# File sharing for architects and engineers

BIM models, point clouds and drawing sets are far over email limits, and tender issues must reach the right bidders and no one else.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/file-sharing-for-architects-and-engineers · Updated 2026-10-13_

**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 | PDF | 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](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/file-size-limits-by-app) table, checked against each service's help pages.

## A workflow that works

1. **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.
2. [Upload](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/) the package. For a tender, tick **Require an NDA before download** if the project is confidential.
3. 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.
4. Set **Close the link at** to the tender deadline.
5. 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**](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/?for=architects): 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.