Quick answer: Architects and engineers share models and drawing sets from a few hundred MB to tens of GB. Upload to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB per transfer), give each bidder or consultant a personal link so you see exactly who downloaded which issue, add an NDA for confidential tenders, and collect drawings back with a file request. Zip CAD sets with their references so nothing is missing.
Files architects and engineers send, and how big they get
| File | Format | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD drawing | DWG | 1 to 50 MB each; more with xrefs and images |
| Revit model | RVT | 100 MB to over 1 GB |
| BIM exchange model | IFC | 50 MB to several GB |
| Laser-scan point cloud | E57, RCP/RCS, LAS | 1 GB to over 100 GB |
| Drawing set for tender | 20 to 500 MB | |
| Rendering, 4K still | PNG, TIFF, EXR | 20 to 200 MB each |
Can it go by email or chat?
Can you send a Revit model (about 500 MB) as an attachment?
| App | Limit | Fits? |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| Outlook.com | 20 to 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Telegram | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Facebook Messenger | 100 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Discord (free) | 20 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Slack | 1 GB per file | Yes |
| WeTransfer (free) | 3 GB per transfer | Yes |
| Share Large Video Files | 20 GB per transfer | Send the link anywhere |
Limits from our file size limits by app table, checked against each service's help pages.
A workflow that works
- Package it: use eTransmit in AutoCAD (or your CAD tool's pack-and-go) to bundle xrefs, fonts and images; zip Revit models with linked files. Issue PDFs alongside for anyone without the software.
- Upload the package. For a tender, tick Require an NDA before download if the project is confidential.
- On your Transfers page, create a personal link for each bidder or consultant. You see who opened and downloaded, and you can switch off one link without affecting the others.
- Set Close the link at to the tender deadline.
- To collect consultants' drawings, create a Request files link for the project.
Recommended options
| Option (under More options) | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Personal links (Transfers page) | One per bidder or consultant | Know who downloaded; switch one off without breaking the rest |
| Require an NDA before download | On for confidential tenders | A signed record before anyone gets the drawings |
| Close the link at | Tender deadline | Late downloads are not possible |
| Who can open the link | Only emails or domains I list | Keeps drawings within the project team |
| Email me updates | On | Hear when bidders open and download |
Open the upload page with the “Drawings for approval” settings on: the client confirms their email, comments on a sheet or PDF page and approves or asks for changes. 3 downloads each. You can change anything before sending, then press Save current next to Preset to keep your own version for every issue.
Missing xrefs and fonts: the common failure
A DWG sent on its own opens with missing references, images and fonts. eTransmit (or a zipped project folder with relative paths) fixes that. For models, agree the exchange format first: IFC for coordination across software, native RVT only between teams on the same Revit version, since newer Revit files do not open in older versions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I send a large Revit or IFC model?
Zip it with its linked files and upload it (up to 20 GB). The recipient downloads the exact file; nothing is converted.
How can I see which bidders downloaded the tender?
Create a personal link for each bidder on your Transfers page. Opens and downloads are recorded per link.
Why do my DWGs open with missing references?
The xrefs, images or fonts were not sent. Use eTransmit to package the drawing with everything it references.
Can consultants send me their files?
Yes. Create a file request and share the link; they upload without an account.
Ready to send?
Drop your files, get a link, done. Free up to 20 GB — no account needed.
Send with Drawings for approval settings