AutoCAD/LT for MAC: FAQ

Are you curious about the MAC version of AutoCAD/LT? Or a current user looking for basic answers? This blog post will attempt to answer the most common questions you might have about this Apple OS based software (This is not an April Fools post).

• Where is the Ribbon?
  The MAC version of AutoCAD/LT has an Apple-base user interface that reflects Autodesk's complete rewrite of the program from the ground up. They chose not to implement a Microsoft Windows interface for this new variant: they probably still remember the backlash when, back in the day, AutoCAD for DOS' interface was used on Mac, Unix and Sun workstations much to the dismay of core users of those systems. Other visual differences:
  - All toolbars are accumulated in Tool Sets palette with the ability to switch between tabs with sets of icons.
  - All UI elements could be either floating or docked to the sides of the screen (Tool Sets to the left or to the right: Layers, Properties, Content, References, Projects, Materials palettes to the left or to the right side; Command window and Status Bar to the bottom side).

• Will I be able to share DWG and DXF files between the Windows and Mac versions of AutoCAD?
  Yes. And it requires no special effort or any change. Just send and receive your files freely.

• Is there an AutoCAD/LT for MAC book to learn the program?
  There are two publications: Mastering AutoCAD for MAC and One Step At A Time, plus an AutoCAD 2015 For Interior Designers book that tries to straddle both Windows and Mac versions. There are also many YouTube video tutorials and how-tos that can help you learn the program.

• I want to import my custom CUIx file from AutoCAD for Windows to the MAC version, how do I do that?
  Unfortunately there is no such feature in AutoCAD for Mac. You cannot import personal CUI file from PC to Mac.
  If you want to transfer your custom commands or macros from PC to Mac, you need to do this manually with the CUI editor. Note: not all functions are available in the Mac versions and some custom commands (macros) may not work in AutoCAD/LT for Mac.

• Can I import and use plot style tables (STB or CTB) from AutoCAD in Windows?
  Yes you can: place your plot style table file in the "~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCADversion/Rxx.x/enu/Plotters/Plot Styles" (Library folder in your Home folder); after that it should appear in "Advanced" dialog box of "Page Setup" dialog (or "Print" dialog). You can also try this method HERE.

• How do I create a new plot style table file in the MAC versions of AutoCAD/LT?Not an option yet: AutoCAD/LT for Mac has no plot style creator/editor available.
  Either ask a Windows version user to create/edit one for you, or use THIS free cad software for mac that allows you to edit CTB and STB.

• How do I change my DWG file from using STB to using CTB (or vice versa) plot style tables?
  Unlike AutoCAD/LT in Windows, AutoCAD/LT for MAC have no CONVERTPSTYLES or  CONVERTCTB commands to convert named plot styles to color plot styles (or vice versa) "on the fly".
  But there is workaround - if you want to convert STB-based DWG to CTB-based:
  1. Create new drawing using CTB-based template
  2. Copy all objects from your STB-based file and paste it into this new file.
  3. Reverse the process for moving from CTB to STB.

• How do I add custom or extra fonts to AutoCAD/LT for MAC?
  If these are AutoCAD SHX fonts, than you need to place them inside AutoCAD application folder: find the AutoCAD/LT application in Applications folder on your Mac, right-click on it, select "Show package contents" from context menu. Now type SHX in the Spotlight search field of the current Finder window, then look for the SHX folder in search results, double click to open it. Here you can copy your font files. Restart AutoCAD and now you can use fonts.
  If your fonts are TTF, than you need to place them to the ~/Library/Fonts folder, and don't forget to restart AutoCAD/LT.

• Can I create PDF files in AutoCAD/LT for MAC? There is no AutoCAD driver installed.
  Yes, you can save (plot) or export to PDF without adding any drivers: the MAC OS is equipped with it by default and is available to all MAC OS programs, explore HERE. Note that there are currently no options to include Layer lists into the PDF.

• Where are the Express Tools in AutoCAD for MAC?
  There are no Express Tools in AutoCAD for MAC, nor in LT for MAC.

• How do I change command shortcuts in the MAC version? Is there a PGP file to edit?
  Click the Tools menu > Customize > Edit Command Aliases (PGP). Note: The default PGP file can also be opened by launching Finder, pressing and holding Option, and clicking Go  Library. In the Finder window, navigate to Application Support/Autodesk/Roaming////Support and double-click acad.pgp (or acadlt.pgp for AutoCAD LT) to edit the file. If prompted for an application to use, select TextEdit.
  In the text editor, add your new command aliases to the bottom of the file. Save the PGP file after you make the desired edits.
  In AutoCAD or the AutoCAD LT, click Tools menu  Customize  Reload Command Aliases (PGP).
  Alternate Method: Find the acadlt.pgp file on your Mac: it is in ~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCAD LT Standdalone/Rxx.0/enu/Support folder, then edit it in Textedit.app as described in Help documentation (Help->Customization Guide->Basic Customization->Create Command Aliases.

• Pressing the F-Keys like F3 and F8 don't work? Delete key doesn't work?
  On a MAC you have to press and hold the fn key first to activate those keys: fn+F3, fn+F8, fn+DELETE activate these keyboard keys while in AutoCAD/LT for MAC.
  For a permanent fix, go to the MAC OS System Preferences > Keyboard >Keyboard and check "Use all F1, F2, etc keys as standard . . . ". You can check the other box for "Show Keyboard & Character Viewers in Menu Bar" so you can jump right to this preferences pane from the Menu bar and change it. While Standard F1 keys is checked, you can hold fn to go back to the special functions (volume control, brightness, etc).

• I can't find any option for Layer States in my AutoCAD/LT for MAC, why?
  You need to upgrade to AutoCAD/LT2015 for MAC for that ability: older versions offer an older subset using -LAYER command (there is a dash in the name) that is not quite as advanced.

• Can I create and use Dynamic Blocks in AutoCAD/LT for MAC?
  Yes, starting with the 2015 versions you can create and edit Dynamic Blocks. In earlier versions, creating them was not an option.

• Does AutoCAD/LT for MAC support Retina Displays?
  According to Autodesk, Retina support works as designed only if you set resolution in Mac OS System preferences to "Best for display", which means effective desktop resolution of the standard 15-inch MacBook Pro's 1440 x 900 panel, but with four physical pixels driving every single pixel represented on the screen.

• There is no eTransmit command: how do I send drawing files to others from the MAC version?
  While that is true for older MAC versions of AutoCAD/LT, you can set up a free AutoCAD360 web account and ships it like THIS to solve it. eTransmit is available in current versions.

• Where can I download language packs for AutoCAD/LT for MAC?
  To date there are no language packs for any version of AutoCAD/LT for MAC 2015 and lower versions. MAC versions of AutoCAD/LT are only available in English and French.

• Can I set the mouse middle button in the MAC versions to behave like the Windows version?
  Yes you can, read this AutoCAD Forum thread on the topic HERE.

• What other commands are missing from AutoCAD/LT for MAC that are found in the Windows versions?
  The following core commands do not exist on the MAC versions as of this blog date: CHSPACE, Geolocation and ADCENTER (Content Palette has some similar, but not all, abilities) are a few of the differences, for more details explore these links for AUTOCAD and LT.

• Ready to get started? Still not sure?
  Visit this Lynda.com webpage for quick short tutorials to help your Migration From Windows To MAC with AutoCAD/LT. You can also review the AutoCAD/LT Shortcuts Guide ONLINE or as a downloadable PDF.

I would like to thank my fellow Autodesk Expert Elite Maxim Kanaev for his many posts at the Autodesk Forums that made this blog post possible. ◦

AutoCAD/LT for MAC: FAQ

Twitter Posts Revisited

Below is a summary of topics we covered recently on Twitter. Click on the links at the end of each topic and explore the command or feature in more detail in AutoCAD/LT's HELP.

• TEXTFILL command controls the filling of TrueType fonts while plotting http://dld.bz/as89N
• TABLETOOLBAR commands controls the display of the Table toolbar http://dld.bz/as89D
• TABLEINDICATOR controls the display of row numbers and column letters when the In-Place Text Editor is open for editing a table cell.
• User's Guide: Trim or Extend Objects http://dld.bz/as89p
• TRANSPARENCY controls whether background pixels in an image are transparent or opaque http://dld.bz/as89g
• TPNAVIGATE command displays a specified tool palette or palette group http://dld.bz/as88g
• TINSERT command inserts a block in a table cell http://dld.bz/as88b
• LT2012: TIMELINE provides access to previous versions of the AutoCAD WS online copy of the current drawing http://dld.bz/as87X
• TEXTTOFRONT brings text and dimensions in front of all other objects in the drawing http://dld.bz/as87F
• TASKBAR controls whether multiple open drawings are displayed separately or grouped on the Windows taskbar http://dld.bz/as87A .

You can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.
Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week
Do you use Pinterest? We pin our favorite AutoCAD/LT news/tips/reviews/Op-Ed webpages to share with all of you at http://pinterest.com/pendeaninc/pins/

 

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Twitter Posts Revisited

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 10

Below are posts from fellow AutoCAD users with tips that are of equal use to LT users. Explore each link and start being more productive tomorrow.

• VMichl tip: The login name of the last "editor" of a DWG drawing is displayed in DWGPROPS command (Last saved in the Statistics tab).
• Lynn Allen: Don't like the way #AutoCAD grips your centered MTEXT? Try setting CENTERMT to 1. (the Center grip will stay in place)
• Jeff Bartels: Assign table cells an RGB 255,255,255 (white) fill color to always hide everything behind the table.
• bcbenton: Can’t Detach an AutoCAD Reference File http://ow.ly/1hlZtQ
• Vladimir Michl: New CAD tip: How to set the Select objects mode for the Hatch command? http://bit.ly/yGCm5l
• Edwin Prakoso: Do you need to copy and trim objects within a boundary? See this AutoCAD tip how to do it quickly! http://cad-notes.com/2012/02/how-to-trim-and-copy-objects-within-a-boundary/
• R.K. McSwain: Copy between #AutoCAD drawings without using Cut & Paste http://bit.ly/zOYU6C
• Works in LT “@cadpanacea: #AutoCAD tip -- double click the wheel to Zoom Extents”
• Vladimir Michl: New CAD tip: How to lock layers without changing their color? http://bit.ly/wAOa0n
• An LT Table tip to explore “@VMichl: New CAD tip: How to wrap a long parts list to multiple columns? http://bit.ly/Az5369”
• bcbenton: AutoCAD – Color Change – WHY? http://ow.ly/1h4I2t
• LT2012 tip “@JeffBartels: Paste text from other apps into MTEXT? Right-click & choose "Paste Special" to remove formatting on insertion.”

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE http://twitter.com/#!/LTisACAD.
Do you use @pinterest? We pin our favorite AutoCAD/LT news/tips/reviews/Op-Ed webpages to share with all of you at http://pinterest.com/pendeaninc/pins/

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AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 10

AutoCAD LT 2013 Info and Tips

• Still using Vista? Better read this http://bit.ly/AeP8Jw
• Jimmy Bergmark‏ System Requirements for AutoCAD 2013: AutoCAD 2013 is soon to be released and now the System… http://goo.gl/fb/nwyrg
• Autodesk Labs Scott‏ Try AutoCAD LT 2013 without downloading anything http://dlvr.it/1N9nNn
• Lynn Allen‏ Set new system variable in #AutoCAD 2013 - WIPEOUTFRAME to 2. Wipeout frames will display but not print!
• Jeff Bartels‏ AutoCAD 2013 Tip: When finished revising MTEXT, press Ctrl+Enter to dismiss the editor.
• Jeff Bartels‏ AutoCAD 2013 Tip: Use Annotation Monitor toggle in Status Bar to identify non-associative dims/leaders. Click "!" icons to reassociate.
• Jimmy Bergmark‏ AutoCAD 2013 New Commands: In AutoCAD 2013 I have found these new commands. New commands… http://goo.gl/fb/6fQHp
• AUGI: AUGIWorld April 2012 - What's New in Autodesk 2013 Products - http://bit.ly/zA9b4R
• Autodesk‏ Exciting news for Google Drive users: Chrome Store apps @pixlr and #AutoCADWS have Drive integration: http://autode.sk/IptVZP via @LATimes
• AutoCAD LT‏ 2013Updated Command Line http://bit.ly/J7pEaQ
• CAD Clues‏ New Post: 3 Things You Need to Know Before Installing AutoCAD 2013 http://cadclues.blogspot.com/2012/04/3-things-you-need-to-know-before.html #AutoCAD #Autodesk #Autodesk360 #Autocad2013
• Jeff Bartels‏ AutoCAD 2013 Tip: Use Ctrl+Shift+L to add previously selected objects to current selection set.
• Vladimir Michl‏ New CAD tip: Localization of Autodesk 2013 products using "Language ... http://bit.ly/JeDWWv
• Autodesk Care‏ http://autode.sk/HGHYLi Looking to purchase or already own AutoCAD LT 2013? Mac and Windows users can now unite #autodesktip
• Robert Green @Cadalyst says, “you need to explore Autodesk's new cloud solution, it will change the way we use AutoCAD” http://bit.ly/Ioj2dm
• Kate Morrical‏ Customization Sync in AutoCAD LT 2013 http://bit.ly/ImaY89

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AutoCAD LT 2013 Info and Tips

AutoCAD LT for MAC: is it enough?

This is AutoCAD LT running in Apple's Desktop/Laptop Operating System, and you can purchase it right now from the Apple Apps Store (North America only for now): that's the power LT has at Autodesk, their best selling Windows application, is now readily available to all Mac users.

AutoCAD LT for Mac is, much like its Windows sibling, AutoCAD with no support for LISP or 3D modelling or rendering, and no Network Licensing. It concentrates on the 2D functionality required for drafting and documentation.

AutoCAD LT for Mac follows common native Mac application user interface guidelines (read: No Ribbon), with a familiar Apple menu bar together with a number of workflow-based palettes. It also supports native Mac OS X Lion behavior, including Cover Flow navigation and Multi-Touch gestures, Visual Quickview, Layout Visor, and Cocoa-centric collapsible and dockable Palette System.

So what else is new? This is LT2012 for Mac, and except for the interface, it should be an identical experience, with almost identical commands and features. Work faster with the 2012 productivity tools and enhancements such as multi-functional grips, command line autocomplete, Associative Array, Multi-Function Grips (for more entities), Nudge objects with ctrl+ Arrow keys , Group Enhancements, and Hatch and Mleader enhancement. and more. Watch this VIDEO demonstration.

But, and these are important to many serious drafters, there are some missing LT2012 features compared to the Windows version:

• Sheet Set Manager (a Batch Publish command is available as a substitute).
• Migration tools (it is Version 1 for Mac, and you cannot migrate any LT for Windows content).
• eTransmit Command (you have to share files old-school style, by hunting and searching).
• CUI Import and Export (you got a great menu but you can't share parts of it with your colleagues).
• CUI Workspaces (true drafters get this one).
• Table style editing (Hope your LT for Windows buddy is generous with their time).
• Dynamic Block authoring (who needs the greatest enhancements to the old blocks anyway).
• PDF and DWF Underlays (hope your partners are good at sharing DWG files).
• Filter and Quick Select commands (you cannot custom sort or select objects easily).
• Hyperlinks.
• New layer notification.
• Layer State Manager (Fundamental layer state operations can still be performed using the stAte option in the -LAYER command)
• Layer Filters (a great tool for those that use Xrefs or have many layers, but not here)
• Most of the Layer Tools (LAYCUR, LAYDEL, LAYON, LAYTHW, LAYMCH, LAYMRG, LAYWALK, LAYVPI commands are not available: think LT2006)
• Creating or opening password-protected drawings from AutoCAD for Windows.
• DGN underlay (limits collaboration).
• WMF import/export
• DesignCenter (the equivalent in AutoCAD for Mac is the Content Palette)
• Tool palettes (the equivalent in AutoCAD for Mac is the Content Palette)
• Quick Properties palette (the AutoCAD for Mac property palette has “Essential” and “All” views). And if you are hoping to reuse that Digitizer tablet, Digitizer integration has been dropped.

There is also an inexplicable flaw: Command auto-completion may offer commands that are not currently defined or available in LT for Mac 2012.

There are no issues with DWG format: you can share your files with anyone in Windows, and they can share their files with you. 100% compatible, and they mean it.

Command keyboard shortcuts are a little different thatn Windows: see this LINK for details. Yu can define your own with the following PROCEDURE.

Due to the restrictions of the App Store, there is no trial version of AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac. If you want to try before you buy, your current only choice is get the 30-day free version of AutoCAD for Mac, then make sure you fully read the comparison matrix before you go get AutoCAD LT.

Check out ths FAQ file for bare-minimum system requirements (that's code for it-will-run but you may hate it). FOr the most part, ensure your Apple/MAC is no more than two years old and not the "value" line that is as hobbled as low end Windows PCs from storefront stores.

Explore this new LT variant at the Autodesk WIKIHELP website and soon on YOUTUBE (if you are not on an Apple/Mac of course). Like the full version of AutoCAD for MAC 2012, the missing commands and features combined with the full price/cost of each makes this version a challenge to enthusiastically recommend to professional drafters familiar with AutoCAD/LT. If you are an Apple/MAC devotee, and a true drafting/designing CAD user, I suggest you do not ignore purchasing LT for Windows and running it with Windows Emulation in your MAC. ◦

AutoCAD LT for MAC: is it enough?

Work with AutoCAD Drawings in AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT offers full compatibility when working with AutoCAD drawings. However, you should understand how AutoCAD LT handles AutoCAD-only features.

• Work with Fields: In AutoCAD, you can insert LispVariables fields, which are not available in AutoCAD LT. However, the drawings created in AutoCAD that contain LispVariables can be opened without errors in AutoCAD LT, and the cached value is displayed.
• Work with Multiple User Coordinate Systems: In AutoCAD, you can choose to use a different user coordinate system (UCS) in each viewport in a single drawing file. In AutoCAD LT, you can use only one UCS in each drawing file. The AutoCAD LT behavior is the same as it was in previous releases.
• Work with AutoCAD LT 2D and 3D Solid Object Shading: In AutoCAD, visual styles provide shading and wireframe options for objects in the current viewport. AutoCAD LT does not support visual styles. The SHADEMODE command in AutoCAD LT provides only the 2D Wireframe and Hidden options. You can use SHADEMODE in AutoCAD LT to turn off visual styles in viewports that were created in AutoCAD.
• Work with Constraints: You cannot create constraints within AutoCAD LT. With LT, you can View drawings containing constraints created using AutoCAD, plus View and edit the geometric and dimensional constraints.
• Work with Dynamic Blocks: In AutoCAD, you can add new constraint parameters to a dynamic block in the Block Editor. In AutoCAD LT, you can open drawings which include a block definition containing geometric or dimensional constraints or a block properties table but cannot add new parameters to the block definition.
• Modify 3D Point Clouds: You cannot explode, index or attach a point cloud with AutoCAD LT. But you can open drawings created in AutoCAD that contain point clouds.
• Turn Off Perspective View in an AutoCAD Drawing: Set the PERSPECTIVE system variable to 0 to turn off perspective view in an AutoCAD drawing that is open in AutoCAD LT. You cannot turn on perspective view in a drawing that is open in AutoCAD LT.

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Work with AutoCAD Drawings in AutoCAD LT

Did you know...?

• DIMANGULAR command can create angular dimensions larger than 180 degrees by manually selecting the Specify Vertex sub-option (select the intersection, then opposite ends of each of the two angle-lines).
• ALIGN command: Move, Rotate, and Scale Your Object at once, instead of using move, rotate, and scale separately.
• FILLET and CHAMFER commands can be used to join Plines and Lines (and other Plines) together into a single Pline.
• LAYMRG command can also be used to delete Layers without losing any content: Merge with Layer 0 when prompted.
• HYPERLINK command provides a simple and powerful way to quickly associate a variety of documents (such as other drawings, bills of materials, project schedules, a saved-view in the file or another file, access an external file, create an Email message, start a new drawing and more) with a drawing. It can also be used to only add pop-up information to an object without a 'link'.
• Yes, you can access the Ribbon through keyboard shortcuts too: explore HERE.
• More Selection options: QSELECT command Creates a selection set based on filtering criteria.  FILTER command Creates a list of requirements that an object must meet to be included in a selection set. SELECTSIMILAR command Adds similar objects to the selection set based on selected objects.
• Two ways to convert splines to polylines:
  - Run the WMFOUT command, enter a filename, then select the splines. Now erase the spline, and then run the WMFIN command. Use the upper left corner of the viewport as the insertion point, and then scale it 2X. The resulting entity is a POLYLINE.
  - If you save a drawing as R12 DXF format, all splines will be converted to POLYLINE entities.
• TRIM command can be used on more than just Lines and Plines: trim around text objects, trim hatches back to a cutting plane, trim between Hatch-lines, trim an associative Dimension, and trim using a block's entities as cutting planes without exploding the block.
• Match Properties options:
  MATCHPROP command Applies the properties of a selected object to other objects (using MATCHPROP on viewports transfers their visiblity, on/off, locking, and scale). Control what gets matched by using the Settings option for the command.
  LAYMCH command Changes the layer of a selected object to match the destination layer.
• OSOPTIONS command controls whether Osnaps ignore or snap to Hatches.
• PROPERTIES and QUICKPROPERTIES commands can be used to Filter selections into object types.
• Create a Drawing with X,Y Coordinates from Microsoft Excel: tip HERE.
• DIMROTATED command Creates a rotated linear dimension: when you need your dimension string to be at a fixed angle instead of the limitation of DIMALIGNED command.
• ADCENTER command can be used to copy the following between drawing files (or from your template files): Dimension Styles, Layers, Layouts, Linetypes, Multi-Leader Styles, Table Styles and Text Styles.
• Do you have a folder full of blocks, and want them in a Tool Palette? Use ADCENTER command, browse to that folder, right-click and select CREAT TOOL PALETTE.
• Need a list of ALL the AutoCAD variables? Just type SETVAR [enter] then type ? [enter]. Enter once again to see the whole list.
• Transparent commands enable you to make changes or get information without exiting the current command. These are: ABOUT, ADCENTER, ADCLOSE, APERTURE, ATTDISP, BASE, CAL, COLOR, DIMSTYLE, DIST, DRAGMODE, ELEV, FILL, FILTER, GRAPHSCR, GRID, HELP, ID, LAYER, LIMITS, LINETYPE, LWEIGHT, MATCHPROP, OBJECTSCALE, OSNAP, PAN, QTEXT, REDRAW, REDRAWALL, SCALELISTEDIT, SCRIPT, SETVAR, SNAP, SPELL, STYLE, UNITS, and ZOOM. Just add an ' in front of the name if you type it, or click on the appropriate menu or Ribbon icon.

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Did you know...?

Do you need to send DWG files?

In a recent Blog Post HERE, we offered tips and methods of sharing DWG files with others: clients, customers, vendors and contractors among others. But is sending a DWG file necessary?  AutoCAD/LT offeres many commands that create other formats from DWG files (see Export Options), and many recipients may prefer these over a DWG file.

The most common file exchange format in the world is PDF: it's universal, everyone has a free reader installed, and it's easy to view and print. If that's all the functionality your recipient needs, it's the perfect format for them. And you can create the PDF file by using the commands PLOT, PUBLISH, EXPORT or EXPORTPDF from inside AutoCAD/LT.
What if your recipient needs to markup your PDF or add comments? Most PCs are not equipped with such apps, and while a few free PDF Tools exist, they are very basic and do not have many features.

Created by Autodesk, another exchange format has existed for a while and gaining in popularity: DWF (and the Vista/Windows7 friendly DWFx). With the free Autodesk Design Review software, your recipient can not only view your files, but they can add comments, measure distances, and draw over your DWF file to communicate their changes. They can send the file back to you, you can the reference the file and the makups in AutoCAD/LT and edit your file accordingly. If they don't need markup, send DWFx files instead and any Windows Vista or Windows 7 user can view your file with no additional software to install.
Not sure what Windows version they have? All the recipient needs is an internet connection and a link to the Autodesk FREEWHEEL website to open, view and print any DWF file you send.
Or you can upgrade, for free, to the newly announced PROJECT QUICKSHARE: it ts the power in your hands to quickly share design files from anywhere at any time for free. Explore DWF files in real-time using a highly interactive online viewer: View 2D and 3D Design Files Online - Navigate multi-sheet documents, examine properties, hide layers, or review Mark-Up.

What if you need to maintain control of the markups and who accesses the files? And a history of the various comments made by others? AutoCADWS, and internet online secure viewing and reviewing from Autodesk is one solution that works. Pick up a free account HERE, start upload your files from inside AutoCAD/LT 2012 (if you are in a lower AutoCAD version you can do the same from any web browser), invite your clients/consultants, collaborate and markup live and together on the file(s), and save them in the DWG files for access back in AutoCAD/LT. The best thing about AutoCADWS is you  and your recipients do not need to be Windows users: any OS with Web Access, even a smart Phone with the free AutoCAD WS app for iPad, iPhone or Droid phone/Tablet. Explore more desktop customizations HERE.

Sharing files is easier than ever: communicate with your recipient and ask what they prefer to receive and accommodate them the best you can with these free tools. ◦

Do you need to send DWG files?

How do you share DWG files?

One of the easiest and most common ways a typical AutoCAD/LT user shares files is by emailing their DWG file to a recipient. If there are any Referenced files (Xrefs), they are also dropped into the same email message and sent. The recipient, another experienced AutoCAD/LT user with a total understanding of your file structure and with all your custom fonts and shape files, drops each individual file in an identical folder to yours, including the Xrefs, and CAD-life is good for both of you.

The challenge of communicating your intent, file custom content (fonts, shape files etc.) and your filing structure for Xrefs to another user outside the above scenario, especially to a client/customer, needs to be more professionally presented, and more convenient for them (not you) to manage.
AutoCAD/LT can help with ETRANSMIT command: it packages a set of DWG files, and any associated support/dependent files like fonts, plot style tables, all referenced files etc., for transmission and distribution. The command has many features and options:

• Feature: the DWG file you are in is automatically selected.
• Feature: By default, dependent files are automatically included in the transmittal package unless you uncheck them. These include any attached DWG/ DGN/ DWF/ PDF/ DWFx/ Raster external references.
• Option: include other dependent files that are part of your DWG file(s), such as Font Files (SHX and TTF Windows fonts), custom Hatch patterns and linetypes, PMP Plotter model parameter files (used to store configuration information specific to a plotter such as custom paper sizes), OLE objects (linked files) that are linked to files in the drawing are not included in the transmittal package, and CTB/STB plot style tables.
• Option: Choose your final DWG format conversion here, without leaving the command.
• Option: Save Transmittal Setups for your project.
• Option: Package the transmittal package in a ZIP file, in a self-extracting EXE file, or in a folder that is copied to a specified location.
• Option: Specify that the folder structure of the transmitted files be organized in a logical hierarchy, flattened into a single folder, or copied “as is” to the recipient's computer. If you specify an FTP or HTTP destination, the transmittal package uses the single folder option.
• Option: Add password protection to the transmittal package, bind xrefs automatically, set the default plotter to “none,” and other options.
• Explore these and other procedures for ETRANSMIT command through this LINK.

How do you get the content you've just create through ETRANSMIT command? There is that easy-for-you Email attachment option, and assuming the recipient is capable of receiving that large a package, their email server is not set to block your attachment (or deem it Spam and drop it in the wrong folder), your client is expecting it, and confirms receipt of it in a timely fashion, is that the only method to ensure prompt and safe delivery? Explore more about this command HERE.

Online File Sharing is a popular solution: whether your company wishes to host the service on their servers, or an off-site third-party vendor (or your company's Internet Provider/WebHosting service), these offer as limited or as detailed set of features you want. Many allow you to send links to recipients to download the files, or have alerts sent directly to them from watched folders on your server or on remote servers.
FTP is the most popular form for this type of file sharing/delivery system. Many are FREE, others have monthly unlimited files or per-file-count charges and are hosted on secure remote servers. Autodesk, for a per-project price, offers a similar service called BUZZSAW and a free Technology Preview from their Labs, Project Nitrous.

Many popular free and low cost File Sharing services like WIKISEND, YOUSENDIT, BIGUPLOAD, 4SHARED (and MORE), as well as established more permanent online file sharing services like DROPBOX and BOX.net, offer more options including file syncing and even Mobile Device Access.

Options are plenty for sharing and sending files: explore them and create a professional experience for your recipients and clients wit these tools. ◦

How do you share DWG files?