AutoCAD is a powerful software tool used by architects, engineers, and designers to create detailed 2D and 3D drawings. One of the key features of AutoCAD is the ability to apply plot styles to drawings, which control how the colors and linetypes appear when printed or plotted.
What are Plot Styles?
Plot styles, also known as pen assignments, are settings that determine how objects in an AutoCAD drawing are displayed when printed or plotted. They control the line weight, color, and linetype of each object.
By default, AutoCAD uses a color-dependent plot style table (CTB file) to assign colors and lineweights to objects. However, you can also use a named plot style table (STB file) which allows more flexibility and control over the appearance of your drawings.
Adding Plot Styles in AutoCAD
To add plot styles in AutoCAD, follow these steps:
- Accessing the Plot Style Manager:
- Select the “Manage” tab from the ribbon menu.
- In the “Customization” panel, click on “Plot Styles. “
- Selecting a Plot Style Table:
- In the Plot Style Manager dialog box, click on the “Add or Edit Plot Style Tables” button.
- In the “Plot Style Table Editor” dialog box, you can choose between using a color-dependent (CTB) or named (STB) plot style table.
Select your preferred option and click on “New”.
- Creating or Modifying Plot Styles:
- In the “New Plot Style Table” dialog box, you can create a new plot style by clicking on the “New Plot Style” button. Give your plot style a name and customize its properties such as color, lineweight, and linetype.
- If you are using a named (STB) plot style table, you can modify existing plot styles by selecting them from the list and clicking on the “Modify..” button.
- Assigning Plot Styles to Objects:
- Once you have created or modified your plot styles, click on the “Close” button to apply them to your drawing.
- To assign a plot style to an object, select the object and open the Properties palette (Ctrl+1). In the “Plot Style” section, choose your desired plot style from the dropdown menu.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding plot styles in AutoCAD is essential for controlling how objects appear when printed or plotted. By following these steps and utilizing the Plot Style Manager, you can customize colors, lineweights, and linetypes to ensure that your drawings communicate effectively. Experiment with different plot styles to achieve the desired visual impact for your projects.
Remember that proper utilization of plot styles not only enhances the visual aesthetics of your drawings but also improves their readability and clarity when shared with others. So take advantage of this powerful feature in AutoCAD to create professional-looking prints and plots!