# How to Find a Drawing File in AutoCAD

To find a drawing in AutoCAD, you can utilize the built-in file search capabilities available when accessing file operations like Open.

How to Find a Drawing File in AutoCAD

Finding a specific drawing file (.dwg) in AutoCAD is straightforward using the integrated search tool within file dialog boxes. This feature allows you to look for files based on various criteria like name, location, type, or date.

Here's the process based on the available search function:

1. Initiate a File Operation: Begin a command that opens a standard file dialog box, such as the OPEN command (type OPEN and press Enter or click the Application Menu > Open > Drawing). This action brings up the Select File dialog box.
2. Access the Find Tool: In the Select File dialog box, navigate to the top-right corner and click Tools. From the dropdown menu that appears, select Find. This opens the Find dialog box, allowing you to specify your search parameters.
3. Specify Search Criteria: The Find dialog box has different tabs to refine your search.
   • Name & Location Tab: On this tab, you can specify:
     • Name: Enter the file name or part of the name. You can use wildcards (* for any string of characters, ? for any single character).
     • Type: Select the file type you are looking for. For AutoCAD drawings, this would typically be "Drawing (*.dwg)".
     • Path: Specify the folder or disk drive where you want to search. You can browse for the location.
     • You can use any combination of these criteria.
   • Date Modified Tab: Click this tab to filter files based on when they were created or last modified. You can click either All Files, or Find All Files Created or Modified to specify a date range. You can set 'between' two dates, 'during the previous' specified number of months/days, or 'on' a specific date.
4. Perform the Search: Once you have set your desired criteria on the relevant tabs, click Find Now. The search results will appear at the bottom of the Find dialog box.
5. Select the File: Review the list of found files. You can select a file from the list and click Open (or the corresponding button depending on how you accessed the Find tool) to open it directly from the search results.

Search Criteria Options Summary

Tab	Criteria Options	Description
Name & Location	Name, Type, Path	Search by file name (with wildcards), file type, or location. Use in combination.
Date Modified	All Files, Find All Files Created or Modified (by date range)	Filter results based on creation or modification date. Specify a date range.

Using these options effectively helps you quickly locate your AutoCAD drawing files, even if you don't remember their exact location or name.