AutoCAD Tip: eTransmit Best Practices for Reliable AutoCAD Deliverables

Today’s focus: using eTransmit to package and share clean, complete AutoCAD deliverables with zero missing files and predictable results.

Why eTransmit

• Collects host DWGs, Xrefs (DWG/DWF/DGN), images, DWF/DWFx underlays, PDFs, SHX/TTF fonts, plot styles (CTB/STB), PC3/PMP configs, data-linked spreadsheets, and materials into one package.
• Normalizes paths, optionally binds Xrefs, sets DWG version, and can purge to reduce file size—all in one operation.
• Produces a transmittal report so recipients know exactly what’s included.

Pre-flight essentials

• Clean first: run PURGE (including Regapps), -PURGE, and AUDIT; consider OVERKILL for geometry duplicates.
• Resolve broken Xref paths and reload; switch to relative paths where appropriate.
• Confirm data links (Excel) are up to date; save spreadsheets before packaging.
• Freeze/lock viewports and confirm plot style mapping is final.

Core workflow (ETRANSMIT)

• Launch ETRANSMIT from the host drawing or a Sheet Set. Add any extra files as needed.
• Open Transmittal Setups and create named setups (e.g., “Client – Keep Xrefs” and “Archive – Bind Xrefs”).
• Package type: choose ZIP for emailing/cloud upload or Folder for local/archive staging.
• Organize files:
  • Place all files in one folder for simplicity, or
  • Maintain folder structure to preserve existing relative paths.
• Xrefs:
  • Keep Xrefs external to preserve editability across a team, or
  • Bind Xrefs for a single-file handoff; choose Bind vs Insert (Insert merges layers; Bind retains $0$-prefixed layers).
• Include dependencies: fonts (SHX/TTF), plot styles (CTB/STB), PC3/PMP, Material/Texture files, and files from data links.
• Paths: remove path info or convert to relative to avoid broken references on the recipient’s machine.
• DWG version: set to the client’s requirement for backward compatibility.
• Cleanup options: enable Purge drawings to minimize size; consider “Set default plotter to None” to avoid device-specific issues.

Quality checks before sending

• Open the packaged ZIP in a temp folder and test-open a few drawings to confirm no missing Xrefs or images.
• Review the transmittal report (TXT) for any unresolved references.
• If sharing externally, add a readme that states units, coordinate system, and plot style expectations.

Advanced tips

• Maintain multiple Transmittal Setups per client to standardize deliverables and reduce mistakes.
• For large interdisciplinary packages, keep Xrefs external and include a root folder readme describing folder structure and relative paths.
• If recipients lack object enablers, consider binding or exporting AEC objects to plain AutoCAD geometry before eTransmit.
• Pair eTransmit with DWG Convert if a batch of files must be downgraded across the project.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Forgetting to include CTB/STB, resulting in wrong plotted output.
• Leaving absolute paths in Xrefs/images—these often break outside your network.
• Relying on system fonts not available to the recipient; include SHX and test TTF usage.

For licensing, upgrades, and expert guidance on AutoCAD workflows like eTransmit, connect with NOVEDGE: novedge.com and explore AutoCAD options here: AutoCAD at NOVEDGE. Their team can help you standardize transmittal setups and streamline collaboration.