AutoCAD

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How to Add New Plot Style in AutoCAD 2020?

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Introduction to Plot Styles in AutoCAD

AutoCAD uses plot styles to control how objects are printed or plotted. These styles can significantly influence the appearance of your drawings by determining factors like color and line weights. Two main types of plot style tables exist: CTB (Color-dependent plot styles) and STB (Named plot styles). This guide focuses on how to add a new plot style in AutoCAD 2025.

Steps to Add a New Plot Style

Step 1: Open the Plot Style Manager

  1. Launch AutoCAD 2025 and prepare your drawing.
  2. Navigate to the Application Menu located in the upper-left corner of the interface.
  3. From the dropdown, select Print, then click on Manage Plot Styles. This action will open the Plot Style Manager.

Step 2: Add a New Plot Style Table

  1. In the Plot Style Manager, find the option to Add Plot Style Table.
  2. Select Add or Edit Plot Style Table from the dialog box that appears.
  3. Choose New to create a new plot style table and follow the prompts to name your style appropriately (for example, "MyCustomPlot").

Step 3: Configure Your Plot Style Settings

  1. Once you have added the new plot style table, double-click on it to open the Plot Style Table Editor.
  2. In the Form View tab, you will see a list of existing plot styles. Here, you can configure the settings for your new style:
    • Adjust color settings, line weights, and other attributes as needed.
    • To create a new plot style within the table, right-click in the list area and select Add Plot Style. Name the new style.
    • Modify its properties according to your preferences.

Step 4: Save Changes

  1. After configuring the settings to your satisfaction, click Save & Close within the Plot Style Table Editor.
  2. Ensure that your new plot style table becomes the active style by selecting it from the list in the Plot Style Manager.

Step 5: Apply the Plot Style in Your Drawing

  1. To use your new plot style, go back to your drawing.
  2. Type PLOT into the command line and hit Enter to open the Plot dialog.
  3. From the Plot Style Table drop-down menu, select your newly created plot style.
  4. Adjust any additional settings as necessary and click OK or Print to complete the process.

FAQ

What are the advantages of using STB over CTB?
STB plot styles allow for more flexibility since you can name and assign styles to individual layers or objects, offering a greater level of control over your drawing’s appearance compared to CTB, which relies on color.

Can I convert a CTB file to an STB file?
Yes, AutoCAD provides a conversion tool to help users convert CTB files to STB files. This can typically be found within the Plot Style Manager options.

Where do I find missing plot styles?
If you’re unable to view a specific plot style, it’s possible that the file isn’t located in the correct directory. In the Options dialog box, under the Files tab, you can check the Plot Style Table Search Path to confirm that your plot styles are stored in the designated folders.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.