How to Add Plot Style in AutoCAD 2015?

Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD

When working with AutoCAD, managing plot styles is essential for producing accurate and aesthetically pleasing drawings. Plot styles control how objects are printed, allowing for color mapping and layer management.

What is a Plot Style?

A plot style defines the visual properties of objects when printed. Each plot style can govern aspects like color and dither settings. AutoCAD supports two main types of plot styles: Color-dependent Plot styles (CTB) and Named Plot styles (STB). CTB files link colors to different layers, while STB files allow each object to have distinct plotting parameters.

How to Add a Plot Style in AutoCAD 2025

To enrich your plotting capabilities within AutoCAD 2025, follow these detailed steps to add a new plot style:

Step 1: Access the Plot Style Manager

1. Open AutoCAD.
2. Navigate to the Application Menu located in the upper left corner.
3. Click on Print and select Manage Plot Styles from the list of options. This action will open the Plot Style Manager.

Step 2: Use the Add Plot Style Table Wizard

1. Within the Plot Style Manager, locate and double-click on Add-a-Plot Style Table Wizard.
2. Proceed through the initial instructions and click Next. Follow any prompts to customize your plot style as needed.

Step 3: Choose the Type of Plot Style Table

1. Select whether to create a CTB or STB plot style table, depending on your requirements.
2. After making your selection, continue following the on-screen prompts to finalize the creation of your new plot style.

Step 4: Save Your New Plot Style

1. Once you have filled in any necessary details, click Finish to save your new plot style.
2. Your new plot style will now appear within the list of available styles in the Plot Style Manager.

Step 5: Apply the New Plot Style to a Drawing

1. Open the drawing you want to modify within AutoCAD.
2. Switch to the Layout tab that you are configuring.
3. Go to File and select Page Setup Manager.
4. Click on the Modify button.
5. In the Plot Style Table dropdown, select your new plot style from the list. Make sure to check the box marked Plot with plot styles.
6. Click OK to finalize the changes.

Setting Default Plot Styles

To ensure your newly created plot style is used as the default:

Step 1: Open Printing Options

1. Access the Application Menu and choose Print.
2. Click on Page Setup Manager and select your layout.

Step 2: Modify Default Settings

1. Click Modify.
2. Set your newly created plot style as the default in the appropriate section.
3. Confirm your selections and close the setup.

FAQ Section

1. What file types are used for plot styles in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD uses CTB files for color-dependent plot styles and STB files for named plot styles. Both types can be managed through the Plot Style Manager.

2. Can I convert CTB files to STB files, and how?

Yes, you can convert CTB files to STB files using the Plot Style Table Editor in AutoCAD, facilitating the transition between color-based and named plot styles.

3. How do I access a missing plot style in AutoCAD?

If you have a missing plot style, check the Plot Style Table search paths in the Options menu under the Files tab. Ensure the directory containing your plot styles is listed and properly configured. If needed, you can add the path manually or re-import the missing file.