Setting the Default Open and Save As Location in Home Designer

Reference Number: KB-00318

Last Modified: September 9, 2025

This article also applies to the following legacy products:
Pro

QUESTION

When I am ready to save a file, I want it to default to the same location on my system every time, rather than to the last folder that was opened. How can I do this?

ANSWER

In Home Designer Pro and Home Designer 2026 and newer, it's possible to set a default file location that will open when you select the Open Plan/Layout tool, the Save As tool, or when saving a plan for the first time using Traditional File Management. It's also used when opening an unmanaged file using Project Management.

Note: If you're using Project Management in Home Designer 2026 and newer, files are typically accessed and managed directly within the program using the Project Browser. To learn more, please see the Related Articles section below.

To set the default file location

Navigate to Edit> Preferences if you're on a Windows PC or Home Designer> Preferences if you're on a Mac.
Click on the New Plans panel, select the Use This Folder radio button, then click the Browse button to specify your desired file location.
Once the desired file location is set, click OK to confirm the change and close the dialog.