Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD
Plot styles play a crucial role in determining how your drawings will appear when printed. They define attributes such as color, line weight, and dither patterns. Knowing how to effectively load and manage these styles can greatly enhance your AutoCAD experience.
Steps to Load Plot Styles in AutoCAD 2021
1. Access the Layout Tab
Begin by opening your drawing in AutoCAD. Navigate to the layout tab where you wish to apply the plot style. You can select either the model space or any layout in the drawing.
2. Open Page Setup Manager
Head to the File menu and locate the Page Setup Manager option. This feature allows you to modify settings related to how your drawings are printed, including plot style allocations.
3. Modify Page Setup
Select the desired layout within the Page Setup Manager. Click on the Modify button, which will bring up the Page Setup dialog box. This area is where you can assign plot styles to your layout.
4. Select the Plot Style Table
Within the Page Setup dialog, look for the ‘Plot Style Table (pen assignments)’ dropdown list. From this list, you can choose the appropriate CTB or STB file that you have prepared. If you don’t see your desired file, ensure it is located in the correct directory.
5. Finalize Your Setup
After selecting the plot style, confirm that the ‘Plot with plot styles’ checkbox is checked. This step is important to ensure that the selected plot style is applied when you print. Click OK to finalize the changes.
6. Save Your Page Setup
Once your modifications are complete, return to the Page Setup Manager. Ensure that your changes are saved appropriately to avoid losing them. Close the dialog once done.
Importing Plot Styles
If you need to import existing plot styles into your AutoCAD 2021 workspace, follow these steps:
1. Access Options Menu
Go to the Tools menu and select Options. This will open a dialog where various settings can be adjusted.
2. Navigate to Plot Style Settings
In the dialog box, switch to the Plot and Publish tab. Look for the Plot Style Table Settings button and click on it.
3. Choose Your Style Type
Inside the Plot Style Table Settings dialog box, you will have options to select either Color-dependent or Named Plot Styles. Make your selection based on your project requirements.
Managing and Customizing Plot Styles
Assigning a Different Plot Style
To assign a different plot style altogether:
1. Open the Application Menu
Click on the Application menu located at the top left corner. From there, navigate to Print, then select Manage Plot Styles.
2. Edit Plot Styles
Double-click the specific STB or CTB file you wish to edit. This will open the Plot Style Table Editor, where you can make changes to existing styles or create new ones.
3. Add New Styles
In the editor, right-click on an existing plot style to copy it or click on the option to add a new plot style. Enter the name and adjust the properties as necessary.
Common Questions About Plot Styles in AutoCAD
What is a CTB file and when should I use it?
A CTB file stands for "Color-dependent Plot Style" and is used to define how different colors in your drawing are represented when printed. This method is suitable for projects where color differentiation is important in the final output.
How can I convert an STB to a CTB plot style?
To convert a drawing from STB to CTB, you can use the “CONVERTPSTYLES” command. Make sure to start new drawings with a template that utilizes CTB plot styles for better consistency.
Where can I find my plot styles if they seem missing?
Plot styles are usually stored in the AutoCAD installation directory, typically in a folder named "Plot Styles." If you’re using a custom setup or have saved them to a cloud location, ensure that you are directing AutoCAD to that specific path in the settings.
