plot to file using outside ctb file

[kmcgervey.256657]

I have another outside user's ctb and I want to use it. How do I do that? Will it work even if I don't have that plotter?

[smotamedi.230512]

You can add the ctb file to your plot styles folder:

In OPTIONS go to the Plot and Publish Tab, click the Plot Style Table Settings button (bottom right), the click the Add or Edit Plot Style Tables... button to open the folder in windows explorer. Copy the ctb file into this folder and print using the ctb file.

I usually delete the ctb file from this folder after I'm done.

Hope this helps!

[cadtag]

ctb is not linked to the hardcopy device -- it just maps pen weights/properties to color numbers. The pc3 on the other hand, is plotter specific.

[rkmcswain]

I have another outside user's ctb and I want to use it. How do I do that? Will it work even if I don't have that plotter?

You can also set up a subdirectory under the main plot styles directory, and put your "extra" plot styles in there to keep them separate from your main ones.

AutoCAD will read files from the main directory specified in Options and any subdirectories under it.

[tsigler]

My company is a CAD service bureau so we work for literally hundreds of different clients with varying standards, colors, etc. Therefore we must adapt to many different CTB's. We try to assign a drafter to a client. This allows them (the drafter and the client) to get used to the standards and what is expected of them and cuts down on mistakes when drafting and plotting. New client CTB's are stored on one of our server. The drafter(s) who is working with a particular client will download the CTB to his local machine and keep it there as long as that client remains active (some are only with us for one project others have been with us for hundreds). If the local machine crashes we just reload the applicable CTBs back on the rebuilt (or new) station and are ready to go again.

Concerning plotting, line weights may need to be altered since different plotters have differing resolutions. This isn't normally a problem as long as you remain true to the colors. I usually ask a new client for a hardcopy of a file he has given me. That way I can see what he expects it to look like and if I need to adjust his CTB to work with my plotter.

Good Luck,

Tom