Understanding Color Printing in AutoCAD 2017
When working with AutoCAD, printing in color can enhance the clarity and presentation of your designs. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure your printouts feature the colors you intended.
Step-by-Step Guide to Print in Color
1. Access the Plot Dialog
First, navigate to the File menu at the top-left corner of the screen. Click on Print and then select Plot to open the Plot dialog box. Ensure you have the correct drawing loaded before proceeding.
2. Select Your Printer
In the Plot dialog, choose the printer you intend to use from the Printer/Plotter drop-down menu. This step is crucial as different printers may have different capabilities when it comes to color printing.
3. Open Printer Properties
Once your printer is selected, click on the Properties button adjacent to the printer’s name. This will take you to the printer settings where you can customize various options.
4. Adjust Document Settings
Within the Properties window, navigate to Device and Document Settings. Here, look for Custom Properties and then select Setup. This section contains vital color settings.
5. Choose Color Option
At the bottom left of the Setup dialog box, you will see options labeled Color and Black/White. Ensure that the Color option is selected to enable color printing. After making these changes, click OK to save your settings.
6. Define the Paper Size
Before you proceed, double-check your paper size and orientation in the Plot dialog. This ensures that your design fits well on the selected paper. Set the configuration under the Paper Size section.
7. Previewing the Print
It’s wise to always preview your work before printing. Click on the Preview button to see a mock-up of how your printed document will appear. This step allows you to catch any errors in color or layout.
8. Finalizing the Print Job
If everything looks good in the preview, return to the Plot dialog. Click OK to finalize the print job. Your document should now print in color, as per the settings you configured.
FAQ
Q1: How can I ensure that my layers print in specific colors?
To print layers in specific colors, adjust the color settings in the Layer Properties Manager. Select the layer you wish to modify and choose your preferred color from the color dropdown.
Q2: What do I do if my colors are not printing as expected?
If your colors are not printing as expected, revisit your printer properties and ensure that the correct color options are selected. Also, check if your plot style table is set to color instead of monochrome.
Q3: Can I save my settings for future prints?
Yes, after setting up your printer properties and plot settings, you can save these settings as a page setup within AutoCAD. This enables you to reuse the same settings without going through the setup process each time.
