How to Add New Plot Style in AutoCAD?

Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD

Plot styles are essential in AutoCAD, allowing users to control the appearance of drawings when printed. This guide will outline the steps to add new plot styles in AutoCAD, ensuring that each step is clearly detailed for users.

Step 1: Accessing the Plot Style Manager

To begin, access the Plot Style Manager where the existing plot styles are stored. Follow these steps:

1. Open AutoCAD.
2. Navigate to the Application Menu located at the top left corner and select Print.
3. Choose Manage Plot Styles from the dropdown menu. This action will launch the Plot Style Manager window.

Step 2: Adding a New Plot Style Table

To incorporate a new plot style table:

1. In the Plot Style Manager window, locate and click on the Tools menu.
2. Select Options from the dropdown list.
3. Within the Options dialog box, navigate to the Plotting tab.
4. Click on Add to create a new plot style table.

Step 3: Creating the Plot Style Information

Once you have initiated the creation of a new plot style table:

1. You will see an option to select Create a new plot style table. Choose this.
2. Select whether to create the table from scratch or based on an existing file. Opt for Create New from Scratch if starting fresh.
3. Enter a name for the new plot style table in the designated field and hit OK.

Step 4: Configuring Plot Styles

After naming your new table, you can configure specific plot styles:

1. Double-click on the newly created plot style table to edit it.
2. In the Plot Style Table Editor, you will find various tabs—select the Form View tab to customize.
3. Here, you can define attributes such as color, lineweight, and screening for different plot styles.

Step 5: Saving Your Changes

Once you have finished configuring the plot styles:

1. Click on Save & Close in the Plot Style Table Editor to save your changes.
2. Ensure to check for any final adjustments needed in your plot style settings.

Step 6: Applying the New Plot Style

To use the new plot style in your drawings:

1. Switch to the layout or model tab where you want to apply the plot style.
2. Go to the Output tab, and select Plot.
3. In the Plot dialog box, expand the Plot Style table (Pen Assignments) dropdown.
4. Locate and select your newly created plot style from the list.
5. Finally, click OK to apply the plot styles during the printing process.

FAQ

1. How do I find existing plot styles in AutoCAD?
To find current plot styles, go to the Application menu, select Options, then navigate to the Files tab. Expand the Plot Style Table Search Path to see directories where existing plot styles are stored.

2. Can I edit an existing plot style in AutoCAD?
Yes, to edit an existing plot style, open the Plot Style Manager, double-click on the desired plot style table, and make your desired changes within the Plot Style Table Editor.

3. What file types are used for AutoCAD plot styles?
AutoCAD primarily utilizes two types of plot style tables: color-dependent plot styles (CTB files) and named plot styles (STB files). You can create or edit these files within the Plot Style Manager.