Understanding Plot Styles in AutoCAD
When working in AutoCAD, plotting styles play a crucial role in determining how the final output looks, including the ability to print areas in different colors or shades. To effectively print a white hatch, it is essential to first understand what plot styles are and how they influence the output of your drawings. Plot styles can dictate color, line weight, and other properties that affect the appearance of plotted objects.
Steps to Print in White Hatch Using AutoCAD
Step 1: Access the Plot Styles
– Begin by launching AutoCAD and opening the drawing file you wish to modify.
– Click on the Application menu located at the top-left corner of the interface.
– Select ‘Print’ and then choose ‘Manage Plot Styles’ from the dropdown.
Step 2: Modify the Plot Style Table
– In the Plot Style Manager, locate the plot style table you wish to edit. Usually, this would be a file ending in .ctb (color-dependent plot style).
– Double-click on the specific plot style table to open the Plot Style Table Editor.
Step 3: Change the Color Settings
– Within the Plot Style Table Editor, switch to the Form View tab.
– Here, you’ll see a list of plot styles; select the one you want to adjust for printing in white.
– Look for the ‘Color’ property and set it to 255, which corresponds to white. You should also select “Use Object Color” for the Color property to ensure it affects the object correctly.
Step 4: Adjust the Screening Value
– Next, find the Screening property associated with the selected color. Set the Screening value to 0. This setting tells AutoCAD to print the color without any shading or tint, allowing it to appear as pure white on the final output.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
– Once you have adjusted these settings, click ‘Save & Close’ in the Plot Style Table Editor. This will ensure that your modifications are applied.
Printing Process for Your Drawing
Step 6: Open the Print Setup
– After saving the plot style, return to your drawing. Access the Print dialog again via the Application menu by selecting ‘Print.’
– Choose your printer setup as usual, selecting the layout or paper size you plan to use.
Step 7: Apply the Custom Plot Style
– In the print setup dialog, ensure that the newly modified plot style is selected. It should appear in the Plot Style field.
– Confirm that the plot settings are appropriate for your project.
Step 8: Finalize and Print
– With all settings adjusted, click the ‘Preview’ button to check how your drawing will look when printed.
– If everything appears correct, proceed by clicking ‘OK’ or ‘Print’ to generate the final output.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
If your hatch is still not printing as expected, consider the following:
– Verify that the layer for the hatch is not turned off or frozen.
– Ensure that your printer settings are correct, especially regarding plot transparency options.
– Check the hatching patterns; complex or corrupted patterns may not print correctly.
FAQs about Printing in AutoCAD
1. What if my white hatch still appears gray on the print?
Make sure the plot style is correctly set to “Use Object Color” and that the Screening value is set to 0. If your printer settings apply any default adjustments, those may affect the output too.
2. Can I adjust the transparency of my white hatch?
Yes, you can control transparency in the Plot/Page setup dialog. Ensure that the ‘Plot Transparency’ option is checked to apply your desired level of transparency.
3. How do I ensure my hatch prints without issues?
Keep your hatch layer turned on and check your fill settings in the Display Options. Sometimes, modifications in the layer properties can resolve printing problems.
