Guide

AutoCAD Etransmitting : For packaging drawing files for transmission

If you’re looking for a complete, beginner-friendly guide to eTransmit in AutoCAD, this article explains what eTransmit is, why and when to use it, how to create and edit transmittals step-by-step, alternative methods, common errors and fixes, and practical tips to ensure reliable file exchange.

What is eTransmit?

eTransmit is AutoCAD’s built-in tool for packaging drawing files and their dependent files (such as external references/Xrefs, fonts, plot style tables, raster images, and more) into a single folder or a compressed archive for transmission to others. Its purpose is to ensure recipients receive everything needed to open, view, and plot the drawing exactly as intended.

Why use eTransmit?

  • Ensures all dependencies (Xrefs, fonts, plot styles, images, etc.) are included so drawings display correctly.
  • Prevents missing reference issues on the recipient’s system.
  • Lets you reduce file size via ZIP compression for easier email or upload.
  • Can bind Xrefs into a single file if you want to provide a standalone DWG.
  • Supports saving for older DWG versions when required for compatibility.
  • Lets you save transmittal setups for repeated, consistent packaging (useful for standards).
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When to use eTransmit

Use eTransmit when you need to:

  • Send drawings to a client, consultant, or contractor.
  • Archive a drawing and all its dependencies for long-term storage.
  • Submit drawings for review or printing on a different system.
  • Hand off a project or share files with team members who don’t have access to your network paths.

How to use eTransmit — Step-by-step

H3: Prepare your drawing first

  • Save all open drawings.
  • Resolve unresolved Xrefs: open the drawing, reload or bind any broken Xrefs, or use the Reference Manager to correct paths.
  • Optionally purge unused blocks/layers with the PURGE command to reduce size.
  • Make sure any custom plot styles (.ctb/.stb) and fonts are installed or available in your project folders.

H3: Use the eTransmit dialog (GUI)

  1. Open the drawing you want to transmit.
  2. Run the eTransmit command:
    • Type ETRANSMIT in the command line, or
    • From the Ribbon: Output (or Application menu) > eTransmit.
  3. In the Create Transmittal dialog:
    • Select the drawing(s) to include.
    • Choose Include Xrefs/Dependencies to gather external files.
    • Check Include fonts and Include plot style tables if you want them bundled.
    • Choose whether to Bind Xrefs (creates a single self-contained DWG) or leave them as separate files.
    • Choose output type: Folder or ZIP (compressed).
    • If needed, set options to save drawings as an earlier DWG version for compatibility.
  4. (Optional) Click Transmittal Setup to create or modify a named setup that controls default options.
  5. Click OK (or Transmit) and select the destination folder. AutoCAD will gather files and create the package.

H3: Save and reuse a Transmittal Setup

  • In the eTransmit dialog, click Transmittal Setup.
  • Configure default options (what to include, whether to bind Xrefs, Version conversion, folder structure, include plot logs, etc.).
  • Save the setup with a name to reuse on other projects for consistent packaging.

How and when to edit an eTransmit package

  • To edit a Transmittal Setup: open eTransmit > Transmittal Setup > select the setup > Edit. Change include rules, version, or binding options.
  • To modify an already-created package: unzip the ZIP into a folder, edit files, then rezip. If you need to change which files are included permanently, modify the Transmittal Setup and recreate the package.
  • To exclude specific files: either remove them from the project before running eTransmit or adjust the setup options to exclude certain file types.
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Alternative methods for packaging and sending drawings

  • Manually collect dependent files: use the Reference Manager to list and copy dependencies to a folder, then compress manually.
  • Use third-party tools (e.g., project-specific packaging tools or cloud-based collaboration platforms like Autodesk BIM 360 / Autodesk Docs) to share files with version control.
  • Use DWG TrueView or DWG Convert to batch-save to an older DWG format, then compress for sending.
  • Create a single merged DWG by binding or inserting Xrefs if the recipient only needs a non-editable, standalone file.

Common errors and fixes

  • Missing fonts or incorrect text display
    • Fix: In eTransmit options, enable Include fonts. If problems persist, ask the recipient to install the included fonts or convert text to geometry (use with caution).
  • Xrefs show as missing after receiving the package
    • Fix: Ensure eTransmit included all Xrefs and that Xref paths are relative rather than absolute. Use the Reference Manager to correct paths before packaging.
  • Plot styles (.ctb/.stb) not applying
    • Fix: Check Include plot style tables in eTransmit. If recipient still sees different plotting, confirm they load the correct CTB/STB in their plotter configuration.
  • Recipient cannot open DWG due to version mismatch
    • Fix: In Transmittal Setup choose Save to an older DWG format compatible with the recipient’s AutoCAD version.
  • ZIP archive fails or paths too long
    • Fix: Choose a shorter folder path for output or use a root folder. Use Windows Explorer compression if necessary.
  • Locked/read-only files prevent packaging
    • Fix: Close external applications locking files or ensure you have write permissions. Save a copy and transmit the copy.
  • Antivirus blocks ZIP or email delivery
    • Fix: Temporarily exclude the output folder from real-time scanning or use a secure file transfer service.
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Practical tips and best practices

  • Always include Xrefs, fonts, and plot styles unless you’re certain the recipient already has them.
  • Prefer relative paths for Xrefs during project work so eTransmit collects them reliably.
  • Create and save a Transmittal Setup per client or project to standardize deliveries.
  • If the recipient should not edit Xrefs, bind them to create a single self-contained DWG.
  • Use ZIP compression for large projects to simplify transfer and reduce upload times.
  • For security, manually password-protect the ZIP or use an encrypted file transfer service; AutoCAD’s eTransmit does not add password protection to the archive.
  • Test a transmittal by extracting it on a different machine (or a clean user profile) to confirm all dependencies are included.

FAQ — Can I include external references (Xrefs) and images with eTransmit?

Yes. One of eTransmit’s main purposes is to include Xrefs, images, and other dependent files. Ensure the Include Xrefs/Dependencies option is checked in the eTransmit dialog.

FAQ — Will eTransmit include fonts and plot style tables?

Yes, if you enable Include fonts and Include plot style tables (CTB/STB) in the Transmittal Setup, eTransmit will package them with the transmittal.

FAQ — Can I make a single DWG file rather than sending multiple Xref files?

Yes. Use the Bind Xrefs option in eTransmit or bind Xrefs manually before transmitting to create a single, self-contained DWG.

FAQ — Can eTransmit change the DWG version for compatibility?

Yes. In the Transmittal Setup you can choose to save transmitted drawings in an earlier DWG format so recipients using older AutoCAD versions can open them.

FAQ — How do I reuse the same packaging options for future jobs?

Create and save a Transmittal Setup inside the eTransmit dialog. You can load and apply that setup for any future transmittal.

FAQ — What if my recipient still sees missing references after I sent the package?

Ask the recipient to extract the ZIP into a folder with the same relative subfolder structure. If issues persist, confirm that all Xrefs were included and paths are not hard-coded absolute paths that differ on their machine.

FAQ — Is eTransmit safe to send confidential files?

eTransmit packages files but does not password-protect them. For confidential files, encrypt the ZIP file with a password or use a secure file transfer service, and share the password by a separate secure channel.

FAQ — Can I automate eTransmit for multiple drawings?

You can batch-process drawings by creating a consistent Transmittal Setup and running eTransmit on multiple files. For advanced automation, consider scripting or using AutoCAD APIs with caution and testing.

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