Adding a Plot Style in AutoCAD: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
In AutoCAD, plot styles play a crucial role in controlling the appearance of plotted objects. Whether you want to print your drawings or create digital copies, understanding how to add plot styles is essential. In this tutorial, we will explore the process of adding a plot style in AutoCAD and ensure your drawings look professional and visually appealing.
What is a Plot Style?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what a plot style is. In AutoCAD, a plot style, also known as pen assignment or color-dependent plot style, defines how objects are displayed and printed. It determines the lineweights, linetypes, colors, and other graphical properties of plotted objects.
Step 1: Accessing Plot Styles
To begin adding a plot style in AutoCAD, go to the ‘Application Menu’ located at the top-left corner of the screen. Click on it and navigate to ‘Print’ > ‘Manage Plot Styles’. This will open the ‘Plot Style Manager’ dialog box.
Step 2: Loading Additional Plot Styles
If you have an existing plot style table (.ctb file) that you want to add, click on the ‘Add-A-Plot Style Table Wizard’ button within the ‘Plot Style Manager’ dialog box. Follow the prompts to locate and load your desired .ctb file. You can also skip this step if you don’t have any additional plot styles to add.
Step 3: Creating New Plot Styles
To create a new plot style from scratch within AutoCAD, click on the ‘New’ button within the ‘Plot Style Manager’ dialog box. Enter a name for your new plot style and select either ‘Use Color-Dependent Plot Styles’ or ‘Use Named Plot Styles’ based on your preference. Click ‘OK’ to proceed.
Step 4: Modifying Plot Style Settings
Once you have added a plot style or created a new one, you can modify its settings to achieve the desired appearance. Select the plot style from the list within the ‘Plot Style Manager’ dialog box and click on the ‘Properties’ button. This will open the ‘Plot Style Table Editor’ where you can make adjustments.
Step 5: Customizing Plot Style Properties
Within the ‘Plot Style Table Editor’, you can customize various properties such as lineweights, linetypes, and colors for different objects. To modify a property, select it from the list and click on the ‘Color’, ‘Lineweight’, or ‘Linetypes’ button to make changes. You can also create your own custom linetypes using the ‘Linetypes Manager’.
Step 6: Saving and Applying Plot Styles
After customizing your plot style, click on the ‘Save & Close’ button within the ‘Plot Style Table Editor’. Your modified plot style will now be available for selection in AutoCAD’s plotting options.
To apply a plot style to a specific drawing, open it and navigate to ‘Output’ > ‘Plot’. In the plot dialog box, choose your desired plot style from the drop-down list.
Note:
- Color-Dependent Plot Styles: These styles are based on colors assigned to objects in AutoCAD. Each color corresponds to specific lineweights and linetypes.
- Named Plot Styles: These styles are predefined with names such as monochrome, grayscale, or color-based options like hidden or shaded.
- Linetypes: AutoCAD provides a wide range of predefined linetypes, but you can also create custom linetypes to suit your requirements.
Now that you know how to add a plot style in AutoCAD, take some time to explore different options and experiment with customizations. By mastering plot styles, you can enhance the visual appeal and clarity of your drawings when printing or sharing them digitally. Happy plotting!