Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD
Plot styles are essential components within AutoCAD that control how objects are printed or plotted. They manage the visual representation and can deeply impact the final appearance of your drawings. This guide provides detailed steps on how to insert and manage plot styles specifically for AutoCAD 2020.
Inserting a Plot Style Table in AutoCAD 2020
Step 1: Opening Your Drawing
Begin by launching AutoCAD and opening the drawing file to which you wish to add a plot style.
Step 2: Access the Page Setup Manager
Navigate to the top menu and choose the File option. From there, select Page Setup Manager to access the various layout configurations available for your drawing.
Step 3: Modifying Layout Settings
In the Page Setup Manager, you will see a list of available layouts. Choose the specific layout you want to modify and click on the Modify button. This action will open the Page Setup dialog box.
Step 4: Choosing the Plot Style Table
Within the Page Setup dialog, locate the Plot Style Table dropdown menu. Here, you should see a list of available plot styles. For a monochrome output, select monochrome.ctb. If you’re using a different style, pick the desired CTB file from the list.
Step 5: Enabling Plot Styles
Ensure that the Plot with plot styles checkbox is checked. This step confirms that the selected plot style will be applied during the plotting process. Click OK to save your changes and exit the dialog.
Step 6: Creating the Output
To finalize your document, proceed to create your plot or PDF. Click on the Print icon, select the desired output options, and initiate the print process. Your drawing will be printed with the selected plot style applied.
Adding a New Plot Style Table
Step 1: Accessing the Plot Style Manager
To introduce a new plot style, begin by opening the Plot Style Manager from the File menu or by typing stylesmanager into the command line.
Step 2: Starting the Add Plot Style Table Wizard
Once in the Plot Style Manager, you can add a new plot style table. Look for an option to add or manage plot styles, and initiate the process by selecting the option.
Step 3: Using the Plot Style Table Editor
The wizard will guide you through creating a new plot style table. Select Plot Style Table Editor to open a dedicated editing interface where you can customize your styles.
Step 4: Defining Your Plot Style
In the Form View tab of the Plot Style Table Editor, you can create new styles. Right-click on the desired plot style and choose to copy an existing one if you wish to base your new style on an existing design. Customize the attributes — including color, line weight, and other display settings — to suit your needs.
Step 5: Saving Your New Plot Style
Once satisfied with your customizations, save your new plot style table. Use the Save option, giving your new style an identifiable name that relates to its purpose, and click Close to exit the editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of a CTB file in AutoCAD?
CTB files define color-based plot styles, allowing users to assign specific colors to layers within their drawings. They control how objects appear when printed, making it easier to maintain visual consistency.
2. Can I convert a CTB file to an STB file?
Yes, AutoCAD provides functionality to convert CTB files to STB files. This is useful for users transitioning from color-dependent to named plot style tables, offering greater flexibility in styling.
3. How do I manage my existing plot styles?
You can manage plot styles through the Plot Style Manager. Here, you can edit, delete, or reorganize the styles based on your requirements. Always remember to save any changes made to ensure they are correctly applied in future print jobs.
