How to Delete a Plot Style in AutoCAD?

Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD

Plot styles in AutoCAD determine how objects are printed or plotted. These settings dictate various properties such as color, line weight, and linetype, allowing for a customized plotting process based on the specific requirements of your design.

How to Access the Plot Style Manager in AutoCAD

1. Open AutoCAD and navigate to the Application menu.
2. Select Print, then click on Manage Plot Styles.
3. This will open the Plot Style Manager, where you can manage your existing plot styles.

Steps to Delete a Plot Style in AutoCAD

1. Open the Plot Style Manager:

• Start by accessing the Plot Style Manager as described above.

2. Locate the Plot Style You Wish to Delete:

• In the Plot Style Manager, you will see a list of all available plot styles. Identify the one you want to remove.

3. Select the Plot Style:

• Click on the plot style name in the list to highlight it. Ensure you have selected the correct one to avoid unintentional deletions.

4. Delete the Selected Plot Style:

• After selecting the plot style, right-click on the highlighted name. From the context menu, choose Delete.
• Confirm the deletion when prompted. This action will permanently remove the plot style from your library.

5. Save Changes:

• To ensure your changes are effective, close the Plot Style Manager. Your changes should be saved automatically, but it’s good practice to double-check if necessary.

How to Manage Plot Style Files

Accessing the Plot Style Table Location:

1. Navigate to the Options dialog from the Tools menu.
2. Go to the Files tab and locate Printer Support File Path.
3. Under the Plot Style Table Search Path, check the folder where AutoCAD looks for plot style files. You can add or modify this path to organize your plot styles better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to objects assigned to a deleted plot style?

If you delete a plot style that is currently assigned to objects or layers in your drawing, those objects will revert to the default plot style. To avoid inconsistencies, you should reassign these objects to an alternative plot style before deletion.

Can I restore a deleted plot style?

Once a plot style is deleted from the Plot Style Manager, it cannot be restored directly. If you have a backup of the plot style file (CTB or STB), you can re-import it into AutoCAD.

How do I create a new plot style after deletion?

To create a new plot style, access the Plot Style Manager, click on New, and follow the prompts to define the properties you wish to set. This flexibility allows users to tailor their plotting preferences to specific project needs.