Automating AutoCAD File Sharing with eTransmit: Save Time & Avoid Manual Hassles

Updated at: 09/07/2025

Sharing AutoCAD files often involves tedious manual processes. But what if you could automate this, saving valuable time and minimizing errors? This article explores how eTransmit streamlines AutoCAD file sharing. Discover how to automate the packaging and distribution of your drawings, ensuring complete and consistent file delivery every time. Eliminate manual hassles and reclaim your productivity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Access eTransmit

    • Access the eTransmit command. You can find it in the Application menu under the 'Publish' category (look for the arrow next to 'Publish'), or simply type 'etransmit' or 'et' in the command line.
    Access the eTransmit command. You can find it in the Application menu under the 'Publish' category (look for the arrow next to 'Publish'), or simply type 'etransmit' or 'et' in the command line.
    Access eTransmit

  2. Prepare Drawings

    • Ensure all your drawings are saved and preferably closed before proceeding. AutoCAD might complain otherwise.
    Ensure all your drawings are saved and preferably closed before proceeding. AutoCAD might complain otherwise.
    Prepare Drawings

  3. Configure Transmittal Setups

    • Configure your transmittal setups. Click the 'Transmittal Setups' button, then 'Modify' to customize settings for different sharing scenarios (e.g., internal archiving, sending to partners, sending to clients).
    • single zip file or folder; downgrade to older AutoCAD versions (if necessary); default folder location; folder organization; email settings (if sending); default plotter; bind xrefs; purge drawings; include files (dwgs, xrefs, data links, fonts, etc.). Create multiple setups (e.g., 'Internal Archiving', 'Send to Partners', 'Send to Client') to streamline your workflow. The video provides specific recommendations for each setup.
    Customize your Transmittal Setup. Choose settings based on your needs: single zip file or folder; downgrade to older AutoCAD versions (if necessary); default folder location; folder organization; email settings (if sending); default plotter; bind xrefs; purge drawings; include files (dwgs, xrefs, data links, fonts, etc.). Create multiple setups (e.g., 'Internal Archiving', 'Send to Partners', 'Send to Client') to streamline your workflow. The video provides specific recommendations for each setup. Customize your Transmittal Setup. Choose settings based on your needs: single zip file or folder; downgrade to older AutoCAD versions (if necessary); default folder location; folder organization; email settings (if sending); default plotter; bind xrefs; purge drawings; include files (dwgs, xrefs, data links, fonts, etc.). Create multiple setups (e.g., 'Internal Archiving', 'Send to Partners', 'Send to Client') to streamline your workflow. The video provides specific recommendations for each setup.
    Configure Transmittal Setups

  4. Add Files to Transmit

    • Open the drawing you want to share and click 'Add Files' to include all the necessary drawings. eTransmit automatically includes xrefs, data links, and other relevant files.
    Add Files: Open the drawing you want to share and click 'Add Files' to include all the necessary drawings. eTransmit automatically includes xrefs, data links, and other relevant files.
    Add Files to Transmit

  5. Select Transmittal Setup

    • Choose the appropriate pre-configured setup (e.g., Internal Archiving, Send to Partners, Send to Client) that matches your needs. The settings of the selected setup will apply to the current transmission.
    Select Transmittal Setup: Choose the appropriate pre-configured setup (e.g., Internal Archiving, Send to Partners, Send to Client) that matches your needs. The settings of the selected setup will apply to the current transmission.
    Select Transmittal Setup

  6. Specify Output Location (if needed)

    • If you haven't set up a default location in your transmittal setup, eTransmit prompts you to specify where to save the output. You can click OK to use the defaults.
    Specify Output Location (if necessary): If you haven't set up a default location in your transmittal setup, eTransmit prompts you to specify where to save the output. You can click OK to use the defaults.
    Specify Output Location (if needed)

  7. Initiate eTransmit

    • Click 'OK' to start the eTransmit process. AutoCAD will package your drawings and necessary files.
    Transmit: Click 'OK' to start the eTransmit process. AutoCAD will package your drawings and necessary files.
    Initiate eTransmit
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Tips

  • Create multiple transmittal setups for different scenarios (internal archiving, partners, clients). This saves time and reduces errors.
  • For clients, consider sending PDFs for simple viewing and printing to avoid confusion with CAD files and xrefs.
  • Always bind xrefs unless you have a specific reason not to. This ensures all relevant data is included.
  • Purge drawings to reduce file size and improve performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting to Include Necessary Supporting Files

Reason: eTransmit might not package all dependent files (like fonts, xrefs, etc.), leading to errors when the recipient opens the drawing.
Solution: Carefully review and select all necessary supporting files during the eTransmit process, using the 'Select Files' or 'Browse' options.

2. Incorrectly Configuring the Output Options

Reason: Choosing the wrong output format (e.g., PDF instead of DWG), or overlooking crucial settings like compression levels or sheet set options, can result in incomplete or unusable packages.
Solution: Double-check all eTransmit settings before initiating the process, paying close attention to output format, compression, and any specific requirements for the recipient.

FAQs

What are the benefits of automating AutoCAD file sharing with eTransmit compared to manual methods?
Automating with eTransmit saves significant time by eliminating manual steps like selecting files, creating folders, and checking for missing files. It ensures consistency, reducing errors and improving the reliability of delivered files. It also improves collaboration by providing a standardized process.