What Is a Pen Table in AutoCAD?

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A pen table is a file in AutoCAD that controls the appearance of plotted lines and line weights. It is an essential component in creating high-quality prints and drawings. In this article, we will explore what a pen table is, how it works, and how to create and modify one.

Understanding Pen Tables

Before diving into the specifics of pen tables, let’s first understand why they are important. When you create a drawing in AutoCAD, it consists of various objects such as lines, arcs, circles, and text.

Each object has its own properties like color, line type, and line weight. When you plot or print your drawing on paper or other media, these properties need to be translated into printable elements.

This is where pen tables come into play. A pen table maps the object properties to specific pens or plotters. It determines how an object will appear when printed by assigning appropriate line widths and colors.

Creating a Pen Table

To create a pen table in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Plot dialog box: Go to the Application Menu (the “A” icon in the top left corner), click on “Print”, or type “Plot” in the command line.
  2. Select a plotter: Choose the plotter that you want to create a pen table for from the “Name” drop-down list.
  3. Click on “Properties”: This will open the Plotter Configuration Editor.
  4. Navigate to the “Pen Assignments” tab: In this tab, you will find options to customize your pen assignments.
  5. Create new pens: Click on the “New Pen” button to add a new pen to your pen table. You can specify the color, line weight, and line type for each pen.
  6. Assign pens to objects: Select the objects you want to assign a specific pen to and choose the appropriate pen from the “Assign To” drop-down list.

Once you have created and assigned pens to your objects, click on “OK” to save your changes. Your pen table is now ready to use.

Modifying a Pen Table

If you need to modify an existing pen table in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Plot dialog box: Go to the Application Menu (the “A” icon in the top left corner), click on “Print”, or type “Plot” in the command line.
  2. Select a plotter: Choose the plotter that has the pen table you want to modify from the “Name” drop-down list.
  3. Edit existing pens: Select a pen from the list and click on the “Edit Pen” button. You can modify its properties such as color, line weight, and line type.
  4. Delete pens: To remove a pen from your pen table, select it from the list and click on the “Delete Pen” button.

Remember to click on “OK” to save your changes once you have finished modifying the pen table.

Conclusion

A pen table is a crucial component in AutoCAD that controls the appearance of plotted lines and line weights. By creating and modifying pen tables, you can ensure your drawings are printed with the desired line widths and colors. Understanding how to work with pen tables will greatly enhance your printing capabilities in AutoCAD.