How to use plot styles (CTB files) in AutoCAD?
Jul 05, 2025 am 12:30 AMCTB files are files used in AutoCAD to control color-related printing styles. The output is standardized by setting printing effects of different colors such as line width, fill, etc. 1. The full name of CTB is Color-Dependent Plot Style Table, which defines the printing styles based on the color number (1-255); 2. When applying, you need to put the file into the specified directory and select the corresponding CTB in the page settings; 3. Modify or create the CTB can be completed by editing buttons or creating a new style sheet; 4. Common problems include misuse of STB, path errors, preview not refreshed, etc., to ensure that the settings are correct before they take effect.
It is not difficult to use CTB files (color-related print style sheets) in AutoCAD, but many people are prone to confusion at the beginning. Simply put, the core function of CTB is to control how objects of different colors are output during printing, such as line width, grayscale, whether to print, etc. The key is to correctly associate the CTB file and make sure that the colors in the drawing match the stylesheet settings.

What is a CTB file? Why use it?
CTB is the abbreviation of Color-Dependent Plot Style Table, meaning "color-based print style sheet". Each color (from 1 to 255) can be individually set in the CTB. This method is suitable for design environments with clear layer color management specifications, especially in architectural and engineering drawings.

For example: You may want the red lines to be printed thicker, the blue dotted lines become solid, and the gray background lines not printed out. All of these can be achieved through CTB.
How to load and apply a CTB file
To get AutoCAD to use a CTB file, you must first put it in the correct directory and then call it in the page settings:

- Copy the .ctb file to the
Plot Styles
folder of AutoCAD (usually the path isC:\Users\用戶名\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 版本\Rxx.x\chs\PlotStyles
) - After opening the drawing, click "Page Settings Manager" → Modify → Select your CTB file in the "Print Style Sheet" drop-down menu
- Make sure the Print Stylesheet Type is Color Correlation (.ctb)
Sometimes you will find that there is no file you just put in in the drop-down menu. At this time, you can click "Edit Print Style Sheet" and the system will scan it again.
How to modify or create a new CTB file?
If you need to adjust an existing CTB or create a new one, you can do it in the following ways:
- Click "Modify" in "Page Settings Manager" and find the "Edit" button next to "Print Style Sheet"
- A table interface will be opened, each row corresponds to a color number. Double-click any row to set the line width, fill style, light display level, etc.
- If you cannot find a suitable style sheet, you can select "Add-A Plot Style Table" to create a new CTB
Note: After saving and modifying, remember to check whether the CTB has been applied to the current drawing, otherwise the changes will not take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions and Notes
Sometimes even if CTB is set, the printing effect is still wrong. This may be the following reasons:
- The graphics use "named print styles" (i.e. STB), rather than the color-related CTB. The color setting will not work in this case.
- The CTB file is not loaded correctly or is overwritten by other drawings.
- The print preview has not been refreshed, so it is recommended to close it and then reopen the preview window.
- Different versions of AutoCAD may have different default paths. Make sure that CTB is placed in the right place.
In addition, if the drawings are taken over from someone else's side, it is best to check whether you are currently using CTB or STB to avoid confusion.
Basically that's it. CTB itself is not complicated, but it is easy to cause problems due to paths, setting order or misuse of STB. Just sort out the logic and follow the steps to do it easily.
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