If AutoCAD creates Drawing1.dwg every time it starts, the behavior is usually controlled by STARTUP, STARTMODE, QNEW, startup scripts, deployment settings, or even the Windows shortcut used to launch AutoCAD.

For most users, the fastest fix is:

• Type STARTUP
• Press Enter
• Set the value to 2
• Restart AutoCAD

This opens the Start Tab without automatically creating Drawing1.dwg.

The procedures in this guide apply to AutoCAD 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, including vertical products such as AutoCAD Architecture, MEP, and Civil 3D.

Why Does AutoCAD Open Drawing1 on Startup?

When AutoCAD starts, it must decide what to load first.

Depending on your configuration, it may:

• Create a blank drawing
• Open the Start Tab
• Load a template file
• Display a startup dialog
• Execute AutoLISP startup routines
• Load company deployment settings

In many environments, more than one of these actions occurs simultaneously.

For example, AutoCAD may display the Start Tab while Drawing1.dwg is already loaded in the background.

Quick Diagnostic Table

Method 1: Configure the STARTUP Variable

The STARTUP system variable controls how AutoCAD behaves when it launches.

Enter the Variable

Type:

STARTUP

Press Enter.

Choose the Appropriate Value

For most users, STARTUP = 2 is the preferred setting.

For larger deployments, STARTUP = 3 can slightly improve responsiveness when opening the first drawing because portions of the Ribbon are already loaded.

Method 2: Verify the STARTMODE Setting

The STARTMODE variable controls whether the Start Tab is available.

Check the Current Value

Type:

STARTMODE

Press Enter.

Set the Value

Use:

1

Value meanings:

Understanding STARTUP and STARTMODE Together

Many users modify only one variable and wonder why the behavior does not change.

The two variables work together.

For a clean startup environment, use:

STARTUP = 2
STARTMODE = 1

or

STARTUP = 3
STARTMODE = 1

Method 3: Check the QNEW Template Setting

A predefined QNEW template can force AutoCAD to create a drawing automatically.

Open Template Settings

Type:

OPTIONS

Go to:

Files
→ Template Settings
→ Default Template File Name for QNEW

Remove the Template

If a template path is assigned:

• Select it
• Remove it
• Set it to None if appropriate

Important Note About QNEW

Many users assume that removing the QNEW template stops AutoCAD from opening a drawing.

That is not how AutoCAD works.

If:

STARTUP = 0

and QNEW is set to None, AutoCAD typically displays the Select Template dialog during startup instead of silently opening Drawing1.

This is why STARTUP = 2 or STARTUP = 3 remains the preferred solution.

Method 4: Restore Missing File Dialog Boxes

If AutoCAD displays prompts such as:

Enter name of drawing:

instead of opening a Windows dialog box, the issue is usually FILEDIA.

Check the Variable

Type:

FILEDIA

Press Enter.

Set the Value

Use:

1

This restores standard file dialogs.

Method 5: Verify the SDI Setting

The SDI variable controls Single Document Interface mode.

Although rarely responsible for Drawing1 behavior, it can affect startup workflows.

Check the Variable

Type:

SDI

Press Enter.

Recommended Setting

Use:

0

Most modern AutoCAD environments should use SDI = 0.

Method 6: Check Startup AutoLISP Routines

Some companies automatically load drawings, templates, or project environments through startup scripts.

Common sources include:

• acad.lsp
• acaddoc.lsp
• Startup Suite
• Custom plug-ins
• Enterprise CAD standards packages

Check:

ACADLSPASDOC

and review any startup files loaded by your environment.

If Drawing1 continues appearing despite correct startup settings, a startup routine may be forcing its creation.

Method 7: Check the Windows Shortcut Target

Sometimes the problem is not inside AutoCAD at all.

The Windows shortcut used to launch AutoCAD may contain command-line switches.

Inspect the Shortcut

• Right-click the AutoCAD shortcut
• Select Properties
• Open the Shortcut tab
• Review the Target field

Look for the /t Switch

Example:

acad.exe /t "MyTemplate.dwt"

The /t switch instructs AutoCAD to automatically create a drawing based on the specified template.

This behavior overrides many startup preferences.

Remove the switch if it is no longer required.

Method 8: Create a New AutoCAD Profile

If settings refuse to save, the profile may be corrupted.

Create a New Profile

Type:

OPTIONS

Then:

Profiles
→ Add to List

Create a new profile and make it current.

Restart AutoCAD and test startup behavior again.

Method 9: Check Enterprise Deployment Settings

In managed CAD environments, startup behavior may be controlled centrally.

Possible sources include:

• Deployment images
• Registry policies
• Network profiles
• Login scripts
• Company launchers
• CAD management software

If local settings keep changing back, contact your CAD administrator.

The startup configuration may be overwritten each time AutoCAD launches.

Method 10: Reset AutoCAD Settings

If all other troubleshooting fails, reset the AutoCAD profile completely.

Perform a Reset

1. Close AutoCAD.
2. Open the Windows Start Menu.
3. Navigate to:

AutoCAD
→ Reset Settings to Default

1. Launch the utility.
2. Confirm the reset.
3. Restart AutoCAD.

This frequently resolves startup issues caused by damaged profiles or corrupted settings.

AutoLISP Deployment for CAD Managers

If you manage multiple workstations and want to enforce startup behavior through acad.lsp or acaddoc.lsp, add:

(setvar "STARTUP" 2)
(setvar "STARTMODE" 1)
(setvar "FILEDIA" 1)

This ensures users start with the Start Tab and standard file dialogs.

Special Note for AutoCAD Architecture, MEP, and Civil 3D

Vertical Autodesk products often load additional project components during startup.

Examples include:

• Tool catalogs
• Project managers
• Civil templates
• Discipline-specific workspaces
• Enterprise content libraries

Because of this, startup delays can be more noticeable than in standard AutoCAD.

Using:

STARTUP = 2

or

STARTUP = 3

can significantly reduce unnecessary startup clutter and improve the user experience.

Recommended Configuration

For most users, the cleanest setup is:

STARTUP = 2
STARTMODE = 1
FILEDIA = 1
SDI = 0

For larger environments where faster Ribbon loading is desired:

STARTUP = 3
STARTMODE = 1
FILEDIA = 1
SDI = 0

These settings prevent unwanted startup drawings, preserve normal file dialogs, and support modern multi-document workflows.

FAQ

Why does AutoCAD keep opening Drawing1 every time I start it?

The most common cause is STARTUP = 0, which instructs AutoCAD to automatically create a new drawing during startup.

How do I start AutoCAD without opening a drawing?

Set:

STARTUP = 2
STARTMODE = 1

or

STARTUP = 3
STARTMODE = 1

and restart AutoCAD.

What does STARTUP = 3 do?

It opens the Start Tab and pre-loads portions of the Ribbon interface in the background to improve responsiveness when opening the first drawing.

Why does AutoCAD keep opening a template?

The QNEW setting, a startup script, or a Windows shortcut using the /t switch is typically responsible.

Why do my startup settings reset after every launch?

The most common causes are:

• Corrupted profiles
• Enterprise deployment settings
• Login scripts
• AutoLISP startup routines
• CAD management software

Can Civil 3D or AutoCAD Architecture ignore my startup settings?

In some enterprise deployments, yes. Project managers, templates, and deployment profiles can override user preferences and force startup actions.