How to Set Default Plot Style in AutoCAD?

Changing the Default Plot Style in AutoCAD: A Comprehensive Guide

To set the default plot style in AutoCAD, follow these methods that will ensure a smoother plotting experience tailored to your needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Set Default Plot Style

1. Open the Options Dialog Box

   • Launch AutoCAD 2025 and navigate to the command line at the top of the window.
   • Type OPTIONS and press Enter. This will bring up the Options dialog box.

2. Select the Appropriate Tab

   • Within the Options dialog, find and click on the Plot and Publish tab. This area contains all settings related to plotting, including plot styles.

3. Configure Plot Style Table Settings

   • Look for the button labeled Plot Style Table Settings and click on it. This action will open a new window specifically for configuring plot style tables.

4. Choose Your Default Plot Style

   • Within the Plot Style Table Settings dialog, you’ll see an option for selecting the default plot style. Here, you will need to choose either:
     • Use Color-Dependent Plot Styles: This option allows plot styles to be based on the color of objects in your drawing.
     • Use Named Plot Styles: This option applies names to specific styles, enabling a more controlled and customizable plotting process.

5. Set a Default Style Table (Optional)

   • If you want to set a specific plot style table as default, locate the Default Style Table dropdown menu. From here, select the plot style table that you wish to apply as your default when plotting.
6. Apply Your Changes
   • After making your selections, click OK to close all dialog boxes. Your new default plot style settings will now apply to all subsequent plot operations.

Additional Plotting Tasks in AutoCAD

If you need to assign a plot style table to a drawing or adjust existing plot style settings deeper into your project:

• Assigning a Plot Style Table

  1. Open your drawing and click on the Model or relevant Layout tab.
  2. Go to File and select Plot, then find the Plot Style option.
  3. Double-click on the chosen plot style from the Plotter dialog to open it and make your adjustments.
  4. Be sure to save changes before exiting any dialog boxes.
• Loading Plot Styles
  1. Click on the Application menu and navigate to Print > Manage Plot Styles.
  2. Select the STB or CTB file you wish to edit or add to, and double-click it.
  3. Use the Add Style function to include new plot styles as needed.

FAQ

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

   • CTB (Color-Dependent Plot Styles) rely on the color of objects for determining how they are printed, while STB (Named Plot Styles) allow users to assign specific styles to layers or objects, offering more versatility in plotting.

2. Can I change the plot style after creating my drawing?

   • Yes, you can modify the plot style at any time by accessing the Layer Properties Manager and adjusting the settings for individual layers or by changing the default plot styles.
3. Is it possible to save my custom plot styles for future projects?
   • Absolutely. Once you create and configure a custom plot style table, you can save it for later use by exporting the style table or saving it to your AutoCAD template files.