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scottkane
Participant
May 9, 2020
Answered

Autocad file now opens Illustrator

  • May 9, 2020
  • 6 replies
  • 1230 views

I have been using Autocad 2020 in a college architecture class for this past month with no issues. Today, when double clicking on the Autocad file to open it the application that opens is not Autocad but Illustrator. A dialog box says there is an error that in fact Illustrator can not open my Autocad file. 

I have not had any issues previously with opening my Autocad files. Why am I now having issues now?

 

I have found a work-around: Open the Autocad application and from within the application find and "Open" my Autocad file. Again, why am I not able to double click on my Autocad file and have it open within the application.

 

Thanks for any thoughts and help you might have.

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Correct answer scottkane

It’s not an Adobe issue. In Windows, it’s Windows that chooses what happens when you double click on a file, so it’s Window you need to change settings in. 


Thank you, you're exactly right. I contacted Autodesk and somehow Autocad changed the default program to open. Autodesk tech support sent the appropriate info to re associate the file type with the program and all is well. Again, thanks much for your time and knowledge!

6 replies

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 10, 2020

AutoCad produces many file types.  Which file type or extension is trying to launch in Illustrator?

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
scottkaneAuthor
Participant
May 10, 2020

Thank you Nancy.

 

I am not trying to open Ilustrator. When I quit Autocad it saves to an Autocad filetype - .dwg. When double clicking on the Autocad .dwg file it should open Autocad but instead Illustrator opens.

 

I understand the file type will open the associated application but how has this switched from Autocad to Illustrator?

Test Screen Name
Legend
May 10, 2020

It’s not an Adobe issue. In Windows, it’s Windows that chooses what happens when you double click on a file, so it’s Window you need to change settings in. 

John T Smith
Community Expert
John T SmithCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 9, 2020

Go to the Search bar at the top of http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx to find out how to set/fix program to file associations

scottkaneAuthor
Participant
May 10, 2020

Hi John, 

 

Why is it that I'm going to Microsoft to fix what appears to be an Adobe issue? Thanks

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