Why Is AutoCAD Printing in Color?

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Why Is AutoCAD Printing in Color?

AutoCAD is a widely used software application for computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting. It offers various features and functionalities that help architects, engineers, and designers create precise and detailed drawings.

One common issue that users encounter is when their drawings unexpectedly print in color instead of black and white. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide solutions to resolve it.

Possible Causes:

  • Printer Settings: The most common cause of AutoCAD printing in color is incorrect printer settings. Check your printer properties to ensure that the color option is disabled or set to grayscale.
  • Linetypes: Certain linetypes in AutoCAD may have color properties assigned to them, causing them to print in color. Review your linetypes and modify any color assignments if necessary.
  • Plot Styles: Plot styles control how objects are displayed when printed or plotted.

    If a plot style with color settings is applied to your drawing, it can result in color printing. Verify your plot style table (CTB or STB) settings and consider using a plot style that only uses black and white.

  • Xrefs: External references (Xrefs) are often used in complex drawings. If an Xref file contains color properties or has a plot style applied, it can affect the printing output of your main drawing.

Solutions:

To resolve the issue of AutoCAD printing in color, you can try the following solutions:

  1. Check Printer Settings: Open the printer properties dialog and ensure that the color option is disabled or set to grayscale. If necessary, consult your printer’s user manual for specific instructions.
  2. Modify Linetypes: Review your linetypes and remove any color properties assigned to them.

    Use the LTSCALE and CELTSCALE commands to adjust the linetype scaling as needed.

  3. Change Plot Styles: Modify your plot style table (CTB or STB) settings to use a grayscale or black and white plot style. You can create a custom plot style or modify an existing one using the Plot Style Manager.
  4. Manage Xrefs: Check the Xref files used in your drawing and ensure that they do not have color properties assigned or plot styles applied. If necessary, detach and reattach Xrefs with corrected settings.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, AutoCAD printing in color instead of black and white can be attributed to various factors such as incorrect printer settings, linetype configurations, plot style assignments, and Xref properties. By checking and adjusting these elements, you can effectively resolve this issue and obtain the desired printing output for your CAD drawings. Remember to always review your printer settings, modify linetypes if needed, choose appropriate plot styles, and manage Xrefs correctly for optimal printing results.