How to send dwgs with xrefs linked

[gnarkill283]

We are trying to receive the entire cad set for a project from another office. They send it using etransmit but after unzipping the files we still have to relink all the xrefs. Is this because they first need to go through each dwg and make sure all xrefs are pathed relatively before etransmitting? Or is this because we are unzipping the files on the network with a long path name? Or is there another way or is this the way it is? Appreciate any help. Thanks

[pendean]

Your sender probably forgot to check all the boxes you might prefer in the eTransmit popup: why don't you two chat together and go over those options then try again.

Things to coordinate include understanding the XREF pathing (full vs. relative vs. none) in the top file, then how that affects the choices in etransmit's PATH Options section.

[gnarkill283]

"Things to coordinate include understanding the XREF pathing (full vs. relative vs. none) in the top file, then how that affects the choices in etransmit's PATH Options section." What do you mean top file? You can change the pathing of all the files universally during etransmit? Because I see no such option. Are you sure we don't have to have the other office go into each individual dwg and make all the paths relative first? Also we are keeping the folder organization structure from the other office in the path options - would that be a problem?

[pkolarik]

If their network path is different than your network path in any way the host drawing will not be able to find the linked xrefs *unless those xrefs are placed in the same folder as the host dwg*. (i.e. - if your network path to the drawings you're sending is "C:\DRAWINGS\XREFS" and their network path is "D:\DRAWINGS\REFERENCES" the host dwg won't automatically find the xrefs)

Typically when I'm etransmitting files to someone, I put right in the email that they shouldn't try and open the host drawing from the email (happens all the time otherwise), and they should simply place all files in one folder so they don't have any issues with host drawings locating xref files.

[gnarkill283]

I don't think that's true otherwise it would be impossible to send dwgs with linked xrefs. Every office has a different drive path. Also I tried making my own etransmit file originating from dwgs on the network and I can open them fine with xrefs whether I unzip it on the c drive or on the network. I also noticed xrefs are automatically relatively pathed when etransmitting so what I'm hoping someone tells me is that the other office sent their files with broken links. Maybe these dwgs were moved to an archive and during the process the links were broken otherwise what else could be causing them not to be linked?

[pendean]

I you have issues with your network/server, no one here is going to be able to help.

TOP file, the one with all the XREFs in it, you and the sender go through pathing and discuss folder locations and if changing paths to RELATIVE or NONE are appropriate.

eTRANSMIT options: you and the sender get on a call together and discuss which of these settings suit both of you and you two make some choices moving forward:

 

We all use etransmit all day long for the last 20+years, you and the sender just need to coordinate, together, and test out solutions that benefit you both.

Good luck.

[gnarkill283]

I guess you didn't read what I wrote because nowhere do I say I have server problems. What settings are we trying to match with the other office? If an etransmit creates relatively pathed xrefs than I should be able to open it with the links working UNLESS THEY WERE NOT LINKED TO BEGIN WITH RIGHT? Are you asking me to coordinate paths with other office aka have them or us reorganize our entire network paths to be the same as them? Because that's ridiculous. Path options shouldn't matter - either option should allow me to see linked xrefs

[Corsten.Au]

etransmit as mentioned by other users..

that will generate a zip file, combining all the files..

If you can use dropbox and other apps then no need to keep emailing

or sending files..just update the files..

CAD files, xref should be linked using relative locations..

cheers!

[dbroad]

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@gnarkill283 wrote:

" You can change the pathing of all the files universally during etransmit? Because I see no such option. Are you sure we don't have to have the other office go into each individual dwg and make all the paths relative first? Also we are keeping the folder organization structure from the other office in the path options - would that be a problem?"

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Assuming you are using AutoCAD Architecture (e.g. this forum),  the project navigator has a project's tab that can be used to set pathing type for all the files in the project.  So no need to set drawings individually.  See image.