What Is CTB and STB in AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a powerful software used for creating precise and detailed drawings. It offers various features and settings that allow users to customize their drawings according to their needs.
When it comes to managing plot styles, two common methods are used in AutoCAD: CTB (Color-based Plot Style) and STB (Named Plot Style). In this article, we will explore the differences between these two methods and how they affect plotting in AutoCAD.
CTB (Color-based Plot Style)
CTB is an older method of defining plot styles in AutoCAD. It uses color assignments to control the appearance of objects when plotting.
Each color in the drawing is assigned a specific plot style, which determines how the object with that color will be plotted. This method offers a simple and straightforward way of managing plot styles, especially for users who are familiar with colors.
To use CTB, you need to create or modify a plot style table (.ctb file) in AutoCAD. The .ctb file contains a list of colors along with their assigned plot styles.
You can assign different lineweights, linetypes, and other properties to each color. When you select a CTB file for plotting, AutoCAD reads the assigned plot styles from the .ctb file and applies them accordingly.
One advantage of using CTB is that it allows you to easily switch between different plot styles without modifying individual objects. For example, if you want to change the lineweight of all objects with a certain color, you can simply modify the corresponding plot style in the .ctb file, and it will be applied to all objects with that color.
STB (Named Plot Style)
STB is a newer and more flexible method of managing plot styles in AutoCAD. Unlike CTB, which relies on color assignments, STB uses named plot styles to control the appearance of objects.
Each object in the drawing is assigned a specific plot style, which determines how it will be plotted. This method offers greater control and customization options compared to CTB.
To use STB, you need to create or modify a plot style table (.stb file) in AutoCAD.stb file contains a list of named plot styles along with their assigned properties.
You can create custom plot styles with different lineweights, linetypes, colors, and other properties. When you select an STB file for plotting, AutoCAD reads the assigned plot styles from the .stb file and applies them accordingly.
One advantage of using STB is that it allows you to have multiple plot styles within a single drawing. Each object can be assigned a different plot style based on its requirements.
This level of customization gives you more control over the appearance of your drawings.
Choosing Between CTB and STB
The choice between CTB and STB depends on your personal preference and specific requirements. If you are comfortable working with colors and prefer a simpler approach to managing plot styles, CTB might be suitable for you.
On the other hand, if you require more flexibility and customization options for different objects in your drawings, STB is the way to go.
It’s worth noting that CTB files can be converted to STB files if you decide to switch methods later on. However, this conversion process may require some adjustments to ensure consistent plotting results.
In conclusion,
Understanding the differences between CTB and STB is essential for efficiently managing plot styles in AutoCAD. CTB offers a color-based approach, while STB provides more flexibility through named plot styles.
By choosing the method that suits your needs, you can ensure consistent and visually appealing plots in your AutoCAD drawings.