When you need to package a drawing or a sheet set and all its dependent files so it can be moved, archived, or handed off to another user, AutoCAD’s Archive workflow collects the files you need and creates a single package. This guide explains what the ARCHIVE command does, how to use it step‑by‑step, alternatives, common problems and fixes, and practical tips to ensure a reliable transfer.
What the ARCHIVE command does
The ARCHIVE functionality in AutoCAD is designed to package a sheet set and its dependent files for storage or transfer. When used correctly it collects:
- the sheet set file (.dst) and associated sheets,
- external references (XREFs) such as DWG, DWF, IMAGE, PDF references,
- support files like fonts, plot styles (.ctb/.stb), hatch patterns, and custom linetypes,
- other linked files required to open and plot the sheets on another machine.
The output is typically a single archive (ZIP) or a folder that contains every file required so the drawings can be reopened without missing references.
When to use ARCHIVE
Use ARCHIVE when you need to:
- deliver a complete set of drawings to a contractor or client,
- back up a sheet set with all dependencies,
- move a project between network locations or offices,
- prepare files for long-term storage without missing links.
How to use ARCHIVE — Step by step
Follow these steps for a reliable archive of a Sheet Set in AutoCAD:
- Save and close any open drawings in the sheet set to ensure the latest changes are included.
- Open the Sheet Set Manager:
- Type SHEETSET in the command line or open it from the View/Palettes menu.
- In the Sheet Set Manager, locate and select the sheet set you want to archive.
- Right‑click the sheet set name and choose Archive (or use the Archive option from the Sheet Set Manager menu).
- In the Archive dialog:
- Choose the destination folder for the package.
- Select which dependent files to include (common options: XREFs, images, fonts, plot styles, support files).
- Choose whether to create a single ZIP or a folder structure.
- Confirm and start the process. AutoCAD will copy or compress the files into the destination.
- Verify the archive by extracting (if ZIP) to a test folder on another machine or a different location, then open the sheet set to ensure no references are missing.
Shortcut: there is no universal keyboard shortcut assigned by default to the Archive function; you can run it from the Sheet Set Manager or create a custom command alias in your acad.pgp file if you need a keyboard shortcut.
Example: before and after
- Before: You hand over a .dst file but the recipient opens it and sees missing XREFs and missing fonts.
- After: You run ARCHIVE, produce a ZIP that contains the .dst, all XREF DWGs, font files, CTB files and images. The recipient extracts the ZIP and opens the sheet set without missing files.
Alternatives to ARCHIVE
If ARCHIVE is not available or you want other options, consider:
- eTransmit (ETRANSMIT) — creates a transmittal package for one or more drawings including all dependencies. It offers options for binding XREFs, converting path types, and building a ZIP.
- Manual gather — use External Reference Manager to list XREFs and manually copy DWGs, images, fonts and plot styles into a folder; then compress the folder.
- Third‑party tools — some CAD management tools provide project packaging and validation features.
- Publish to PDF — for deliverables where editable DWG files aren’t necessary, generate multi‑sheet PDFs and include reference files separately.
Why ARCHIVE may not work and how to fix it
Symptom: Archive process fails, missing files, or command not available.
Common causes and fixes:
- Unsaved or open drawings: Save and close all drawings in the sheet set before archiving.
- Files in use or locked by other users: Ensure referenced files are not locked on the network. Close other programs or ask users to release locks.
- Network or permission issues: Copy the sheet set to a local drive and run Archive there; ensure you have write permissions to the destination.
- Long path names / special characters: Shorten folder names and remove special characters that can break file copy operations.
- Unsupported file types not included: Some third‑party file types may not be automatically included; add them manually or include the folders that contain them.
- AutoCAD version mismatch: If the recipient uses a much older AutoCAD, consider saving DWGs to an earlier DWG version or include an explanation of version compatibility.
- Feature not present in AutoCAD LT: Sheet Set Manager Archive may not be available in AutoCAD LT. Use eTransmit, manual gathering, or use a full AutoCAD to create the archive.
- Missing Sheet Set Manager or corrupt DST: Recreate the sheet set or repair the DST file; ensure the Sheet Set Manager palette is enabled (SHEETSET command).
- Antivirus or system policies blocking ZIP creation: Temporarily disable or whitelist AutoCAD in security software, or choose a different destination.
Run these troubleshooting steps in order: save everything → copy to local drive → shorten paths → close other programs → retry Archive or use ETRANSMIT as fallback.
Best practices and tips
- Run AUDIT and PURGE on drawings before archiving to reduce file size and fix errors.
- Include font files, plot styles, and custom linetypes to preserve plotting behavior.
- Choose the ZIP option for easier transfer via email or upload.
- Use consistent naming for archive files (projectname_date.zip) for version control.
- Test the archive by extracting on a different machine to confirm completeness.
- If delivering to a client with an older AutoCAD, save drawings down to the target release.
- Consider binding XREFs (use eTransmit options or bind prior to archiving) if you want a single self-contained DWG per sheet.
- Keep a record (manifest) of included files so you can verify completeness later.
FAQ
What is the difference between ARCHIVE and ETRANSMIT?
ARCHIVE (from the Sheet Set Manager) packages a sheet set with its dependencies. ETRANSMIT packages one or more DWG files and their dependent files and offers options to bind XREFs and convert paths. ETRANSMIT is often used for individual drawings; ARCHIVE is oriented to Sheet Sets.
Can I archive a single drawing instead of a sheet set?
Yes. Use ETRANSMIT for single drawings or manually gather the drawing and its referenced files into a folder and compress it.
My Archive command is grayed out or not present — why?
You may be using AutoCAD LT, which has limited Sheet Set Manager features, or the sheet set is corrupt. Ensure you’re using a full AutoCAD version, that the Sheet Set Manager is open (SHEETSET), and that the DST file is valid.
How do I include fonts and plot styles in the archive?
In the Archive or eTransmit dialog select options to include support files such as fonts and plot styles. If automatic inclusion fails, manually copy the font and CTB/STB files into the package.
What should I do if XREFs remain missing after archiving?
Check paths and filenames for changes, ensure that the XREFs were actually included in the archive, and verify they were not ignored due to long paths or access errors. If necessary, bind XREFs before archiving or include the containing folder.
How do I test that an archive is complete?
Extract the ZIP to a separate folder on another machine or a different user account, open the sheet set (or drawing) and confirm no missing references warnings. Check plot output if possible.
Can I automate archiving for many projects?
You can script eTransmit processes with AutoCAD’s scripting or use third‑party project management tools. Creating a consistent workflow (save → audit → purge → eTransmit/Archive) helps automation.
Is it safe to include sensitive files in an archive?
Be cautious. Remove or redact any sensitive information before archiving. Consider password‑protected ZIPs or secure file transfer methods for confidential data.