Hey all, first post here on the forums, and looking forward to some good community interaction. My question for you all is simply as stated in the title. From the research I've done so far, it seems that ctb files are very handy for when you're transferring files around a lot, or working in a large firm environment with many draftsmen needing a standard of some kind, and for distinguishing line types within model space. Since I am the only person in my company using Autocad, I have little need of either of those two perks. Is there any reason I should switch to a ctb file rather than just continuing setting linetype and color by layer, and printing with the default MONOCHROME plot style? Any advice is appreciated! 

There are two choices actually.  Maybe you should read this first before making up your mind.http://www.caddmanager.com/CMB/2009/08/cad-standards-ctb-vs-stb/

Hey John,I came across that article as well while I was researching, and looked into .stb's, and came to the conclusion that since I edit exclusively in 2d, there was no real reason to use them. For my purposes, if I was to use a plot style, I believe ctb would serve better, but I'm just not sure if it's worth implementing. 

What other choice do you have?  Would you just always print to a PDF file?Think on it.  I've got to go help someone else with a thorny problem.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I am of the understanding that you can elect to use neither a ctb or an stb and simply plot based off of layer and object line types and colors. You don't actually need a plot style to print, it just might streamline the process, no?

You don't need a plot style to print?  OK.  Try the "None" option and let us know if you are satisfied with the results.  It is a simple test to conduct and will save us all a lot of time.  We await you reply.

I all ready know that I am satisfied with the results I get from printing with the "none" option. My question more pertains to the fact that I am curios if industry standard demands the use of a plot style. Or if I'm fine to just continue as I am; using no plot styles. Forgive me, I thought I had made that clear. I'm merely wondering what advantages I stand to gain by switching to plot styles.

You don't gain anything but additional control.  If you don't need that control or want that control then continue to use the None option.  There is NO industry standard; every person/company is free to use whatever method for printing they like.  This isn't Russia, China or North Korea.  Don't you just love freedom?  I suspect you do so embrace that freedom by printing the way that you want and to hell with everyone else.  If we don't like it that's too bad for us right?  Live free or die!

Awesome, thanks mate! Freedom is great, indeed it is. If anyone should know that it would be John Connor