How Do I Enable Plot Style Table in AutoCAD?

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Are you looking to enable the plot style table in AutoCAD? Look no further!

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to enable the plot style table so that you can customize your plotting preferences. Let’s get started!

What is a Plot Style Table?

A plot style table, also known as a CTB or STB file, is used in AutoCAD to control how objects are plotted or printed. It determines the line weights, colors, and other plot settings for each object in your drawing. By enabling the plot style table, you gain more control over how your drawings appear when they are printed or plotted.

Enabling Plot Style Table

To enable the plot style table in AutoCAD, follow these simple steps:

  1. Step 1: Open your drawing in AutoCAD.
  2. Step 2: Go to the “Plot” tab in the ribbon menu.
  3. Step 3: In the “Plot” tab, click on the “Plot Style Table (Pen Assignments)” button.

Note: If you don’t see the “Plot” tab in your ribbon menu, you can add it by right-clicking on any existing tab and selecting “Plot”.

The Plot Dialog Box

After clicking on the “Plot Style Table (Pen Assignments)” button, a dialog box will appear. This dialog box allows you to select a plot style table for your drawing. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Option 1: Use Existing Plot Style Table:
    • Select the “Use Existing Plot Style Table” option.
    • Click on the “Browse” button to locate and select the desired plot style table from your computer.
    • Click “OK” to apply the selected plot style table to your drawing.
  • Option 2: Create a New Plot Style Table:
    • Select the “Create a New Plot Style Table” option.
    • Enter a name for your new plot style table.
    • Click “OK” to create and apply the new plot style table to your drawing.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you make the most out of plot style tables in AutoCAD:

  • TIP 1: You can modify an existing plot style table by selecting it in the dialog box and clicking on the “Edit” button. This allows you to customize line weights, colors, and other settings according to your preferences.
  • TIP 2: If you want to switch back to using color-dependent (CTB) plot styles after using named (STB) plot styles or vice versa, simply go back to the “Plot Style Table (Pen Assignments)” dialog box and select the desired option.
  • TIP 3: It’s always a good idea to save your customized plot style tables for future use. This way, you don’t have to recreate them from scratch every time you start a new project or need to make changes.

Congratulations! You have successfully enabled the plot style table in AutoCAD.

Now you can customize your plotting preferences and ensure that your drawings look exactly the way you want them to when they are printed or plotted. Happy designing!