How to password protect your AutoCAD drawing

Note: Autodesk has removed this capability since AutoCAD versions 2016.

Can we protect our AutoCAD drawing with password? Yes, this is a protection provided by AutoCAD, to prevent other people from opening your drawing.

This protection is limited to file open. After other users can open the drawing, they can work with it just like any other drawing.

To add password protection, open your drawing. Click save as.

In save as window, click tools on the top right corner, then click security options.

AutoCAD will open security options window. Provide your password here. You also have the option to encrypt the drawing properties.

After you click OK, AutoCAD will ask you to enter the password again to confirm.

Now save the drawing.

To try if the password works, close your drawing. Try to open it again.

If you do it right, it will ask you password like below.

This protection will prevent unauthorized people to open your drawing file. But remember, don’t forget your password! You will never be able to open it again!

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as an Application Engineer in Jakarta, Indonesia. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and also active in Autodesk discussion forum.
I'm an Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) for Revit Architecture and AutoCAD. I'm also a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, appreciation for individuals who give contribution to Autodesk community.
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