When working with design software, many users expect their digital documents to appear as they will in the final printed version. This understanding is embedded in the principle of WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). However, AutoCAD behaves differently when it comes to displaying drawings. Whether you use Color Table (.ctb) files or Shape Table (.stb) files, AutoCAD presents drawings in color on the screen, but this may not accurately reflect their appearance when printed. A plot preview is typically required to visualize the final layout, but it’s possible to enable a more WYSIWYG-like environment within AutoCAD itself.
How to Activate WYSIWYG Display in AutoCAD
To set up a WYSIWYG display in AutoCAD, follow these organized steps:
- Access Page Setup: Begin by navigating to the layout tab of your drawing. Right-click on the tab and select “Page Setup Manager” from the context menu.
- Select Layout: In the Page Setup Manager, find the layout you wish to modify and click “Modify” to access the Page Setup dialog box.
- Enable Plot Styles: Locate the checkbox labeled “Display plot styles” within the dialog options. Ensure that this box is checked; enabling this option will change the display of your drawing to match the appearance of the selected plot styles.
- Confirm and Update: After making these changes, click “OK” to close the dialog. To see the updated display, you might need to type the command REGENALL in the command line to refresh the view.
By following these steps, you can instantly switch between a standard colored layout view and a WYSIWYG version that accurately reflects your chosen plot styles. You could even create a separate layout solely for real-time previews while working in the traditional visual setup.
Comparing Display Styles
It’s useful to see the difference between views. One layout can display the typical color configuration, while another layout—set up with the WYSIWYG style—demonstrates how it will look when printed. This comparative approach allows for efficient adjustments without seemingly endless previews.
Here’s a typical scenario: you may have a viewport showing a design in vibrant colors. After enabling the WYSIWYG display on another viewport, you’ll be able to visualize how different colors appear once the document is printed. This comparison can save you frustration during the final stages of your design process.
Quick Tip for Incoming Files
Receiving files from outside sources can sometimes lead to unexpected display issues in AutoCAD. If the colors don’t appear as anticipated, revisit the Page Setup dialog and ensure the “Display plot styles” option is set correctly. Often, this adjustment can resolve display problems and save you time troubleshooting complex issues. This knowledge can reduce confusion and provide clarity on how your designs should look.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary benefit of enabling a WYSIWYG format in AutoCAD?
Enabling a WYSIWYG format allows you to see your drawings as they will appear when printed, eliminating guesswork and ensuring that colors and styles are accurately represented on screen.
2. Do I need to adjust settings for every new drawing?
Once you set up a WYSIWYG display for a specific layout, it remains until you change it again. However, new drawings will need similar adjustments if you want to achieve the same display setup.
3. Can I switch back to the traditional view after enabling WYSIWYG?
Yes, you can easily toggle back to the traditional view by unchecking the “Display plot styles” option in the Page Setup dialog, allowing you to return to your standard color display.