Quick answer: To send a large DWG file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. A drawing set with xrefs is about 100 MB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a DWG file?
DWG is AutoCAD's native drawing format and the most common file type for architectural plans, engineering drawings and building services layouts. Architects, engineers, surveyors and contractors exchange DWGs every day.
A single drawing is often modest in size, but projects rely on external references (xrefs), attached images, PDF underlays, custom fonts and plot styles. Without these the drawing opens incomplete, so a full set can be hundreds of MB or more.
Extensions: .dwg, .dxf.
How big are DWG files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| A single floor plan | about 1 to 10 MB |
| A detailed site plan with survey data and aerial images | roughly 20 to 200 MB |
| A full project set with xrefs, images and underlays | roughly 200 MB to several GB |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send a drawing set with xrefs (about 100 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 | Yes |
| 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.
How to send DWG files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop DWG files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
- Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
- Copy the link (or show the QR code) and send it by chat or email. The recipient downloads the original file, byte for byte.
Tips for sending DWG files
- Use AutoCAD's eTransmit to bundle the drawing with its xrefs, images, fonts and plot styles into one package.
- Tell the recipient which DWG version you saved in, as older AutoCAD versions cannot open newer DWGs.
- Include PDFs of the sheets for anyone who only needs to read the plans.
- Purge and audit drawings before sending to remove unused blocks and layers.
How to open a DWG file
Frequently asked questions
Why are references missing when my DWG is opened elsewhere?
Xrefs, images and underlays are separate files. Package the drawing with eTransmit or send the full project folder.
How can someone view a DWG without AutoCAD?
With Autodesk's free DWG TrueView on Windows, the free Autodesk Viewer in a browser, or the AutoCAD mobile app.
What is the difference between DWG and DXF?
DWG is AutoCAD's native binary format. DXF is an exchange format designed for other CAD programs, and is often larger.
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