Understanding Black and White Printing in AutoCAD
Printing a drawing in black and white in AutoCAD can be crucial for various reasons—whether for professional presentations, legacy documentation, or simply to save on ink. This guide will walk you through the steps to print your AutoCAD drawing in black and white (grayscale) using the latest AutoCAD version (2025). Follow these instructions carefully to ensure an optimal print result.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Drawing
Before initiating the print process, make sure your drawing is ready. Check the layers, make necessary adjustments, and confirm that all objects that need to be printed are visible. Ensuring that your drawing is complete will help in achieving the desired print outcome.
Step 2: Accessing the Print Setup Menu
Begin by clicking on the Application menu located in the top left corner of your screen. Circle down to the “Print” option and select “Manage Plot Styles.” This will bring you to the plot style management where you can customize your printing settings.
Step 3: Modifying Plot Style Table
In the “Plot Style Table” section, you will see a list of plot style tables. To modify a table for black and white printing, double-click on the specific plot style table you wish to edit. This will open the “Plot Style Table Editor.” Here, navigate to the “Form View” tab. Select the plot style you wish to modify. For black and white printing, you will need to change its settings to Grayscale.
Step 4: Configuring the Grayscale Setting
Within the plot style settings, look for the option to toggle the Grayscale setting. Switch it to ‘On’ to ensure that the output will be rendered in shades of gray rather than color. Make sure to save the changes by clicking on “Save & Close” to exit the editor.
Step 5: Printing the Document
After setting up the plot style, it’s time to initiate the printing process. Return to the Application menu, select ‘Print,’ then ‘Plot.’ In the Plot dialog box, ensure that the selected printer is correct. Click on ‘Properties,’ this will lead you to the printer settings. Make sure that your plot style table is selected as the one you just modified.
Step 6: Finalizing the PDF Output
Confirm all settings in the Plot dialog box, including page size, plot area, and scale. When everything is set, proceed to click on ‘OK’ to print and save the file. In the ‘Save As’ dialog that appears, choose the destination for your PDF file and provide an appropriate name. Click ‘Save’ to complete the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print in black and white without changing my existing colors?
Yes, you can maintain your existing color settings and still print in black and white by adjusting the plot style settings to grayscale rather than modifying the actual colors in your drawing.
What if my print does not appear as expected after following these steps?
If your printout does not reflect the expected black and white appearance, double-check the plot style settings and ensure that the correct plot style table is selected before printing.
Is there a difference between grayscale and black and white printing?
Yes, grayscale printing includes various shades of gray and can show details in lighter and darker shades, while black and white printing typically refers to pure black and white without shades of gray. Ensure to select the appropriate setting based on your needs.
