlier backup of the file.

References:
https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Optimizing-the-AutoCAD-drawing-file-Purge-Audit-Recover.html

Updated on: 07/04/2025