Welcome to this tutorial on how to change AutoCAD from STB to CTB! If you’re looking for a way to convert your AutoCAD files from one plot style table (STB) to another (CTB), you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process, so let’s get started.
What are STB and CTB?
Before we dive into the conversion process, let’s quickly understand what STB and CTB are:
- STB stands for Style-Based plotting. It is a plot style table format that stores all the plot settings in individual named styles.
- CTB stands for Color-Based plotting. It is a plot style table format that assigns colors and lineweights directly to objects based on their color properties.
Why Convert from STB to CTB?
You might have several reasons to convert your AutoCAD files from STB to CTB:
- Better compatibility: CTBs are more widely supported across different versions of AutoCAD.
- Simplified workflow: CTBs offer a simpler approach by directly assigning colors and lineweights based on object properties.
- Easier collaboration: Working with CTBs makes it easier to share files with other CAD users who may be using different software versions or settings.
The Conversion Process
Step 1: Open the Plot Style Manager
To begin, open your AutoCAD software and navigate to the “Manage” tab in the ribbon. Under the “Customization” panel, click on “Plot Style Manager”.
Step 2: Select the STB File
In the Plot Style Manager dialog box, you will see a list of available plot style tables. Select the STB file that you want to convert to CTB and click on “Set Current”.
Step 3: Convert to CTB
With the desired STB file selected, click on the “Convert” button located at the bottom of the Plot Style Manager dialog box.
Step 4: Save as CTB
A new dialog box will appear asking you to choose a name and location for the converted CTB file. Provide a suitable name and save it in your preferred directory.
Step 5: Set Current CTB
Once saved, return to the Plot Style Manager dialog box. Select the newly converted CTB file from the list and click on “Set Current”. This sets it as your active plot style table.
Congratulations! You have successfully changed AutoCAD from STB to CTB. Now you can enjoy all the benefits that come with using a color-based approach for plotting.
In Conclusion
In this tutorial, we covered how to convert AutoCAD files from STB to CTB. We explored what STBs and CTBs are, discussed why you might want to make this conversion, and provided a step-by-step guide for changing your plot style table format.
Remember that this process can help improve compatibility, simplify your workflow, and enhance collaboration with other CAD users. So go ahead, give it a try!