So you’ve created an amazing design in AutoCAD and now you’re wondering how to package the file to share it with others? Packaging an AutoCAD file is a simple process that ensures all the necessary files and references are included. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to package an AutoCAD file effectively.
Step 1: Saving your AutoCAD file
Before packaging your file, make sure to save it in the desired location on your computer. Go to File in the menu bar, select Save As, and choose a suitable name for your project. It’s always a good practice to keep your files organized by creating a new folder for each project.
Step 2: Checking for external references
If your AutoCAD drawing includes any external references such as images or blocks from other files, it’s essential to check if they are properly linked or embedded. To do this, go to the External References panel located in the Insert tab. Here you can see all the references used in your drawing.
- If there are any missing references indicated with a red cross icon, right-click on them and select Attach File. Locate the missing file on your computer and attach it.
- To embed the external references directly into the drawing file, right-click on them and choose Xref Tools > Bind. This will ensure that all references are included within the drawing itself.
Step 3: Running an audit
To make sure that your drawing is error-free and ready for packaging, use AutoCAD’s built-in auditing tool. This tool checks for any errors or inconsistencies in the drawing file.
To run an audit, type Audit in the command line and press Enter. AutoCAD will display a report indicating any issues found.
Step 4: Cleaning up your drawing
To further optimize your drawing before packaging, it’s recommended to remove any unnecessary elements or layers. This can help reduce the file size and make it easier to work with.
- To delete unused layers, open the Layer Properties Manager by typing LAYER in the command line. Select the layers you want to delete and click on the Delete Layer button.
- To purge unused objects, type PURGE in the command line and press Enter. AutoCAD will display a list of unreferenced objects that can be safely purged from your drawing.
Step 5: Packaging your AutoCAD file
Once you have verified that your drawing is error-free and cleaned up, it’s time to package it for sharing. AutoCAD provides a built-in feature called eTransmit that simplifies this process.
- Type ETRANSMIT in the command line and press Enter. The eTransmit dialog box will appear.
- In the eTransmit dialog box, click on the Add Files.. button to include all related files such as external references or plot styles.
- Select the desired options such as including fonts or attaching digital signatures.
- Choose a location to save the packaged files by clicking on the Transmit Options. button.
- Finally, click on the Transmit button to package your AutoCAD file.
Congratulations! You have successfully packaged your AutoCAD file. The packaged file will contain all the necessary files and references, making it easy to share with others without worrying about missing elements.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If you encounter any issues while packaging your file, try running the eTransmit command again after repairing or updating any missing references.
- Always double-check that you have included all required files and references in the eTransmit dialog box before proceeding with packaging.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your AutoCAD file is properly packaged and ready for sharing. Whether you’re collaborating with colleagues or submitting your design to a client, packaging your AutoCAD file will ensure that all the necessary components are included for a seamless experience.
Happy packaging!