A plot stamp is a feature in AutoCAD that allows you to add important information to the plotted drawing. It is typically used to mark the drawing with essential details such as the file name, date, time, and page number. The plot stamp appears on the printed or plotted output, making it easier to identify and manage multiple hard copies of a drawing.
Why Use Plot Stamps?
Plot stamps serve several purposes in AutoCAD:
- Identification: By adding a plot stamp, you can easily identify the printed or plotted version of a drawing. This is especially useful when dealing with multiple copies or versions of the same drawing.
- Version Control: Including information like the file name and date helps in tracking different versions of a drawing.
It ensures that you are referencing and working with the correct revision.
- Documentation: Plot stamps provide important metadata about a drawing, such as who created it and when. This information is valuable for documentation purposes, audits, and legal requirements.
Adding Plot Stamps in AutoCAD
To add a plot stamp in AutoCAD, follow these steps:
- Open the “Plot” dialog box: Click on the “File” tab in the menu bar and select “Plot” from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can use the “Ctrl + P” keyboard shortcut.
- Navigate to the “Layout” tab: In the Plot dialog box, switch to the “Layout” tab if it’s not already selected. Here you can configure various settings related to plotting.
- Select “Plot Stamp On”: In the “Plot Options” section, check the box next to “Plot Stamp On.” This enables the plot stamp feature.
- Customize the plot stamp: Click on the “Plot Stamp..” button to open the Plot Stamp Setup dialog box.
Here, you can specify what information you want to include in the plot stamp.
- Choose the desired options: In the Plot Stamp Setup dialog box, you can select from a range of options, such as file name, date and time, user name, and page number. Check the boxes next to the desired options to include them in the plot stamp.
- Preview and plot: Once you have configured your plot stamp settings, click “OK” to close the Plot Stamp Setup dialog box. You will be back in the Plot dialog box. Preview your drawing using the “Preview” button and make any necessary adjustments. Finally, click on “OK” to plot your drawing with the plot stamp included.
Tips for Using Plot Stamps Effectively
To make optimal use of plot stamps in AutoCAD, consider these tips:
- Consistency: Establish a consistent format for your plot stamps across all drawings within a project or organization. This ensures uniformity and easy identification of plotted drawings.
- Avoid Clutter: Include only essential information in your plot stamps to avoid cluttering up your drawings.
Too much text can make it difficult to read or understand important details.
- Placement: Choose a suitable location for your plot stamp that does not interfere with other important elements of your drawing. Typically, placing it in a corner or along an edge works well.
- Font and Size: Select a font and size that is legible when the drawing is printed or plotted. Avoid excessively small or fancy fonts that can be hard to read.
By using plot stamps effectively, you can enhance the organization, identification, and documentation of your AutoCAD drawings. It streamlines the process of managing hard copies and ensures that important details are always present on your plotted output. So go ahead, explore the plot stamp feature in AutoCAD and make your drawings more informative!