Should I use a .ctb file for my drawings?
Printed From: CAD Forum
Category: EN
Forum Name: AutoCAD
Forum Description: Discussion about AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, viewers, DWG and DWF formats, Design Review, AutoCAD 360, add-ons
URL: https://www.cadforum.cz/forum_en/forum_posts.asp?TID=10327
Printed Date: 16.May.2026 at 21:12
Topic: Should I use a .ctb file for my drawings?
Posted By: CalebH
Subject: Should I use a .ctb file for my drawings?
Date Posted: 23.May.2014 at 19:50
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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!
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Replies:
Posted By: John Connor
Date Posted: 23.May.2014 at 21:52
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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/ ------------- "Humans have a strength that cannot be measured. This is John Connor. If you are reading this, you are the resistance." <<AutoCAD 2015>> |
Posted By: CalebH
Date Posted: 23.May.2014 at 22:38
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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.
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Posted By: John Connor
Date Posted: 23.May.2014 at 22:43
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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. ------------- "Humans have a strength that cannot be measured. This is John Connor. If you are reading this, you are the resistance." <<AutoCAD 2015>> |
Posted By: CalebH
Date Posted: 24.May.2014 at 00:59
| 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? |
Posted By: John Connor
Date Posted: 24.May.2014 at 01:25
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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. ------------- "Humans have a strength that cannot be measured. This is John Connor. If you are reading this, you are the resistance." <<AutoCAD 2015>> |
Posted By: CalebH
Date Posted: 24.May.2014 at 02:27
| 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. |
Posted By: John Connor
Date Posted: 24.May.2014 at 11:51
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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! ------------- "Humans have a strength that cannot be measured. This is John Connor. If you are reading this, you are the resistance." <<AutoCAD 2015>> |
Posted By: CalebH
Date Posted: 24.May.2014 at 17:58
Awesome, thanks mate! Freedom is great, indeed it is. If anyone should know that it would be John Connor 
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