AutoCAD ZIP Shortcut : ETRANSMIT : Creates a Self-Extracting or Zipped Transmittal Package

What is the eTransmit shortcut?

AutoCAD’s eTransmit command (typed as ETRANSMIT) creates a self-contained transmittal package of a drawing. It gathers the main DWG plus all dependent files — external references (Xrefs), images, fonts, plot style (.ctb/.stb) files, sheet sets, and more — and packages them into a ZIP file or a self‑extracting EXE ready to send to others. eTransmit ensures recipients have everything needed to open and plot your drawing exactly as intended.

This guide explains what eTransmit does, how to run it step‑by‑step, how to set up reusable presets, common problems and fixes, alternative ways to package drawings, and practical tips to avoid issues.

How to use eTransmit — Step by step

Follow these steps to create a transmittal package with eTransmit.

Step 1 — Open the drawing

Open the main DWG you want to send. Save any changes first.

Step 2 — Launch eTransmit

At the AutoCAD command line, type ETRANSMIT and press Enter. (You can also find it on the Application menu or via the right‑click context menu in the sheet set Manager.)

Step 3 — Create or choose a Transmittal Setup

The Transmittal Setup dialog lets you specify what to include and how to package it.

• Click Transmittal Setup… to create or edit a preset.
• Choose Files to include: Xrefs, images, fonts, plotters, plot style tables, external references, etc.
• Choose Xref handling: Bind (Bind or Insert) or leave Xrefs referenced.
• Set Path options: convert to absolute or relative paths, or remove path information.
• Choose Package format: ZIP or Self‑Extracting EXE.
• Set File time stamp options, whether to audit/purge files before packaging, and whether to include proxy graphics or digital signatures.
• Save the Transmittal Setup with a name for reuse.

Step 4 — Select files and destination

After selecting a setup, eTransmit will show the list of files to be included. Choose the destination folder and filename for the package.

Step 5 — Review and create

Review the included files list, then click OK (or Create) to build the package. AutoCAD will collect, optionally bind or convert, and compress everything to the chosen output.

Step 6 — Verify the package

Open the ZIP (or extract the EXE) to confirm all expected files are present. If you used Bind, you’ll have a self‑contained DWG; if not, associated Xrefs remain as files in the package.

Shortcut and quick access tips

• The default command is ETRANSMIT. Typing that at the command line is the easiest way to run it.
• If you prefer a shorter alias, add one to your acad.pgp file. Example entry:
  • ETX, *ETRANSMIT
  • After editing acad.pgp, reload aliases with the REINIT command and select PGP file.
• To create a keyboard shortcut or toolbar button, use the CUI (Customize user interface) and map the ETRANSMIT command.

What eTransmit includes and important options

• Included files: DWG, Xrefs (DWG/DWF/DGN), raster images (PNG/JPG/TIF), fonts, plot style tables (.ctb/.stb), custom plotters, underlays, and referenced PDFs (if present).
• Binding Xrefs: Use Bind to stub Xrefs into the main drawing so recipients need only one DWG.
• Package type: ZIP (recommended) or EXE (self‑extracting). Note: many organizations block EXE attachments.
• Purge and Audit: Optionally run Purge and Audit before packaging to reduce file size and fix errors.
• Version conversion: eTransmit can convert DWG files to an earlier release so recipients with older AutoCAD can open them.
• Path handling: Choose to include absolute paths, relative paths, or strip path information.

Why eTransmit sometimes doesn’t work — common errors and fixes

Problem: eTransmit fails to create package or missing files

• Cause: Files are on a network drive with permission issues or files are open/locked.
• Fix: Copy the drawing and referenced files to a local folder, ensure write permissions, then run eTransmit. Run AutoCAD as administrator if needed.

Problem: Some Xrefs or images are missing in the package

• Cause: Xrefs use absolute paths, broken links, or attached via network locations not accessible.
• Fix: In Transmittal Setup, set path options to include referenced files and convert to absolute if needed. Use the External References manager to locate any unresolved paths before packaging.

Problem: Long file path or filename errors

• Cause: Windows path length limits or DWG names exceed allowed characters.
• Fix: Move files to a folder with a shorter path (e.g., C:\Temp\Project) and retry.

Problem: eTransmit blocked from creating EXE or ZIP

• Cause: Antivirus or Windows UAC prevents creation of executables, or email systems block EXE attachments.
• Fix: Use ZIP instead of EXE, or temporarily disable strict antivirus (if allowed by IT) and run AutoCAD as admin.

Problem: Password‑protected or encrypted DWG

• Cause: eTransmit cannot include files which require a password to open.
• Fix: Remove protection (if permitted) or provide the password to the recipient separately. Alternatively, provide PDF exports.

Problem: Missing fonts or plot styles at recipient’s side

• Cause: Fonts/CTB/STB not included in Transmittal Setup.
• Fix: Ensure Include Fonts and Include Plot Style Tables are checked in Transmittal Setup.

Problem: eTransmit command not available

• Cause: Menu/customization differences, or advanced builds/plugins disabled.
• Fix: Type ETRANSMIT at the command line; repair AutoCAD installation if command is missing.

Alternative methods to share drawings

• Manual packaging: Use file explorer to collect DWG and referenced files in one folder, then compress to ZIP.
• Use AutoCAD’s DWG Convert (Batch Convert) to save files in older formats and collect them manually.
• Export to PDF or DWF for drawing review-only distribution.
• Use Autodesk cloud services (e.g., Autodesk Drive, BIM 360/ACC) to share the live project folder and manage references centrally.
• Use a version control or collaboration platform (e.g., SharePoint, OneDrive, Dropbox) with a shared folder containing all references.

Tips and best practices

• Create and save a Transmittal Setup preset for each client or project to ensure consistent packaging.
• Prefer ZIP over EXE for easier email and fewer security blocks.
• Always Purge and Audit drawings before sending to reduce size and fix issues.
• Use Bind (insert) for Xrefs when you want a single self‑contained DWG.
• Check Include Fonts and Include Plot Styles to avoid plotting differences on recipient’s side.
• Keep file and folder names short and avoid special characters to prevent path length and compatibility issues.
• Remove personal metadata with DWGPROPS > Summary or use the “Remove personal information” option if privacy is a concern.
• Test the package by extracting it in a separate folder and opening the main DWG on another computer if possible.

How do I create a keyboard shortcut or quicker alias for eTransmit?

Create an alias in your acad.pgp file (e.g., ETX, *ETRANSMIT) and reload aliases with REINIT → PGP File. Or use CUI to add a toolbar/keyboard shortcut invoking ETRANSMIT.

Can eTransmit convert a drawing to an older AutoCAD version?

Yes. In Transmittal Setup, enable the option to save files to an earlier DWG format so the recipient with older AutoCAD can open them.

Why are some external references still broken after eTransmit?

Common reasons: references were linked via network drives that were inaccessible, or path types were changed. Open the External References manager, fix any unresolved paths, and use Transmittal Setup options to include referenced files.

Is it safe to send a self‑extracting EXE?

Many recipients and email systems block EXE files for security. Use ZIP for broad compatibility unless you have an explicit reason and permission to send EXE packages.

Does eTransmit include custom linetypes, Hatch patterns, or fonts automatically?

eTransmit can include many supporting files (fonts, CTBs, plotters, custom linetypes if stored externally). Verify Transmittal Setup includes the types you need. Custom items embedded in the DWG will be carried with the drawing itself.

My eTransmit package is missing large image files — why?

Large raster images may be linked rather than embedded and located on external storage. Ensure those files are accessible and included by Transmittal Setup; copy them locally if necessary before packaging.

Can I automate eTransmit for multiple drawings?

Yes. Use batch scripting or LISP routines to call ETRANSMIT programmatically, or use sheet set publishing and batch utilities to automate collection and packaging.