Setting Up AutoCAD to Print in Black and White
Printing in black and white in AutoCAD is essential for many projects. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your drawings are printed as desired:
1. Accessing Plot Style Management
Begin by navigating to the Application menu at the top-left corner of your AutoCAD interface. From the dropdown menu, select Print and then click on Manage Plot Styles. This action will take you to the area where you can modify plot style tables.
2. Modifying the Plot Style Table
Once in the Plot Style Manager, locate the plot style table file that corresponds to your current project. Identify the specific file you wish to edit and double-click it. This will open the Plot Style Table Editor, where you can adjust the printing preferences.
3. Choosing Grayscale or Monochrome Settings
Within the Plot Style Table Editor, click on the Form View tab. Here, look for the plot style you want to modify. Select the option for Grayscale to ensure your colors are printed in shades of gray. You will also find the option to toggle between On or Off for this setting; choose based on your requirement.
4. Saving Your Changes
After making the necessary adjustments, make sure to click Save & Close to apply your changes. This action ensures that your modifications are preserved for future plotting sessions.
5. Finalizing the Print Settings
Now that your plot style table is configured for black and white printing, you can proceed to the plot dialog. When you select your printer, click on Properties. Navigate to Device and Document Settings, then go to Custom Properties and Setup. At the bottom left, find the option labeled either Color or Black/White. Ensure the selection is set to Black/White and save your changes to the PC3 file.
Converting AutoCAD Drawings to PDF in Black and White
If you need to create a PDF version of your drawing in black and white, follow these steps:
- Open your drawing and select the Layout tab you want to work on.
- Go to File, then Page Setup Manager, and click on Modify.
- Select monochrome.ctb from the Plot Style Table list.
- Check the box for Plot with plot styles to ensure settings are applied, then click OK.
- Finally, click Create File to generate your black and white PDF.
Changing Print Colors in AutoCAD 2025
To change specific print colors for your drawing, access the plot dialog, select your printer, and proceed to Properties. From there, navigate to Device and Document Settings, then Custom Properties and Setup. You will find options to change colors, including specifying ACI color numbers or selecting from color books.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between monochrome and grayscale in AutoCAD?
Monochrome refers to using a single color, typically black and white, while grayscale involves a range of shades from black to white. Both settings influence how your drawings are printed, with monochrome being purely black and white and grayscale allowing for varying shades of gray.
2. Why is my plot coming out in color despite settings for black and white?
If your plots are printing in color despite settings for black and white, it’s likely due to a plot style table mismatch. Ensure you’re using the correct monochrome.ctb file in your plot settings and that ‘Plot with plot styles’ is checked.
3. Can I print certain layers in color while others remain black and white?
Yes, select all the layers you wish to print in black and then override the color for the specific layer that needs to remain in color. This selective printing allows for greater flexibility in your drawings.
