How architects and engineers send CAD and BIM files
Architectural and engineering projects consist of many interlinked files rather than single documents. They have to be delivered as a complete set, with the structure intact and a record of what was handed over and when.
Why the set matters more than the file
A CAD drawing references external files, and a BIM model carries linked models, families, and textures. Sending one file without its references produces a document that cannot be opened correctly.
That is why delivery should preserve the folder structure rather than flatten it.
Delivering documentation
- Collect the full project set, including references and linked models.
- Keep the original folder structure.
- Add a plain-text summary of what the delivery contains and which revision it is.
- Upload the whole folder.
- Set an expiration that covers the construction phase, not just the review.
- Share the link with the client, the contractor, or the authority.
Typical volumes
Free transfers cover 20 GB, Pro raises it to 250 GB, and Enterprise removes the limit for large infrastructure projects.
| Delivery | Typical size |
|---|---|
| Drawing set as PDF | Under 500 MB |
| Full CAD project | 1 to 10 GB |
| BIM model with linked models | 5 to 40 GB |
| Project documentation including visualisations | 20 GB and above |
Revisions and traceability
- a shared folder per project, with one folder per revision
- read and write access for the design team, read only for the client
- a transfer log recording what was delivered and when
- long or no expiration, because construction outlives most link lifetimes
In a dispute about what was handed over, a record of deliveries is worth more than recollection.
FAQ
How do I send a large BIM model?
Upload the whole folder with its linked models and share the link. Pro allows 250 GB per transfer and Enterprise removes the limit.
How do I make sure references are not lost?
Send the complete folder structure rather than individual files, and include a summary of what the set contains.
How long should project documentation stay available?
For the duration of the construction phase at least, which is why storage or transfers without expiration are more suitable than short-lived links.
Summary
CAD and BIM deliveries must arrive as complete, structured sets that stay available for the life of the project. Folder-level transfers preserve references, shared folders handle revisions, and the transfer log provides the record that construction projects eventually need.