How to Use Plot Style in AutoCAD 2025?

Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD

Plot styles in AutoCAD are essential properties that dictate how objects are printed. These styles, which can be assigned to individual objects or across entire layers, influence various aspects of the printed output such as color, lineweight, and dither effect. This allows users to achieve a consistent look while enhancing the quality and clarity of their printed documents.

Creating a Plot Style Table

To begin utilizing plot styles, first, create a plot style table:

1. Access the Plot Style Manager through the File menu.
2. Select the Create Plot Style Table option and choose between a named (STB) or color-based (CTB) style.
3. Follow the prompts to define your new plot styles, specifying properties like color, line thickness, and dither options.
4. Save the style table upon completion.

This table serves as a framework for organizing and managing your plotting styles within AutoCAD.

Assigning a CTB File

Once your plot style table is ready, assign a CTB file:

1. Open the drawing you wish to modify in AutoCAD.
2. Navigate to the Layout tab you want to set up.
3. Click on File then Page Setup Manager and select Modify.
4. From the Plot Style Table dropdown, choose the CTB file you’re using, such as monochrome.ctb.
5. Ensure the Plot with plot styles option is checked, then click OK to confirm your changes.
6. Proceed to print or create a PDF from your drawing file.

Modifying Plot Styles

To change the properties of an existing plot style, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Application menu and select Print > Edit Plot Style Tables.
2. In the Active Plot Style Table section, pick the style you wish to modify.
3. Click Editor to open the Plot Style Table Editor.
4. Adjust the settings under the Form View tab, making changes to color, lineweight, and other parameters.
5. Click Save & Close when finished.

Applying Plot Styles Across Layouts

If you want to apply a plot style to multiple layouts:

1. Access the Page Setup Manager and click on Modify.
2. Under Plot Style Table (Pen Assignments), choose your plot style.
3. A prompt will appear asking if you want to apply the changes to the current tab only or to all layouts. Make your selection and confirm.

Loading and Importing Plot Styles

To load plot styles into your current AutoCAD session:

1. Go to the Home tab and locate the Properties panel.
2. Click on Plot Style and select a style from the list presented.
3. If you need styles from a different table, adjust the Active Plot Style Table setting and select accordingly.
4. Confirm with OK.

For importing plot styles, do the following:

1. Click on Application menu followed by Print then Manage Plot Styles.
2. Double-click the STB file you wish to modify.
3. Within the Plot Style Table Editor, right-click the plot style to copy.
4. In the Add Plot Style dialog, give the new style a name and hit Save & Close.

Overriding Plot Styles per Object

To override the default plot style for specific objects:

1. Select the desired object(s) within your drawing.
2. Open the Properties palette by clicking on the View tab and selecting Palettes.
3. Locate the Plot Style option and select a different style from the available choices.
4. If needed, choose Other to select styles from an alternate table.

Locating the Plot Style Folder

If you need to find your plot style folder, it’s generally located at:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2025\enu\Plotters\Plot Styles

This is where you can manage and access your various plot style tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CTB and STB plot styles?
CTB files use color-based plotting, where different colors correspond to specific line weights. STB files allow you to define named styles that offer more flexibility in assigning properties regardless of the object’s color.

Can I set different plot styles for different layouts?
Yes, you can assign distinct plot styles for each layout within the same drawing. This feature allows for varied printing needs based on project specifications.

How can I check the current plot style table in AutoCAD?
To check the current plot style table being used in AutoCAD, look at the Page Setup Manager or navigate to the Home tab under the Properties panel where the current plot style will be displayed.