How Do I Find Plot Styles in AutoCAD?

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In AutoCAD, plot styles are used to control the appearance of objects when they are plotted or printed. These plot styles, also known as CTB (color-dependent) or STB (named-styles), allow you to define different lineweights, linetypes, and colors for different objects in your drawing. In this tutorial, we will learn how to find plot styles in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Using the Plot Style Manager

To access the Plot Style Manager in AutoCAD, you can use either of the following methods:

  • Method 1: Type ‘STYLESMANAGER’ in the command line and press Enter.
  • Method 2: Go to the ‘Output’ tab in the ribbon and click on the ‘Plot Style Manager’ button.

Once you open the Plot Style Manager, you will see a list of all available plot styles in your drawing. The currently assigned plot style for each layout or viewport is indicated by a checkmark (√) next to its name.

Understanding Plot Styles

In AutoCAD, there are two types of plot styles: Color-Dependent (CTB) and Named Styles (STB).

  • Color-Dependent (CTB): CTB files use colors to define how objects are plotted. Each color is assigned a specific lineweight and linetype combination.
  • Named Styles (STB): STB files use named plot styles that can be easily transferred between drawings. Each style can have unique settings for lineweights, linetypes, and colors.

Method 2: Using the Properties Palette

Another way to find plot styles is through the Properties palette. Follow these steps:

  1. Select an object or multiple objects that you want to check the plot style of.
  2. Open the Properties palette by typing ‘PROPERTIES’ in the command line or by clicking on the Properties button in the Home tab of the ribbon.
  3. In the Properties palette, scroll down until you find the ‘Plot Style’ property. The currently assigned plot style will be displayed next to it.

Using either of these methods, you can easily find and manage plot styles in AutoCAD. Whether you prefer using the Plot Style Manager or the Properties palette, understanding how plot styles work is essential for controlling and customizing your prints and plots.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we learned how to find plot styles in AutoCAD using both the Plot Style Manager and the Properties palette. By knowing where to access plot styles, you can effectively manage and customize your drawings for printing and plotting purposes.