AutoCAD

How to Import Plot Style in AutoCAD?

by Wei Zhang
4 min read

Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD

Plot styles in AutoCAD are critical for managing how your drawings are printed. They dictate the visual appearance of objects—determining attributes like color, thickness, and linetype on paper. Plot styles can be classified mainly into two types: Color-dependent Plot Styles (CTB) and Named Plot Styles (STB). This guide focuses on integrating these styles into your AutoCAD projects effectively.

How to Add a CTB File to AutoCAD

  1. Open Your Drawing: Launch AutoCAD and load the drawing where you intend to apply the plot styles.

  2. Select the Correct Tab: Choose either the Model tab or the specific Layout tab where you want the plot style to be assigned.

  3. Access the Plot Style Options: Navigate to the "File" menu and select "Plot Styles" from the dropdown options.

  4. Choose Your Plot Style: In the Plotter dialog box that appears, double-click on "Plot Style" to open the list of available styles.

  5. Select the CTB File: Locate your desired CTB file and double-click it to apply the styles.

  6. Save Your Settings: After selecting, click "Save" and then "Close" to exit the dialog box.

  7. Final Steps: Ensure you close the Plot Style dialog to finalize your changes.

How to Load Plot Styles in AutoCAD 2025

  1. Navigate to Plot Style: Click on the Home tab, then access the Properties panel and select "Plot Style".

  2. Choose Your Style: In the "Current Plot Style" dialog, browse through the list and select your preferred plot style.

  3. Switch to Different Style Tables: If you want to choose a plot style from a different table, look for the "Active Plot Style Table" section and select the appropriate table.

  4. Edit if Necessary: To modify an existing plot style, click on the "Editor" button to open editing options.

  5. Apply Your Changes: Click "OK" to finalize your selections.

Adding a Plot Style in AutoCAD 2025

  1. Open Manage Plot Styles: From the Application menu, select "Print" followed by "Manage Plot Styles".

  2. Edit an Existing STB File: Double-click the STB file you wish to modify in the Plot Style Manager.

  3. Adjust Your Style List: If needed, position the new plot style within your list by clicking on a plot style that you want the new style to follow in the Form View tab.

  4. Add a New Style: Click the "Add Style" button either in the Form View or Table View tab to insert a new plot style.

  5. Complete the Process: Follow the prompts to name and configure your new plot style.

Configuring CTB in AutoCAD 2025

  1. Choose Your Drawing Setup: Open the drawing you wish to configure and select the appropriate Layout tab.

  2. Access Page Setup Manager: Click on "File", navigate to "Page Setup Manager", and select "Modify".

  3. Select Your CTB File: Locate and choose "monochrome.ctb" or your desired CTB file from the Plot style table list.

  4. Ensure Plot Style Usage: Confirm the "Plot with plot styles" checkbox is checked, then click "OK" to apply the changes.

  5. Create and Export Your File: If generating a PDF, click "Create File" to finalize your plot settings and export.

Identifying and Changing Plot Styles

  1. Edit Plot Styles: To change existing plot styles, select "Print" from the Application menu and click "Edit Plot Style Tables".

  2. Find Current Settings: Within the Active Plot Style Table, choose the file you want to change.

  3. Open the Editor: Click "Editor" to modify specific plot style settings like color and line weights.

  4. Save Changes: After editing, click "Save & Close" to keep your adjustments.

Where Plot Styles Are Stored

Plot styles are typically stored in a specific folder on your system or the cloud, depending on your settings. Check the Dropbox cache folder if you have cloud synchronization enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the difference between CTB and STB plot styles?

    • CTB files use color-based styles, where color dictates plotted properties, while STB files rely on named styles that can be assigned regardless of color.

  2. How can I create a new plot style table?

    • You can create a new STB file by navigating to the Application menu, selecting "Print", and then accessing "Manage Plot Styles".
  3. How do I convert a CTB to an STB file?
    • Use the AutoCAD conversion utility that allows you to translate CTB files into STB format, following the prompts to ensure your styles are maintained during the transition.

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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