In AutoCAD, the eTransmit feature is a powerful tool that allows you to efficiently package and transmit your drawing files, along with all the necessary external references (Xrefs), fonts, and plot style tables. Whether you need to share your project files with colleagues or clients, or simply want to archive your work, eTransmit ensures that all the required elements are included in a single package.
Why Use eTransmit?
The eTransmit feature offers several advantages over manually gathering and sending all the associated files. Here are some key reasons why you should consider using eTransmit:
- Convenience: With eTransmit, you can easily create a self-extracting ZIP file that includes all the necessary files for proper viewing and printing of your drawings. This eliminates the need for recipients to have AutoCAD installed on their computer or worry about missing external references.
- Efficiency: Instead of manually searching for and gathering all the dependent files, eTransmit automatically identifies and includes them in the package.
This saves you time and ensures that nothing is missed.
- Data Integrity: When using eTransmit, you can be confident that all the required elements of your drawing are properly packaged. This reduces the risk of missing or broken links when sharing or archiving your work.
How to Use eTransmit
To use eTransmit in AutoCAD, follow these simple steps:
- Open AutoCAD: Launch AutoCAD and open the drawing file you want to transmit.
- Navigate to the ‘eTransmit’ Command: In AutoCAD’s Ribbon or Menu, locate the ‘eTransmit’ command. It is typically found in the ‘File’ or ‘Output’ menu.
- Set Transmission Options: In the eTransmit dialog box, you can select various options based on your requirements.
This includes specifying the location and format of the transmitted package, as well as choosing whether to include Xrefs, fonts, plot style tables, and other related files.
- Review and Start Transmittal: Double-check all the selected options and click on the ‘Transmit’ button to start creating the package.
- Save and Share: Once the eTransmit process is complete, you will be prompted to save the package to a desired location. The resulting file can then be easily shared via email or other file-sharing methods.
Additional Tips
To make the most out of eTransmit in AutoCAD, consider these additional tips:
- Clean Up Unused Elements: Before transmitting your drawing files, it’s a good practice to remove any unnecessary elements such as unused layers, blocks, or Xrefs. This helps reduce file size and ensures that only relevant information is included in the package.
- Check External References: If your drawing file relies on Xrefs from external sources, make sure they are properly linked and accessible before using eTransmit.
This ensures that recipients can view your drawing without any missing references.
- Test the Package: To ensure that everything is working as expected, it’s a good idea to test the transmitted package on a different computer or AutoCAD installation. This allows you to verify that all the required files are included and that the drawing displays correctly.
Conclusion
eTransmit is a valuable feature in AutoCAD that simplifies the process of sharing and archiving drawing files. By automatically packaging all the necessary elements, eTransmit ensures convenience, efficiency, and data integrity. Follow the provided steps and tips to make the most out of this powerful tool in your AutoCAD workflow.