AutoCAD

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How to Add in Plot Style in AutoCAD?

by Wei Zhang
4 min read

Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD

Plot styles in AutoCAD are vital for controlling how your drawings are printed. Using the correct plot style ensures that your designs adhere to specific standards and maintain quality during printing. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to adding plot styles in AutoCAD, specifically focusing on Color-dependent Plot Styles (CTB) and Named Plot Styles (STB).

Step-by-Step Process to Add a CTB File in AutoCAD

  1. Start AutoCAD and Load Your Drawing: Open the AutoCAD application and load the drawing file to which you want to add a CTB plot style.

  2. Access Layout Tab: Navigate to the Layout tab at the bottom of the workspace. This is where you’ll configure the plotting settings for your drawing.

  3. Open Page Setup Manager: Go to the menu and choose File, then select Page Setup Manager. This is where you can modify the layout settings for your drawing.

  4. Modify Page Setup: Click on Modify after selecting the desired layout. This will open the Page Setup dialog where you can choose your plot style.

  5. Select a CTB File: In the Plot style table dropdown, find and select the monochrome.ctb file or any other CTB file you wish to apply.

  6. Enable Plot Styles: Ensure that the “Plot with plot styles” checkbox is selected. This will ensure that the settings in your CTB file are applied during plotting.

  7. Finalize the Setup: Click OK to confirm your choices. If you are ready to print, navigate to the Print option and select Create File to generate your PDF or hard copy.

Adding a Plot Style in AutoCAD 2025

  1. Navigate to the Application Menu: Click on the Application menu (the big A in the top left corner) and hover over Print. Then, select Manage Plot Styles from the submenu.

  2. Edit Plot Style Table: Find the STB file that you would like to edit and double-click to open it.

  3. Access the Plot Style Table Editor: This will bring up the Plot Style Table Editor window. Here, you can create a new plot style or modify existing ones.

  4. Creating a New Style: To add a new plot style, right-click in the plot style area and select the option to add a new plot style from the context menu.

  5. Name Your New Plot Style: A dialogue box will prompt you to enter a name for your new plot style. Once completed, click Save & Close to finish the process.

Integrating a CTB File in AutoCAD 2025

  1. Open Plot Style Manager: Access the Plot Style Manager by navigating through the File menu and selecting it directly.

  2. Select and Open the CTB File: In the Plot Style Manager, double-click on the CTB or STB file you wish to work with or right-click and choose Open from the context menu.

  3. Edit the Selected File: Once opened, navigate to the Plot Style Table Editor to modify your CTB file settings.

Finding and Managing Plot Styles

  1. Locate Plot Styles: To find your plot styles, go to the Application menu and select Options. Under the Files tab, you can expand the sections to locate the Printer Support File Path and Plot Style Table Search Path.

  2. Edit the Current Plot Style: If you need to change the current plot style, return to the Application menu, select Print, and then Edit Plot Style Tables. Here, you can modify the active plot style or choose a different one entirely.

  3. Load Available Plot Styles: To load new styles, navigate to the Home tab, and under the Properties panel, select Plot Style. You can then choose from a list of available styles or import new ones if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of a CTB file in AutoCAD?
A CTB file in AutoCAD is used to define color-dependent plot styles. It maps specific colors to certain properties, such as line thickness and print quality, and is essential for maintaining consistency across printed documents.

2. Can I convert a CTB file to STB format?
Yes, AutoCAD provides tools to convert CTB files to STB format, enabling users who prefer named plot styles to utilize previously created color-dependent styles.

3. How can I troubleshoot issues with plot styles not displaying correctly?
If plot styles are not appearing as expected, verify that the correct CTB or STB file is selected in the Page Setup Manager. Additionally, check the plot style table settings under Options to ensure that your AutoCAD instance is looking in the correct directories for plot styles.

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.

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