Understanding True Color in AutoCAD
True color in AutoCAD allows you to define color settings using 24-bit color, which can be specified via two primary models: Hue, Saturation, and Luminance (HSL) or Red, Green, and Blue (RGB). This enables a wider range of color representation compared to the traditional indexed colors, allowing for more vibrant and accurate designs.
Steps to Assign True Color in AutoCAD
Accessing the Properties Palette
1. Open your drawing file in AutoCAD.
2. Select the object or entities you wish to modify to true color.
3. Type “PROPERTIES” into the command line and hit Enter, or right-click and choose ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
Choosing the True Color Option
1. In the Properties palette, navigate to the “Color” setting.
2. Click on the color box next to “Color” to open the color selection dialog.
Switch to True Color Tab
1. In the color selection dialog, locate the tabs at the top.
2. Click on the “True Color” tab to switch from the indexed color options.
Selecting Your Desired Color
1. Here, you can either specify a color value using the RGB values (0 to 255) for Red, Green, and Blue.
2. Alternatively, you can use the HSL model to define Hue, Saturation, and Luminance values, ensuring your design’s colors meet your exact requirements.
3. Once you have entered your values, click “OK” to confirm your selection.
Applying the Changes
1. The selected entities will now reflect the true color you specified.
2. If you have multiple entities with different colors that you want to change to true color, repeat the process for each selected object.
Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD
If you are experiencing issues with colors during plotting, be sure to check your plot style configurations. When using named plot styles, ensure the correct Plot Style Table (STB or CTB) is applied, as AutoCAD may interpret true colors differently based on the style settings. This can lead to unexpected output if the desired settings are not enforced properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of using true color in AutoCAD?
True color provides a more precise and extensive color palette that can enhance visual representation in designs. It allows for better differentiation between elements and more accurate reproduction of colors during printing or plotting.
2. Can I convert indexed colors to true colors in my drawings?
Yes, you can convert indexed colors to true colors. You would follow the same process for each entity as described above, changing the color setting from indexed to true color manually.
3. What should I do if my true color isn’t printing correctly?
Ensure that you are using the correct plot style that supports true color. Check your Page Setup and confirm that the “Display Plot Styles” checkbox is set appropriately and that the selected plot style table accommodates true colors for proper output.
