How To Print Grey In AutoCAD?

Understanding Grayscale Printing in AutoCAD

Printing in grayscale is essential for certain types of presentations and documentation, where color is not only unnecessary but can be distracting. AutoCAD offers a straightforward method for configuring your prints to be in grayscale. Below are the detailed steps to achieve this.

Step-by-Step Guide to Printing in Grayscale

Follow these steps to print in grayscale in AutoCAD:

1. Access the Application Menu: Start by clicking on the Application menu located at the top-left corner of your AutoCAD interface.
2. Navigate to Print: Look for the “Print” option and select “Manage Plot Styles” to proceed to the plot style settings.
3. Select Your Plot Style Table: In the Manage Plot Styles window, locate the plot style table file you intend to modify. Double-click on it to open the Plot Style Table Editor.
4. Modify the Plot Style: In the Plot Style Table Editor, switch to the Form View tab. Here, identify the plot style you wish to adjust. Change the setting to “Grayscale” to enable grayscale printing.
5. Activate or Deactivate Grayscale: Once selected, you will have an option to toggle between “On” or “Off” for grayscale printing. Ensure you select “On.”
6. Save Your Changes: After making the necessary adjustments, click on “Save & Close” to finalize your changes.

Adjusting Layer Colors to Grayscale in AutoCAD

If you want your layers to appear in grayscale during printing, you can manually set their colors. Here’s how:

1. Open the Layers Palette: Use the shortcut LAYER to open the Layers palette.
2. Select Layers: You can either click on each layer or use CTRL+A to select all layers at once.
3. Edit Color Settings: In the VP Color column, click on one of the color boxes. This opens a dialog box where you can change the layer color.
4. Choose Grayscale: Select “Black” or a light gray color (e.g., color 250) to achieve the desired grayscale effect.

Changing Print Color Settings

To ensure your prints reflect the desired color settings (or lack thereof), follow this procedure:

1. Open the Print Dialog: After selecting the printer, click on “Properties” to adjust the printing preferences.
2. Access Device Settings: Navigate to “Device and Document Settings” and click on “Custom Properties,” then select “Setup.”
3. Select Color Options: In the color options, you will find a toggle for selecting between color and black/white. Make your selection accordingly, and don’t forget to save your changes.

Printing Xrefs in Grayscale

When dealing with external references (Xrefs), you may want them to appear grayed out on your prints. This can be done via the Layer Manager:

1. Open Layer Manager: Set the filter to “XREF Layer” to specifically target Xref layers.
2. Change Colors: Assign a light gray color to these layers. Make sure that the Xref geometry was drawn with the color set to “ByLayer” for this effect to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I ensure my print style settings are saved for future use?
To save your plot style settings, make sure to save the configuration in the Plot Style Manager. Label it appropriately for easy reference later.

2. Can I use a custom plot style for grayscale printing?
Yes, you can create or modify a custom plot style that is specifically designed for grayscale printing. Just ensure that it is selected before you print.

3. What should I do if my prints still come out in color after following these steps?
If your prints are still in color, double-check the settings in both the Plot Style Table and the print dialog. Ensure that “Display Plot Styles” is checked in Page Setup.