Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD
To effectively plot in black and white in AutoCAD, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with two types of plot styles: Color Dependent Plot styles (CTB) and Named Plot styles (STB). The CTB files are used when objects are plotted based on their color, while STB files rely on predefined names for styles. Understanding the distinction between these styles is essential for ensuring your plots come out correctly.
Setting Up Your Plot for Black and White Output
Accessing Page Setup: Begin by opening your drawing in AutoCAD 2025. Navigate to the Layout tab you intend to configure. Click on the "File" menu, select "Page Setup Manager," and then click "Modify" to access the Page Setup dialog box.
Choosing the Correct Plot Style: From the dropdown list in the Page Setup dialog, locate and select the option labeled “monochrome.ctb.” This plot style is optimized for black and white printing. Ensure that the “Plot with plot styles” checkbox is checked.
- Adjusting Other Settings: Check other relevant settings such as paper size, plot scale, and plot area or limits, ensuring they match your project requirements. Once you are satisfied with these settings, click "OK" to confirm your choices.
Creating Your Plot File
Finalizing Plot Configuration: After modifying your page setup, return to the Page Setup Manager, select your newly configured setup, and click "Create PDF" or "Plot" based on your output needs.
Reviewing Output Options: You may encounter a series of options during the plotting process. Ensure that you choose the format that best suits your requirements, such as DWF or PDF, and confirm that the output colors reflect black and white.
- Generating the Print: Click on the "OK" or "Print" button to initiate the plotting process. Your drawing will now be sent to the printer or converted into a PDF in black and white.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: My Drawing is Printing in Color: If your plot is still outputting in color, ensure that your plot style is correctly set to “monochrome.ctb.” Additionally, check that the layers or objects in question are using indexed colors rather than True Color values.
Problem: My Paper Space Appears in Black and White: When paper space is unexpectedly in monochrome, it may be because the setting “Display plot styles” is activated in the page setup, and the plot style is set to monochrome.
- Evaluating Background Color: If objects that should appear white are showing black, verify that your background and display settings are configured correctly to avoid confusion during plotting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some benefits of using monochrome CTB files?
Monochrome CTB files simplify the plotting process by ensuring all colors are converted to black, making it ideal for presentations and documentation where color differentiation is unnecessary.Can I customize a CTB file for specific colors?
Yes, if you require different shades or effects, you can edit a CTB file in the Plot Style Table Editor to define which colors correspond with specific plot properties.- Is there a different approach for plotting in grayscale?
Yes, for grayscale outputs, select the "grayscale.ctb" file instead of "monochrome.ctb" during the setup process. This will allow you to maintain varying shades of gray instead of strictly black and white.
