Understanding Printing in AutoCAD 2013
Printing in AutoCAD 2013 can be straightforward once you know the steps to set it up correctly. This guide will walk you through the process of printing in color, ensuring that your final output matches your design intention.
Step 1: Access the Print Menu
To start printing your design, navigate to the Application menu located at the top left corner of AutoCAD. Click on the menu and select the ‘Print’ option to open up the print settings menu. This is where you will configure various printing parameters.
Step 2: Choose Your Printer
In the print dialog, you will see a dropdown menu labeled ‘Printer/Plotter’. Click on this menu and select the appropriate printer you intend to use for your printing task. Ensure that the printer you choose supports color printing, as some may default to monochrome options.
Step 3: Setting Up the Plot Style Table
Click on the ‘Manage Plot Styles’ option. This will allow you to choose between a color-dependent plot style table (CTB) or a named plot style table (STB). Make sure to select a plot style that is set to allow color output. If you’re not certain, you can create or modify a CTB file to meet your needs.
Step 4: Configuring Color Settings
Next, you’ll need to configure the color settings. Inside the plot style table editor, locate the ‘Color’ field for the relevant plot style. Click it to open the color selection menu. Choose the colors you wish to use for your printout, ensuring that they correspond accurately with your design layers.
Step 5: Adjusting Page Setup
After color settings are adjusted, go back to the print dialog. Pay attention to the ‘Page Setup’ section. Ensure that the correct paper size and orientation are selected, along with the scale for the output. This step is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of your printed design.
Step 6: Previewing the Print
Before executing the print command, utilize the ‘Preview’ button available in the print window. This feature allows you to see how your print will appear, giving you the chance to make any necessary adjustments before confirming the print.
Step 7: Printing the Document
If everything looks correct in the preview, you’re ready to print. Click on the ‘OK’ or ‘Print’ button to finalize the process. Your documents should begin printing, with colors represented as you have configured them in AutoCAD.
FAQs
1. What should I do if my AutoCAD document is printing only in black and white?
Check your plot style settings to ensure that it is not set to monochrome. Additionally, confirm that the ‘Color’ option is selected in the printer properties window prior to printing.
2. How can I save my print settings for future use?
You can save your customized plot styles and settings by creating a new plot style table in AutoCAD. This allows you to easily apply the same settings in future projects without needing to configure them every time.
3. Why is my color printing not matching what I see on the screen?
Variations can occur due to differences in screen calibration and printer settings. Make sure your RGB colors in your AutoCAD files are consistent with what your printer can reproduce. Adjusting printer settings and using the appropriate plot style can help minimize discrepancies.
