Expert: Bob - 3/28/2011

Question
I have been drafting for 5 years and use autocad 2007. I'm drafting and someone gave me their pen settings to make sure I set my layers and lines to match theirs. How do I use their ctb plot style table file to set my layers and lines?

Answer
Hi--

EASIER and less chance for error than trying to construct layers, etc from a plot style (if that even can be done)

Of course, you have to copy their plotstyle into the folder containing yours. I would personally not eff around with pen settings, when they can easily send you the plotstyle and all the layers.

-- have them send you a drawing of theirs which contains all their layers, text styles. If they are using fonts you dont have, they need to send you the font file and the plotstyle.

Use Design Center to drag their layers and text styles into a pristine blank new drawing, which you have set to the proper units. They need to send you their blocks if they want you to use them.
You can drag in the blocks from their block drawings to your drawing.
This is better than having them send you a drawing and you erasing the Model Space, an old way of doing it, because you use Design Center to ONLY bring in what you need.

You get all of their layers exactly as they want them with the above method.

If you dont understand how to use Design Center or plotstyles, HELP, a good book, or online tutorials are easy to find.

I have the flu today -- hope this is clear.  It will only take you five minutes to set your drawing up perfectly, if they send what you need.

BOB