How to Add Plot Styles in AutoCAD: A Complete Guide

AutoCAD is an industry-leading design software used for drafting 2D and 3D models. One crucial aspect of AutoCAD is how drawings are printed or plotted, which is where plot styles come into play. Plot styles control the appearance of printed drawings, including line weights, colors, and other visual settings, without altering the actual design.

This guide will explain how to create, manage, and troubleshoot plot styles in AutoCAD, covering versions such as AutoCAD 2021 and 2024. We will also discuss importing and exporting plot styles and the difference between CTB and STB plot styles, as well as provide answers to frequently asked questions.

What is a Plot Style in AutoCAD?

A plot style is a set of parameters that defines how objects in a drawing will appear when printed or plotted. These parameters include line weight, color, line type, and transparency. Plot styles allow users to adjust how a drawing looks on paper or PDF without modifying the design elements.

Types of Plot Styles: Color-Dependent vs. Named Plot Styles

AutoCAD offers two types of plot styles:

1. Color-Dependent Plot Styles (CTB)
   • CTB files map specific colors to line weights, line types, or other properties. This means objects in the same color will be printed with the same appearance.
   • Ideal for: Projects where line weight and visual appearance depend on color.
2. Named Plot Styles (STB)
   • STB files allow you to assign unique plot settings to layers or objects, regardless of their color.
   • Ideal for: Projects requiring more flexibility and not bound to color-based standards.

How to Add Plot Styles in AutoCAD for differents versions

Adding plot styles in AutoCAD follows a similar process across versions, though minor interface changes may exist between versions like 2021 and 2024.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Adding Plot Styles:

Step 1: Open the Plot Style Manager

1. Type PLOTSTYLE into the command line and press Enter.
2. You can also access it from the Application Menu (the “A” logo at the top left corner), navigate to Print → Manage Plot Styles.

Step 2: Choose to Add a New Plot Style

1. In the Plot Style Manager, select Add a Plot Style Table Wizard.
2. Choose whether you want a CTB or STB plot style table.
   • For AutoCAD 2024, this option appears similarly, though the interface might be slightly updated from previous versions.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to either create a new plot style from scratch or base it on an existing style.

Step 3: Name and Save the Plot Style

1. Provide a name for your new plot style (e.g., “ProjectPlotStyle.ctb”).
2. Click Finish to save it.

Step-by-Step: Creating and Customizing Plot Styles

Once you’ve created a plot style table, you can customize its settings for your specific project.

Step 1: Open the Plot Style Editor

1. From the Plot Style Manager, click on your newly created plot style.
2. Click Edit to open the Plot Style Table Editor.

Step 2: Customize Plot Properties

• For CTB Plot Styles: Assign properties based on color. You can set line weights, screening, end caps, and more.
• For STB Plot Styles: Create named styles for specific layers or objects and define their appearance regardless of color.

Step 3: Save and Close

Once your settings are configured, click Save & Close.

Assigning Plot Styles to Layers and Objects

You can assign plot styles either by layer or by object, depending on your workflow.

Assigning Plot Styles to Layers:

1. Open the Layer Properties Manager (LAYER command).
2. In the Plot Style column, click the cell for the desired layer and choose the appropriate plot style from the dropdown.

Assigning Plot Styles to Individual Objects:

1. Select the object(s) you wish to apply the plot style to.
2. Open the Properties Palette (PROPERTIES command).
3. In the Plot Style section, assign the desired plot style.

Importing and Exporting Plot Styles

How to Import Missing Plot Styles in AutoCAD:

1. If a plot style table is missing, go to the Plot Style Manager and click Import.
2. Browse to the location where the plot style file (.ctb or .stb) is stored.
3. Select the file and click Open to import it into your project.

How to Export Plot Styles in AutoCAD:

1. Navigate to the Plot Style Manager.
2. Select the plot style table you wish to export.
3. Click Copy and choose a destination folder where the plot style file will be saved.

Troubleshooting Missing Plot Styles

Plot Style Missing AutoCAD:

1. Check Plot Style Location: Ensure your plot style files are saved in the correct folder. By default, AutoCAD looks for plot styles in:
   • Windows: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD XXXX\RXX.X\enu\Plotters\Plot Styles
2. Verify Installation: If your plot style table is still missing, it might not have been installed with AutoCAD. Try reinstalling or copying the plot style from a colleague.

FAQs

Where to Add Plot Styles in AutoCAD?

You can add plot styles in AutoCAD via the Plot Style Manager. Access it by typing PLOTSTYLE in the command line or from the Print menu under Manage Plot Styles.

How Do I Add a Style in AutoCAD?

To add a style, open the Plot Style Manager, click Add Plot Style Wizard, and follow the steps to create a new CTB or STB file. Once created, you can assign it to layers or objects.

How Do I Import Missing Plot Styles in AutoCAD?

If plot styles are missing, open the Plot Style Manager, click Import, and browse to the location of the .ctb or .stb file. Once selected, AutoCAD will add it to your list of available plot styles.

How to Create Plot Settings in AutoCAD?

You can create plot settings in the Page Setup Manager (PAGESETUP command). Here, you can specify the printer, paper size, plot area, and assign a plot style.

How to Add CTB Plot Style in AutoCAD?

1. Open Plot Style Manager (PLOTSTYLE command).
2. Use the Add Plot Style Wizard to create a new CTB file.
3. Customize it via the Plot Style Editor.

How to Add CTB File in AutoCAD 2024?

AutoCAD 2024 follows the same steps as previous versions. Use the Plot Style Manager, add a CTB file through the wizard, and assign it to layers or objects.

AutoCAD Plot Style Location:

By default, plot styles are located in:

• Windows: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD XXXX\RXX.X\enu\Plotters\Plot Styles

How to Add Plot Style in AutoCAD Free?

In the free version of AutoCAD (AutoCAD Web or AutoCAD Mobile), adding custom plot styles is not directly supported. You’ll need a full AutoCAD license for complete plotting and customization options.

Conclusion

Plot styles are essential for controlling the visual appearance of your AutoCAD drawings when printed. Whether you’re using AutoCAD 2021, AutoCAD 2024, or earlier versions, the process of creating, adding, and customizing plot styles remains consistent. By mastering plot styles, you can ensure your drawings print correctly and consistently, improving the quality and professionalism of your work.

Remember to follow best practices, keep your plot styles organized, and use the tips in this guide to handle any troubleshooting issues effectively.