Tutorials

How to send DWG file in AutoCAD? (Solved)

Many people ask how to send a DWG file from AutoCAD so the recipient can open and use it without issues. This guide gives clear, beginner-friendly steps, several alternative methods, troubleshooting for common errors, practical tips to reduce file size and preserve references, and a FAQ with the most likely reader questions.

Quick answer — the simplest ways to send a DWG file

  • Attach the .dwg file to an email after cleaning it (Purge, Audit) and optionally compressing it to .zip.
  • Use AutoCAD’s eTransmit command to create a packaged folder or ZIP that includes the main drawing, xrefs, fonts, and plot settings.
  • Save or export to a neutral format (PDF, DWF, DXF) if the recipient only needs to view/print.
  • Share via cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, Autodesk Drive/A360) and send a link.

When to use each method

Email attachment

Use when the DWG is small (under typical attachment limits ~20–25 MB) and the recipient uses compatible AutoCAD or DWG viewer software.

eTransmit (recommended for complex drawings)

Use when your drawing has external references (xrefs), custom fonts, or plot styles. eTransmit bundles everything the recipient needs.

Cloud sharing

Best for large files, ongoing collaboration, or when multiple people must access/update the same file. Works well with version control and commenting.

Export to PDF/DWF/DXF

Use when the recipient only needs to view or print and does not need to edit the DWG.

Step-by-step: Sending a DWG using eTransmit (recommended)

  1. Open your drawing in AutoCAD.
  2. Clean the file:
    • Type PURGE and remove unused blocks, layers, linetypes, etc.
    • Type AUDIT and fix any errors (respond “Yes” to repair).
  3. Type ETRANSMIT in the command line and press Enter.
  4. In the eTransmit dialog:
    • Choose Create Transmittal and set the destination folder.
    • Check the box to Include nested xrefs (if present).
    • Choose to bind xrefs (Bind vs. Insert — Bind creates named objects inside the host file; choose per workflow).
    • Include fonts, plotter configuration files (.pc3), and any support files as needed.
    • Optionally, choose ZIP to make a single compressed package.
  5. Click OK to create the transmittal package.
  6. Attach the resulting .zip (or folder contents) to email or upload it to cloud storage and share a link.

Step-by-step: Sending DWG by email (simple)

  1. Clean the drawing (PURGE, AUDIT).
  2. Save a copy: File > Save As > choose the appropriate AutoCAD version (use Save As -> older version if recipient has older AutoCAD).
  3. Right-click the DWG file in Explorer and choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder to reduce size and protect file paths.
  4. Attach the ZIP to your email and include a short README with:
    • AutoCAD version used
    • Whether xrefs are included or bound
    • Required fonts or plot styles

Step-by-step: Save for compatibility (older AutoCAD versions)

  1. Open the drawing.
  2. File > Save As.
  3. In the Save As dialog, change the Files of type to the desired older DWG release (e.g., AutoCAD 2013 DWG).
  4. Save and send that file if the recipient runs an older AutoCAD.

Note: Saving down can lose features introduced in newer versions (e.g., certain advanced objects or properties).

Alternative methods

Using cloud services (Autodesk Drive / A360 / OneDrive / Google Drive / Dropbox)

  • Upload the DWG or ZIP to the cloud.
  • Set appropriate sharing permissions (view vs edit).
  • Send the share link by email or chat.
  • Advantage: no attachment size limits, easy version control.

Export to PDF or DWF

  • File > Export > choose PDF or DWF.
  • Configure paper size, scale, and layouts.
  • Use when recipient only needs to view or print, not edit.

Use Autodesk Viewer or AutoCAD Web

  • Upload the DWG to Autodesk Viewer or AutoCAD Web App.
  • Share the viewing link — recipients can view without installing AutoCAD.

Use DXF for interoperability

  • Export to DXF when sharing with other CAD systems that may not fully support DWG.

Common errors and fixes

  • File too large to email

    • Fix: Use ZIP compression, remove unused data (PURGE), or upload to cloud storage and share a link.

  • Missing xrefs or images

    • Fix: Use eTransmit to include xrefs and images, or manually collect and zip all referenced files. Ensure relative paths are preserved or bind xrefs.

  • Fonts or plot styles appear wrong

    • Fix: Include custom .shx, .ttf, or .ctb/.stb files in the package. With eTransmit, check the option to include plot styles and fonts.

  • Recipient cannot open due to AutoCAD version

    • Fix: Use Save As to export to an older DWG version compatible with the recipient’s AutoCAD, or have the recipient use AutoCAD TrueView (free) to convert versions.

  • Corrupt DWG file

    • Fix: Try RECOVER on the drawing in AutoCAD. Use AUDIT and repair. If corrupted, open a backup (*.bak) or use third-party recovery tools if needed.

  • TrustedDWG warnings or compatibility flags

    • Explanation: Autodesk embeds a TrustedDWG signature in native saves. Non-Autodesk tools may remove the flag, triggering a warning. Usually safe if you trust the source; to avoid confusion, tell recipients which app/version created the file.

  • Security concerns: need to password-protect

    • Fix: AutoCAD does not natively password-protect DWG files. Use OS-level compression with password (ZIP) or third-party encryption tools. For secure view-only sharing, send a password-protected PDF.

Practical tips to make sharing smoother

  • Always Purge and Audit before sending to reduce size and avoid errors.
  • Include a README with AutoCAD version, units, scale, and whether xrefs are external or bound.
  • Use eTransmit for complex projects (xrefs, custom fonts, plot styles).
  • Bind xrefs when you want a single self-contained DWG; leave them external for collaborative workflows.
  • Save a copy to an older DWG version if you know the recipient uses older software.
  • Consider exporting to PDF for review cycles to prevent unintended edits.
  • Use cloud services for large files or team collaboration and enable access controls.
  • Keep file names simple and descriptive; avoid special characters that can break transfer paths.

FAQ

How can I ensure the recipient opens the DWG exactly as I see it?

Include all xrefs, fonts, and plot styles using eTransmit or bundle them in a ZIP. Also indicate the AutoCAD version used and provide any custom support files.

What is the difference between binding xrefs and leaving them external?

Binding xrefs merges external references into the host DWG (making it self-contained). Leaving them external keeps references separate and allows shared updates. Choose binding for one-off sharing; keep them external for collaborative workflows.

Can I password-protect a DWG file?

AutoCAD does not provide native password protection for DWG files. Use a password-protected ZIP or third-party encryption to protect the file. For view-only protection, export to a password-protected PDF.

My DWG is corrupted — what should I try before sending?

Run AUDIT and RECOVER in AutoCAD. Check for a .bak backup or earlier autosave. Use eTransmit after recovery to ensure the package is clean.

Is it OK to send a DWG in a cloud link instead of attaching it to email?

Yes. Cloud links (OneDrive, Google Drive, Autodesk Drive) are preferred for large files and ongoing collaboration. Ensure correct sharing permissions and include a README.

Will saving to an older AutoCAD version break my drawing?

Saving to an older version can lose features introduced in newer releases (e.g., parametric constraints, new object types). Always keep a copy of the original new-version DWG before saving down.

How do I include plot settings and printer configurations?

Use eTransmit and enable options to include .pc3 and plot style files (.ctb/.stb) so the recipient can reproduce correct plotting output.

The recipient gets TrustedDWG warnings — is that a problem?

A TrustedDWG warning often appears when a file was saved by a non-Autodesk product or modified. Normally it’s informational. If concerned, tell the recipient which app/version created the file or save from an official AutoCAD release.

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