SolidworksHow-ToBeginner · 4 min read

How to Set Up Plot Style in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

To set up a plot style in AutoCAD, open the Plot Style Manager from the application menu, create or edit a CTB or STB file, and assign plot styles to layers or objects. Then, select the plot style in the Plot dialog before printing your drawing.

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Syntax

Plot styles in AutoCAD are managed through files with extensions .ctb (color-dependent) or .stb (named). You use the Plot Style Manager to create or edit these files. When plotting, you select a plot style table to control how objects print.

CTB: Assigns plot properties based on object color.
STB: Assigns plot properties based on style names.
Plot Style Manager: Tool to create, edit, and manage plot style tables.
Plot dialog: Where you select the plot style table before printing.

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Open AutoCAD > Application Menu > Print > Manage Plot Styles

Create or edit a .ctb or .stb file

Assign plot styles to layers or objects

When ready to print, open Plot dialog > select Plot Style Table > Plot

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Example

This example shows how to create a new color-dependent plot style and assign it to a layer for printing thicker lines in red.

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1. Open AutoCAD.
2. Click Application Menu (big A) > Print > Manage Plot Styles.
3. Click <strong>Add-A-Plot Style Table Wizard</strong>.
4. Choose <code>Start from scratch</code> and click Next.
5. Name the new CTB file, e.g., <code>ThickLines.ctb</code>.
6. Select a color (e.g., Red) and set its lineweight to 0.50 mm.
7. Finish the wizard.
8. Close Plot Style Manager.
9. Open your drawing.
10. Open Layer Properties Manager.
11. Assign the color Red to the layer you want thick lines on.
12. When plotting, open Plot dialog.
13. Under Plot Style Table, select <code>ThickLines.ctb</code>.
14. Plot the drawing; lines on the red layer print thicker.

Output

Printed drawing with thicker red lines on the assigned layer.

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Common Pitfalls

Not selecting a plot style table in the Plot dialog causes default printing without styles.
Mixing CTB and STB plot style systems in one drawing can cause confusion and errors.
Forgetting to assign colors or styles properly to layers or objects means plot styles won't apply.
Editing plot styles without saving changes will lose your settings.

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Wrong way:
- Plot without selecting a plot style table.

Right way:
- Always select the correct CTB or STB file in the Plot dialog before printing.

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Quick Reference

Step	Action
1	Open Plot Style Manager from Application Menu > Print > Manage Plot Styles
2	Create or edit a CTB or STB file using the wizard or editor
3	Assign colors or styles to layers or objects in your drawing
4	In Plot dialog, select the desired Plot Style Table before printing
5	Plot your drawing to apply the styles

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Key Takeaways

Use Plot Style Manager to create or edit CTB or STB files for controlling print appearance.

Assign plot styles by color (CTB) or by style name (STB) depending on your setup.

Always select the correct plot style table in the Plot dialog before printing.

Avoid mixing CTB and STB systems in the same drawing to prevent errors.

Save changes in plot style files to ensure your settings apply during plotting.