How to Transfer Drawing Files Between Computers

Can you transfer drawing files in AutoCAD between computers?

Yes, you can transfer drawing files in AutoCAD between computers. Transferring files between computers can be easy, however, the process of transferring AutoCAD drawing files involves more than just transferring the DWG file. AutoCAD drawings often rely on additional files like external references (Xrefs), custom settings (CTB files), and project-specific data (such as Preference Sets). If these files are not included in the transfer, you might encounter issues when you try to open or work on the drawing on the other computer.

To effectively transfer drawing files between computers, you must use AutoCAD's support tools or manually gather all the related files. Below are the steps to transfer AutoCAD drawing files between computers without errors.

How to transfer drawing files between computers

Follow the steps below whenever you need to transfer drawing files between 2 PCs, such as your office, home computer, or laptop. We'll call the computer you're working on "the first computer" and the other one "the second computer". The process is the same on both computers.

Step 1. Save and Package the Files

Use AutoCAD's support tools or manually gather all related files, including the DWG file, Xrefs, CTB files, and any other files associated with the drawing. Some tools can automate this process and package everything into a single zip file for easy transfer. For example, Land F/X. here's how you can save and package the files using Land F/X:

• Open the Support tool, go to the F/X Admin ribbon, click the Support flyout, or type "PTechSupport" in the Command line.

• You will be prompted with the question: "Copy the DWG to the Desktop so it can be uploaded to the Technical Support team?" Click "Yes" to copy the drawing file and all related data to the desktop.

• After copying, you may see a message stating, "This drawing contains custom objects that are not supported in previous versions." Simply click "Close" to proceed.

• A message will appear confirming that a zip file named "LandFX Export.zip" has been saved on your desktop. This file includes your drawing, project data, Preference Set, CTB file, and any attached Xrefs.

Step 2. Transfer the Files

Once all the required files are packaged, you can transfer them to the other computer. There are various methods available, but AnyViewer is highly recommended. It's an excellent PC-to-PC remote file transfer tool for transferring files remotely between computers. Regardless of the distance, you can transfer files as if you were sitting right in front of the other computer. Follow these simple steps to transfer drawing files between computers free using AnyViewer:

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on both computers.

Step 2. Log into AnyViewer on both devices using the same credentials.

Step 3. On the second computer, select the first computer from the list and click "File Transfer."

Step 4. In the file transfer manager, locate your zip file, select it, and click the arrow to start the transfer.

Why Choose AnyViewer:

• Fast Transfers: Enjoy speeds of up to 10 MB/s for quick file movement.
• Efficient Management: Transfer multiple files at once with up to 5 concurrent threads.
• Unlimited Transfers: Move as many files as needed, all at once.
• Large File Support: Easily transfer files up to 1 TB in size.

Step 3. Open the Files on the New Computer

After transferring the zip file to the second computer, extract the files and open the drawing in AutoCAD. Be sure that the second computer has all the same settings, such as CTB files and Preference Sets, to avoid any discrepancies.

Step 4. Keep Everything Synced

If you're working on multiple computers, you may want to repeat the process regularly to ensure that your work is always up to date on all devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, transferring drawing files between computers is straightforward if you ensure all related files, such as DWG, Xrefs, and CTB files, are included in the transfer. Using AutoCAD's support tools or third-party software like AnyViewer simplifies the process. With its fast transfer speeds, file management capabilities, and support for large files, AnyViewer is an excellent choice for seamless and efficient file transfers. Just remember to sync your files regularly to keep your work updated across all devices.