Sending CAD Files: Share DWG, DXF and BIM Securely
Architects, structural engineers and designers work with large CAD files every day. Here is how to send them quickly and securely.
Why CAD files are so large
A simple DWG floor plan of a house can already be 10–50MB. A complete BIM model (Revit RVT) of a commercial building project quickly grows to 500MB–2GB. Add xref files, renders and accompanying documentation, and you are easily above 3GB.
The problem with email and FTP
Email accepts a maximum of 25MB. FTP servers require technical knowledge from the recipient and are not always available to clients or contractors. USB sticks by post are slow and insecure.
Cloud platforms such as Google Drive or OneDrive work, but require the recipient to have an account and the files to be shared manually — which is awkward for external parties such as contractors, consultants or clients.
A common problem: "I want to quickly send a DWG file to the contractor, but it is too large for email and he does not have Dropbox."
The simplest solution
Upload the CAD file via share2file.com, copy the download link and send it by email or WhatsApp. The recipient clicks the link and downloads the file straight away — no account, no installation.
- 1 Pack all CAD files together into a ZIP archive (handy for projects with several drawings).
- 2 Upload via share2file.com — free up to 3GB, up to 20GB with a one-off payment.
- 3 Choose the storage period: 24 hours for a quick handover, or 7–30 days if the recipient needs access later.
- 4 Copy the download link and include it in your email instead of the attachment.
Bundling files before sending
CAD projects often involve several files: drawings, xrefs, specifications and renders. It is wise to bundle them before sending.
- → AutoCAD: use "eTransmit" (File → Publish → eTransmit) to automatically package all dependent xref files into a ZIP.
- → Revit: use "Transmit Model" to bundle the RVT file with all linked files.
- → Separate files: select everything in Windows File Explorer, right-click → "Compress to ZIP file".
Tip: ZIP files do not compress CAD data much (DWG is already compressed), but they do give you a single file — handy for the recipient.
When should you use a BIM platform?
For large projects with continuous collaboration between several parties, platforms such as BIMcollab, Autodesk Construction Cloud or Trimble Connect are the better choice. They are designed for version control, issue tracking and real-time collaboration.
But for delivering a final version to a client once, sending a revision to a contractor, or sharing a quote drawing with a new client, a simple upload link is the fastest and cheapest solution.
File formats and file sizes
| Format | Software | Typical size | Free to send? |
|---|---|---|---|
| .dwg / .dxf | AutoCAD | 1–100MB | Yes (≤3GB) |
| .rvt | Revit | 100MB–2GB | Yes (≤3GB) |
| .ifc | Open BIM | 50MB–500MB | Yes (≤3GB) |
| .skp | SketchUp | 10–500MB | Yes (≤3GB) |
| Project ZIP (everything) | — | 1GB–10GB+ | From €2 (up to 10GB) |
Conclusion
For sending CAD files to external parties, a simple upload link is the most practical solution. No account for the recipient, no technical knowledge needed, no monthly costs. Most DWG and IFC files fall within the free 3GB limit. For complete project folders you pay a one-off €2 or €4.