AutoCAD for Mac is a powerful and deep application with lots of options and variables. There's a philosophy in industrial design regarding design, dissolving, and behavior. Simply put, it means when we stop thinking about how we hold the pencil in our hands is when we typically write most naturally. AutoCAD provides the ability to assign how things plot/print such as lineweight, color, dithering etc. Using a feature named Plot Styles. You have the choice to use the default color-dependent or named plot styles, but your drawing can only be one or the other. Color-dependent plot styles (CTB) Named plot styles (STB) It can be debated as to which is better but I will leave that for you to. For example, a drawing using color-dependent plot styles assigns plot properties to objects and layers by color. In other words, all objects with the same color have the same plot properties. CONVERTPSTYLES converts the drawing to use named plot styles that can be applied to objects or layers independent of color assignment.
- Unable To Use Convertpstyles In Autocad For Macbook Pro
- Unable To Use Convertpstyles In Autocad For Mac Os
- Unable To Use Convertpstyles In Autocad For Mac Download
- Unable To Use Convertpstyles In Autocad For Mac Pro
AutoCAD generally supports two type of fonts TrueType with TTF extension and shape font with SHX extension. TrueType is Windows native font type which comes ready-made with your windows installation but shape fonts are AutoCAD specific fonts which are installed along with AutoCAD.
In this article, I will explain methods of installing both the types of fonts and the best practices for transferring files containing these custom fonts. You can download TTF and SHX fonts used in this article from this link.
I have created this video which explains this tip clearly. However, if you prefer to read the article instead then scroll down.
Installing Truetype Font:
To install the TrueType or TTF font simply right-click on it and select Install from the right contextual menu as shown in the image 1 below. For installing this font, you need to have administrator access on your PC.
Once the font is installed close the AutoCAD window completely and restart a new AutoCAD session, the font will now be among the list of fonts.
Installing Shape Font:
Installing a shape font is a little bit different from installing a Truetype font. In this case, you need to copy paste the SHX font file in the font directory of AutoCAD installation. You can find the path of SHX fonts using options window.
Type OP on the command line and press enter, then select File tab and expand the Support File Search Path tree and you will see the path where SHX fonts are installed as shown in the image 2 below.
Go to “C:Program FilesAutodeskAutoCAD 201XFonts” folder where X represents the version number of AutoCAD and copy paste the SHX font file. You will need administrator privileges for copying this font.
Once the fonts are copied restart the AutoCAD session and you will have your SHX font in the list of AutoCAD fonts.
Transferring files with custom font:
The fonts mentioned in the article above are installed on your local PC and when you use them in your drawing it will remain visible only on your PC. If you transfer this AutoCAD file containing custom font to the recipient who does not have this font then AutoCAD will display a substituted font or it will not display text at all.
To get rid of this problem you need to ensure that fonts are always captured with your drawing.
You can do that by E-transmitting your drawing with the font and if you are transferring the file as PDF then you should ensure that TTF fonts are captured in the PDF file and shape fonts are converted into geometries because PDF’s does not recognize shape font.
To transfer the drawing with fonts, save your drawing then type ETRANSMIT and press enter. Click on transmittal setups button on the Create Transmittal window and select Modify. In the Modify Transmittal Setup window select the Include fonts check box as shown in the image 3 below and click on OK to close all open windows.
Your transmittal package will now contain any additional fonts used in the drawing.
If you are transferring drawing using a PDF plotter then ensure that fonts are either captured in the PDF or they are converted into geometries.
To do this select the PDF plotter like DWG to PDF.pc3 from the Plot window and select the PDF Options button and then ensure that “Capture fonts” option is selected for TTF fonts or “Convert all text to geometry” option is checked for shape fonts as shown in the image below.
Unable To Use Convertpstyles In Autocad For Macbook Pro
If you have questions related to this tutorial let me know in the comments and don’t forget to show your appreciation by sharing the article using buttons shown below.
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As CAD artists, we all want our drawings to look professional and appealing to the eye. Well-managed line weights play a crucial role in making your AutoCAD drawings look professional and beautiful. Line weights can also improve a drawing’s legibility.
A graphic design made from part of the line weights visualizer
AutoCAD offers three basic ways to control line weights:
- By color, using a color-dependent (CTB) plot style table
- By layer or by object, using a named (STB) plot style table
- By layer, using the settings in the Lineweight column of the Layer Properties Manager
In this post, I’ll focus on the first two options, CTB and STB plot styles.
My personal preference is Number 1 above, the old-school method–controlling line weights by color, using a CTB file. Having worked in several leading architectural and interior design firms, CTB plot styles are the most commonly used option in my experience. I’ve also found it is the easiest method when sharing files between various offices. CTB plot style tables are also simpler to explain to your team than STB plot styles.
CTB vs. STB Plot Styles
Properties dialog for a color-based plot style drawing
Lots of spirited discussion has taken place about whether STB or CTB plot styles are better, simpler, or more efficient. Here is a link to an article giving a fairly balanced comparison of CTB and STB plot styles: CLICK TO SEE ARTICLE. In a nutshell,
- CTB styles are easier to use, but limit your options.
- STB styles are more flexible and powerful, but harder to explain.
Every AutoCAD drawing is initially created using a template that is set up for either CTB or STB plot style. It’s not easy to change from one to the other after the drawing is started. For further information on converting a drawing’s plot style between CTB and STB, take a look at the CONVERTPSTYLES and CONVERTCTB commands.
You can easily determine whether an existing DWG file is set up for CTB or STB plot styles by going into model space and opening the Properties dialog box (by typing Ctrl-1) with nothing selected. The type of plot style used is indicated in the Plot style section of the Properties box, as shown at left.
Most older design firms have established their office standards for controlling line weights.
Many newer AutoCAD users, and younger design firms, may be unsure how best to control line weights, and which line weights they should use. If that describes you, you’re in the right place.
Download an easy, ready-made solution
If you’re in doubt about line weights and would like an easy, ready-made solution, you’re in luck! I’ve created an all-purpose, color-based (CTB) Plot Style Table file and I’m offering it to my readers as a free download. Here is the link to download the zip file:
You will find that the zip file contains two files:
[ezcol_1quarter]BCT_FLSZ.ctb
BCT Plot Style Table Visualizer.dwg[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_3quarter_end] The color-based plot style table. BCT is short for Best CAD Tips; FLSZ is short for Fullsize (meaning printed at full size and not shrink-to-fit).
A DWG file which allows you to print out a clear, well-organized, lettersize page displaying the lineweights assigned to the AutoCAD colors. It is designed to be printed using either a color or black-and-white printer.[/ezcol_3quarter_end]
I’ve been using an earlier form of this visualizer for years, and it is the handiest tool ever. I recommend giving a paper-printed copy to everyone on your team, so that they get a visual sense of the line weights as they will actually print on paper. Since it’s a DWG file, you can easily edit it to reflect your own office’s standards. Or just adopt and use the settings I’ve provided in the downloads if you prefer.
![Unable To Use Convertpstyles In Autocad For Mac Unable To Use Convertpstyles In Autocad For Mac](https://forums.autodesk.com/autodesk/attachments/autodesk/330/5861/1/Screenshot 2014-10-18 00.57.36.png)
The line weight choices set up in the downloadable CTB plot style table, and reflected in the Lineweights Visualizer, are based on my years of experience helping firms set up CAD standards. The philosophy behind it boils down to:
Unable To Use Convertpstyles In Autocad For Mac Os
- Keep it simple.
- Use colors #1 through #7 for ascending thicknesses of black-printing lines, from 0.13 mm through 0.80 mm.
- Color #8 (medium gray) is set to a 50% screened black, providing a high-quality medium-gray line when using a non-color printer. Great for centerlines.
- Color #9 (light gray) is the thinnest black line of all. Use #9 sparingly, since it may not reproduce as well as the heavier line weights.
- Use the colors between #10 and #249 for true-color printing tasks, such as making solid-color hatches in colored presentation plans or colored elevations. You can still mix in black linework by using colors #1 through #7.
- Use the upper-number gray colors between #250 and #254 for a range of screened tones from 10% to 80%, which resemble the appearance of the on-screen colors. These work well for finer gradations of gray.
Installing the CTB file on your computer system
Options – Plot Style path
The CTB files used by AutoCAD are saved in a hidden folder inside the AutoCAD program. Its location (path) varies, depending on your computer setup. To add the BCT_FLSZ.ctb file to your AutoCAD Plot Styles folder, follow this procedure:
Unable To Use Convertpstyles In Autocad For Mac Download
- After clicking the Download button above, go to your Downloads folder and find the downloaded file named LW_TBL_VISUALIZER.zip. Move the file to an easily findable location and unzip the compressed file. You should now see the two files listed above.
- In AutoCAD, go to the Options dialog box: With nothing selected, right-click in the work area and select Options… from the shortcut menu.
- In Options dialog box , make sure the Files tab is selected.
- Click on the plus (+) sign next to Printer Support File Path.
- Click on the plus (+) sign next to Plot Style Table Search Path. You should now see a long path name.
- Click once on the long path name next to the arrow. It should turn blue. See image at right. > > >
- Pause for a second or two, then click once more. You should now see a thin white box around the text of the path name. Type Ctrl-c to copy this path to the Windows clipboard.
- Click OK to close the Options dialog.
- Open Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer). Click in the address box at the top.Type Ctrl-v to paste the path name address. Hit ENTER. You should now see the Plot Styles folder. Keep this folder open.
- Open another session of Windows Explorer (WindowsKey-e), and go to the BCT_FLSZ.ctb file that you downloaded earlier. Copy the BCT_FLSZ.ctb file to Windows clipboard (Ctrl-c).
- Return to the Plot Styles folder and paste the BCT_FLSZ.ctb file into the folder (Ctrl-v). Close the folder.
The BCT_FLSZ plot style table should now appear in your list of plot styles in AutoCAD.
You can easily edit the line weights by clicking on the Plot Style Table Editor button:
Unable To Use Convertpstyles In Autocad For Mac Pro
Hope this helps. Do you prefer using STB plot syles, and if so, why? Or a different system entirely? Let us know by leaving a comment below. Join our Best CAD TIps community, just CLICK HERE.
Have a great day, and Keep On CADDing!
Mark