Plotting & pen assignments

[cwmyers]

We just upgraded to AutoCad 2005 from 2004, and now I find that when I want to plot a drawing, I can no longer select a pen style table. This is an inconvenience as I plot drawings from several engineering firms who each use a different style. When we installed, we did migrate our settings, but this feature didn't show up. Is there a convenient way to do this that I am overlooking, or do I have to go to the Page Setup Manager for every different plot?

[Wanderer]

So, you have the plot dialog completely expanded with the little blue button down at the bottom?

Just double-checking.

go into your 'options' dialog box, and under the plotting tab, you could be able to choose to see both types of settings. let me see if I can get a screen shot here...

[Wanderer]

So, you have the plot dialog completely expanded with the little blue button down at the bottom?

Just double-checking.

go into your 'options' dialog box, and under the plotting tab, you could be able to choose to see both types of settings. let me see if I can get a screen shot here...
Okay, what's up with this. Didn't we used to be able to have stb's and ctb's selected at the same time? I checked '02 also, and it was an either, or thing?

[mjfarrell]

Yes it is an either or thing.

[Wanderer]

Yes it is an either or thing.
I know that now, my question is WHEN did it become so. It hasn't always been like that?

[mjfarrell]

Yes...as far as I remember (r2.1)
it has always been either or.

[BrenBren]

I know that now, my question is WHEN did it become so. It hasn't always been like that?
Well, since CTBs/STBs weren't introduced until 2000, I guess 2.1 isn't the right answer :)

Seriously, they were like that in 2000, either or. And before that, 14 used, what, pc2 files or something like that, so I think you have been hitting the Jack a little early today ;)

[Wanderer]

Seriously, they were like that in 2000, either or. And before that, 14 used, what, pc2 files or something like that... ;)
I honestly thought that you could use both in R2000, rather than an either, or thing. I really, truely believe that. (I can't speak to a version before then. I never used 14, and I never actually plotted from 10, 12 or 13.)

Time to move over to the wishlist!!!!

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

Is only one type of Plot Style Table showing (.STB or .CTB) and you require the other?

If yes, check out the following Technical Documents on the Autodesk web site under the Knowledge Base section -

ID: TS31455 - Only CTB files are listed in the Plot Style Table dialog box (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?siteID=123112&id=2887070&linkID=2475323)

ID: TS31454 - Only STB files are listed in drop-down list (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?siteID=123112&id=2869998&linkID=2475323)

If no, nothing is showing, check the Plot Style Table Search Path -

ID: TS31467 - Searching directories for the Plot Style Table Search Path (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?siteID=123112&id=2870083&linkID=2475323)

************

Plot Style Tables (.STB & .CTB) first appeared in AutoCAD 2000, before that it was .CFG .PCP & .PC2 (If memory serves .PC2 was an AutoCAD R14 thing) etc.

From AutoCAD 2000 to 2002 you've only been able to choose either .STB or .CTB, never both at the same time. A drawing file is either a .STB or .CTB based drawing file, system variable PSTYLEMODE lets you know what type a drawing file is.

As far as I'm aware this behaviour hasn't changed in AutoCAD 2004 or 2005 -

ID: TS21857 - Use plot style tables (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?siteID=123112&id=2877202&linkID=2475323)

Have a good one, Mike

[cwmyers]

So, you have the plot dialog completely expanded with the little blue button down at the bottom?

Just double-checking.

go into your 'options' dialog box, and under the plotting tab, you could be able to choose to see both types of settings. let me see if I can get a screen shot here...

I feel extremely Homer Simpsonish right about now. I wish there was a head-smack smilie. This is the exact info I was looking for. I can't believe I overlooked the button. Thanks very much!

And, thanks to all who replied. I can see that this forum is going to be a regular part of my workday from now on.

[Wanderer]

I feel extremely Homer Simpsonish right about now. I wish there was a head-smack smilie. This is the exact info I was looking for. I can't believe I overlooked the button. Thanks very much!

And, thanks to all who replied. I can see that this forum is going to be a regular part of my workday from now on.
You shouldn't feel silly at all, that's a very common thing to overlook. If you poke around in here some more, you'll see others have had that same problem. I'm sure Autodesk has been told what a pain in the bum that is.

But, look on the bright side, I've now got everyone thinking I'm hitting the bottle, so, if I say anything too dumb, I can chalk it up to that. :wink:

[bcowper]

:banghead: < This head smacking enough for you:)

[cwmyers]

That will work very well. Thank you!