Guide to setting up Plot Style (CTB/STB) and printing your work to achieve professional quality. (Focus on setting the correct print settings according to the drafting standards)

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🖨️ Plot Style (CTB/STB) setting guide and high quality printing

A Plot Style or Plot Style Table is a file that controls how objects drawn with different colors or styles will be printed with properties (such as line thickness, color, line pattern) to ensure that the design is clear and complies with drafting standards.

AutoCAD has two main types of Plot Styles:

1. CTB (Color-Dependent Plot Style Table)

• Working principle: The thickness and properties of the line depend on the color (Color) of the object drawn on the screen.

• Application: It is the most commonly used form in traditional architecture and engineering.

• How to set up:

  1. In a CTB file (e.g. monochrome.ctb), you will need to set Plot Properties for all 255 AutoCAD colors.

  2. Standard examples: Red (Color 1) is usually specified to be 0.15mm thick, Yellow (Color 2) 0.25mm, White/Black (Color 7) 0.40mm, etc.

• Advantages: Easy and quick to manage when using the specified color standards.

2. STB (Named Plot Style Table)

• How it works: The thickness and properties of the lines depend on the Plot Style name you assign to the object, regardless of the color.

• Applications: This is a more modern and flexible format, often used in larger companies that require detailed control over print patterns, or when you want to vary the line thickness of the same color object.

• How to set it up: You will need to define a "Style Name" (e.g. THIN, MEDIUM, HEAVY), and then apply that Plot Style directly to the object (or Layer).

• Pros: Control line thickness independently of color, allowing for more flexibility when working with layers or objects.

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💡 Print settings for professional quality (PLOT Command)

Whether you use CTB or STB, correct printing procedure is important:

1. Enter Layout Space (Paper Space): All print settings should be made in Layout (not Model Space) to ensure precise control of paper size and scale.

2. Call the PLOT command: Type PLOTor PRINT(Ctrl+P)

3. Printer/Plotter: Select a printer or file converter (e.g. DWG to PDF.pc3 to convert to high-quality PDF).

4. Paper Size: Set the correct paper size (e.g. ISO A3, ISO A1).

5. Plot Area (What to plot): Select Layout (if printing from Layout) or Window (if you want to define your own areas).

6. Plot Scale: Set the scale to 1:1 (when printing from Layout Space) or set the scale to a specified value (when printing from Model Space).

7. Plot Style Table (CTB/STB):

   • Select the correct Plot Style file for the project (e.g., monochrome.ctbor บริษัท.stb).

   • To print in black and white, select a Plot Style that sets all colors to black (for example monochrome.ctb).

8. Plot Offset: Checks that the drawing is centered on the paper (Center the plot) or offset as desired.

9. Preview: Always check the preview before printing to ensure that the line thickness meets the required standards .

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Key Focus	Plot Style AutoCAD , CTB STB , AutoCAD print settings, CAD line thickness, professional printing	AutoCAD Plot Style, CTB vs STB, Lineweight Setting, Professional Printing, Plotting Guide
Special techniques	Print to PDF, Plot Scale, Plot Area, Pen Settings, Fix misprint issues	Print to PDF, Plot Scale, Paper Space, Pen Settings, Drafting Standards
Objective/Level	Standard drawings, presentation techniques, printing manuals, final AutoCAD, Layou	Drafting Standards, Presentation Techniques, Plotting Final Output, AutoCAD Layout, CAD Output

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Plot Style and Printing Overview

This figure illustrates the importance of Plot Style settings for achieving quality printing results.