AutoCAD

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Have You Tried: Package Drawings For Transmittal

Any references to AutoCAD should be changed to AutoCAD 2025.

Sure! The title should be formatted as follows:
Have You Tried: Package Drawings For Transmittal
Any references to AutoCAD should be changed to AutoCAD 2025.
Wei Zhang
Written by Wei Zhang

Transmitting design files such as drawings to clients or subcontractors outside your organization can be challenging. Often, you might encounter situations where essential drawing or reference files are missing in the packages you send out. To mitigate this issue, the eTransmit function becomes pivotal. This feature ensures that when you package your drawings for transmission, all necessary supporting files necessary to accurately display and print them are included.

Understanding the eTransmit Feature

The eTransmit function streamlines the process by automatically compiling the current drawing and its referenced files into a single package. This includes files like:

  • Color-dependent (CTB) and named (STB) plot style tables
  • Plotter configuration (PC3) files
  • External reference (Xref) files including DWF, DGN, and images

Create a Transmittal Package

The steps below guide you through packaging a drawing using the eTransmit feature in AutoCAD:

  1. Open AutoCAD and access the Quick Access Toolbar to click on the Open button.
  2. Locate the drawing file you wish to package. For example, navigate to C:Program FilesAutodeskAutoCAD 2025SampleMechanical Sample and select a specific drawing.
  3. From the Application menu, navigate to Publish and select eTransmit.
  4. Upon the appearance of the Create Transmittal dialog box, switch to the Files Tree tab. This view showcases how your current drawing connects with its referenced files.
  5. Next, click on the Files Table tab to see a complete listing of files scheduled for inclusion in the transmittal package.
  6. You can opt to exclude unnecessary files by unchecking their respective boxes. For instance, if a standard plotter configuration does not need to be shared, deselect that entry.
  7. In the Select a Transmittal Setup section, choose Standard, which sets a predefined set of parameters for how the drawing and its accompanying files will be treated.
  8. To get a clearer idea of what will be included, click on the View Report option in the lower-left area of the dialog box. This report will summarize the files being transmitted.
  9. After reviewing, continue by clicking OK to proceed with the creation of the transmittal package.
  10. Choose a location to save your ZIP file, provide a meaningful name, and then click Save.
  11. Navigating to the specified location, double-click the ZIP file to ensure the correct structure and contents of your transmittal are intact.

Customizing Transmittal Settings

Though the standard settings offer a solid foundation, you may find it beneficial to establish customized transmittal settings that cater to specific needs, particularly when collaborating with clients using different versions of AutoCAD (such as AutoCAD 2025). Adjustments often involve:

  • Specifying the drawing file format
  • Setting the default plotter to None
  • Purgng unnecessary named objects, such as unused styles

To create or modify a transmittal setup:

  1. Open the desired drawing file.
  2. From the Application menu, select Publish and then eTransmit.
  3. Within the Create Transmittal dialog, click on Transmittal Setups and then New.
  4. Name the new setup (e.g., ABC Company) and proceed.
  5. Make necessary changes, such as adjusting the file format to AutoCAD 2025 Drawing Format. This ensures compatibility with older versions and allows customization, like setting the default plotter to None.
  6. Incorporate actions like binding external references and purging drawings wherever applicable.
  7. Include Fonts if required for ensuring that all elements in the drawings appear properly on recipient systems, keeping in mind licensing considerations.
  8. Click OK to save these new settings, then close the dialog to return to the main Create Transmittal window.

Adding Additional Files to Your Package

Not all projects are limited to single drawing files. Often, they encompass others, such as specifications, schedules, or spreadsheets. To efficiently include these additional files within the same transmittal package:

  1. Access the eTransmit function through the Application menu as previously described.
  2. Select the appropriate Transmittal Setup (e.g., ABC Company) that you’ve configured for this occasion.
  3. Locate and click the Add File button within the Create Transmittal dialog box.
  4. Use the navigation dialog to browse and select the files you want to include, potentially holding down the Ctrl key to select multiple files.
  5. Once selected, click Open. These files, along with any referential components, will be added to your transmittal package.
  6. Finalize your transmittal by saving and reviewing the contents of the ZIP file once more, ensuring all desired materials are included.

Managing Sheet Sets in Transmittals

When working with a sheet set, it’s advisable to use the eTransmit function from within the Sheet Set Manager. This ensures every drawing and necessary support file linked to the sheet set is encapsulated in one package. Right-click the sheet set node, and choose the eTransmit option for streamlined file sharing.

FAQ

Q: What is the primary purpose of the eTransmit feature in AutoCAD?

A: The eTransmit feature is designed to bundle a drawing file and all referenced files into a single package, ensuring that everything needed for accurate display and printing is included when sharing with others.

Q: Can I add non-drawing files to the transmittal package?

A: Yes, you can manually add non-drawing files such as specifications or spreadsheets during the eTransmit process to provide comprehensive information to recipients.

Q: How do I ensure compatibility when sharing files with clients using older AutoCAD versions?

A: You can create a custom transmittal setup that specifies the drawing format to match the version used by your clients. For example, you can opt for the AutoCAD 2025 drawing format if necessary.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.