How to Add Plot Style in AutoCAD 2017?

Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD

Plot styles in AutoCAD define how your drawings will be printed or plotted. There are two primary types of plot styles: Color-dependent plot styles (CTB) and Style-dependent plot styles (STB). Knowing how to manage these styles is essential for achieving precise and consistent results in your designs.

Adding a Plot Style in AutoCAD 2017

To add a plot style in AutoCAD 2017, follow these detailed steps:

1. Open the Plot Style Manager:

   • Navigate to the application menu located at the top left.
   • Select Print, then choose Manage Plot Styles from the dropdown menu. This action opens the Plot Style Manager window.

2. Access Existing Styles:

   • In the Plot Style Manager, you will see a list of existing CTB and STB files. Locate the file to which you want to add your new plot style.

3. Editing an Existing Plot Style Table (if necessary):

   • Double-click on the STB file if you wish to edit an existing plot style. Alternatively, right-click on the file and select Open from the context menu. This will launch the Plot Style Table Editor.

4. If Adding a New Plot Style:

   • Within the Plot Style Table Editor, go to the Form View tab.
   • Here, right-click in the plot styles list and select Add Plot Style. This action opens a dialog box where you can create a new plot style.

5. Naming Your New Style:

   • Enter a distinctive name for your new plot style in the dialog box, then click OK to save it. Your new plot style will now appear in the list.

6. Configuring Plot Style Properties:

   • Select the newly created plot style from the list. You can specify various attributes such as color, line type, and screening options that will dictate how elements in your drawing will appear when plotted.

7. Save Your Changes:

   • Once you have made all necessary adjustments, click Save & Close in the Plot Style Table Editor to ensure your changes are retained.
8. Assigning the Plot Style to Your Drawing:
   • Open the drawing you wish to modify and select the layout tab.
   • Click on File, then Page Setup Manager, and choose Modify.
   • In the Plot Style Table dropdown, select your new plot style from the list.
   • Ensure that the box labeled Plot with plot styles is checked, and click OK to apply your changes.

Accessing Plot Styles in AutoCAD 2025

To locate your plot styles in AutoCAD 2025:

1. Click on the application menu and choose Options.
2. In the Options dialog box, navigate to the Files tab.
3. Expand the Printer Support File Path and look for Plot Style Table Search Path to see where the software looks for plot style files.

Troubleshooting Missing Plot Styles

If you encounter issues with missing CTB files, consider the following:

• Ensure that the current drawing is not set to use an STB file. In cases where a drawing is configured to use an STB file, CTB files will not be recognized.

• Check the settings in the Layout tab of your drawing, ensuring that your desired plot style is selected correctly.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use both CTB and STB plot styles in the same drawing?
No, you can only use one type of plot style at a time in a given drawing. A drawing must be explicitly set to either CTB or STB.

Q2: How can I export plot styles to share with others?
You can easily share your plot style files by navigating to their location on your computer and copying the CTB or STB files you wish to share.

Q3: How do I revert to default plot styles if I’m not satisfied with my changes?
To revert to default settings, you can access the Plot Style Manager and either restore a backup of the default styles or reset the settings for the affected styles.