Tutorials

How to convert DWG file to zip? (Solved)

Many people need a clear, step-by-step guide to convert DWG files to ZIP — either to compress drawings, bundle related files (XREFs, images, fonts, plot styles), or prepare a safe transmittal for sharing. This guide explains the simplest methods, advanced options (including AutoCAD’s built‑in tools), common errors and fixes, practical tips, and a helpful FAQ.

Why convert DWG to ZIP?

  • Reduce file size for email or upload.
  • Bundle related files (XREFs, images, fonts, plot styles) into one package.
  • Preserve folder structure during transfer.
  • Protect and organize project deliveries.
  • Improve transfer reliability across networks and systems.

Quick methods (short answers)

  • On Windows: select the DWG (or folder), right‑click → Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder.
  • On macOS: select file(s), right‑click → Compress.
  • Using 7‑Zip/WinRAR: right‑click → choose 7‑Zip/WinRAR → Add to archive… (choose ZIP or 7z).
  • In AutoCAD: use eTransmit to create a transmittal ZIP that includes XREFs and support files.

Complete step‑by‑step tutorials

1) Simple Windows ZIP (single file or folder)

  1. Put the DWG(s) and any related folders into one folder (best practice).
  2. Right‑click the folder or selected DWG files.
  3. Choose Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder.
  4. Rename the created .zip as needed.
  • Notes: This preserves the folder structure inside the ZIP if you compress the parent folder.

2) Using 7‑Zip (recommended for more control)

  1. Install 7‑Zip (free).
  2. Select DWG files or a containing folder.
  3. Right‑click → 7‑Zip → Add to archive…
  4. Set Archive format to zip (or 7z for better compression).
  5. Choose Compression level (Normal/Maximum) and any split/volume options.
  6. Click OK.
  • Tip: Choose 7z if recipients can extract it — better compression than ZIP.

3) Using WinRAR

  1. Install WinRAR.
  2. Right‑click files/folder → Add to archive…
  3. Choose ZIP as the archive format if required for compatibility.
  4. Optionally set a password (Encryption) and compression level.
  5. Click OK.

4) macOS built‑in Compress

  1. Select files/folder in Finder.
  2. Right‑click → Compress X items.
  3. Finder creates a .zip file in the same folder.

5) AutoCAD eTransmit (best for complete transmittal)

  1. Open the DWG in AutoCAD.
  2. Type ETRANSMIT in the command line and press Enter.
  3. In the Transmittal dialog:
    • Click Create Transmittal or Add.
    • Choose options: Bind Xrefs (Bind or Insert), Include fonts, Include plotters, Include support files.
    • Set Include subfolders if needed.
  4. Choose ZIP as the output and the destination folder.
  5. Click OK / Create.
  • Benefits: eTransmit gathers XREFs, images, font files, plot style tables and preserves references — much safer for delivering a working set.

6) Command‑line (Windows PowerShell / Linux)

  • Windows PowerShell (built‑in):
    • Compress-Archive -Path “C:\path\to\folder*” -DestinationPath “C:\path\to\output.zip”
  • 7‑Zip command line:
    • 7z a -tzip output.zip inputFolder*
  • Linux zip:
    • zip -r output.zip folder/
  • Useful for automation or CI pipelines.

7) Online ZIP tools

  • Upload files to a reputable online compressor (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive compress tools, or specific online zip creators).
  • Security note: avoid uploading sensitive DWGs to third‑party sites unless you trust their privacy and encryption.

Handling external references and support files

  • Always include XREFs, images, fonts, and plot styles when transferring DWG projects.
  • With manual zipping: place DWG and its referenced files in the same folder (preserve relative paths) before zipping.
  • With AutoCAD eTransmit: it automatically collects these dependencies when configured.
  • If references are missing: the recipient will see broken XREF links — include a small README explaining file structure.

Common errors and how to fix them

  • Error: “Missing XREFs or images”
    Fix: Use eTransmit or manually gather all referenced files into a single folder. In AutoCAD, use the XREF manager to list references, then copy them.

  • Error: “File locked, cannot compress”
    Fix: Close DWG in AutoCAD or any viewer. Check for background processes locking the file. Restart computer if necessary.

  • Error: “Archive too large for email”
    Fix: Use higher compression (7z), split the archive into volumes, or upload to cloud storage and send a download link.

  • Error: “Paths too long / invalid characters”
    Fix: Move the folder closer to the drive root (e.g., C:\Project) to shorten paths. Remove special characters from file/folder names.

  • Error: “Corrupt DWG”
    Fix: In AutoCAD, run AUDIT and RECOVER commands. Save a copy and attempt to open on another machine.

  • Error: “Recipient cannot open archive”
    Fix: Use ZIP format for maximum compatibility. If you used 7z, advise recipients to install 7‑Zip or provide an alternative ZIP.

Security and compatibility tips

  • Use ZIP for broad compatibility; use 7z for better compression if recipient supports it.
  • Consider password protection with AES encryption for sensitive drawings (both WinRAR and 7‑Zip support this). Share password separately.
  • Test the archive by extracting it on another machine before sending.
  • Include a README inside the ZIP with instructions, AutoCAD version used, and any special steps (e.g., font install).
  • Keep folder structure and relative paths intact to avoid broken XREFs.
  • If sending many files, consider versioning filenames (ProjectA_v01.dwg) and preserving metadata.

Best practices before zipping DWG files

  • Run PURGE in AutoCAD to remove unused objects and reduce file size.
  • Run AUDIT and RECOVER to ensure DWG integrity.
  • Save DWG in a compatible AutoCAD version if the recipient uses older software.
  • Collect external references or use eTransmit to automate collection.
  • Remove temporary files (.bak, .sv$) unless you want to include them deliberately.

Alternative approaches

  • Use cloud services (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) and share a download link rather than a ZIP.
  • Use AutoCAD’s Pack and Go (for other CAD packages) or third‑party transmittal tools specialized for CAD projects.
  • Convert DWG to PDF for viewing-only sharing, then compress PDFs if necessary (note: PDFs are not editable CAD files).

How do I include fonts and plot styles in the ZIP so the drawing looks the same on another computer?

Include the font files (.shx, .ttf) and plot style (.ctb/.stb) files in the same folder before zipping, or use AutoCAD’s eTransmit which can collect and include these automatically.

Will compressing DWG to ZIP reduce quality or break the drawing?

No — ZIP compression is lossless. The DWG content is preserved exactly. Only convert to another file format (not ZIP) if you want a different output type.

Can I password‑protect a ZIP file with 7‑Zip or WinRAR and still have the recipient extract it?

Yes. Use AES‑256 encryption in 7‑Zip or the encryption options in WinRAR. Share the password by a different channel (phone, secure message) for security.

Is eTransmit available in all AutoCAD versions?

Most full AutoCAD desktop versions include eTransmit. If unsure, check the Help menu or type ETRANSMIT in the command line. Some LT versions may have limited functionality.

What should I do if my DWG is corrupted before zipping?

Open AutoCAD and run the RECOVER or AUDIT commands. Save a clean copy if possible. If those fail, try to open the DWG on a different machine or use backup (.bak) files.

If I zip multiple project folders, how do I make it easy for the recipient to unpack correctly?

Create a single parent folder that contains all project folders and a README with instructions, then zip that parent folder so the internal structure remains intact.

You may also like