BricsCAD CTB Plot Styles: Install, Assign and Verify
BricsCAD supports color-dependent CTB plot style tables. A CTB only works predictably when the drawing uses the color-dependent model, the file is in the plot-style path, and the Page Setup actually selects it.
Beginner takeaway: Verify three things in order: drawing plot-style model, CTB file location, then Page Setup assignment.
What you need to understand first
A CTB maps indexed drawing colors to printed properties such as lineweight, screening or color behavior. Problems often come from assuming that merely copying the file is enough.
- BricsCAD supports CTB and STB plot style tables.
- Plot styles are managed through BricsCAD’s Plot Styles location/manager.
- The active drawing must use the plot-style model that matches the table type.
Related guides: CTB Plot Styles: Complete Guide, CTB File Not Showing in AutoCAD, and BricsCAD Lineweights: Screen Display vs Printed Thickness.
Step-by-step workflow
Step 1 — Confirm CTB workflow
Where: Drawing/office standard
Do this: Verify the file is intended to use color-dependent plot styles.
Check: You are not trying to assign CTB in an STB drawing.
Step 2 — Open Plot Styles location
Where: Plot Styles Manager / configured PlotStyles path
Do this: Place or locate the approved CTB file.
Check: The CTB is visible in the managed folder.
Step 3 — Open Page Setup
Where: PAGESETUP > Modify
Do this: Select the CTB in the plot-style table field.
Check: The correct table name appears.
Step 4 — Enable plot-style output
Where: Plot options
Do this: Ensure plot styles/lineweights are included according to the standard.
Check: Preview reflects expected black/gray/weight behavior.
Step 5 — Run calibration sheet
Where: Preview > PDF/hardcopy
Do this: Compare known colors and lineweights.
Check: The CTB mapping is physically verified.
What usually goes wrong
| What you see | Likely layer | First check |
|---|---|---|
| CTB not listed | File path | Check PlotStyles folder. |
| Only STB tables appear | Drawing style mode | Confirm CTB/STB model. |
| Colors ignore CTB | Plot-style option/off | Enable plotting with styles. |
| True-color object differs | Object lineweight/color behavior | Review object properties and BricsCAD lineweight rules. |
Practical example
A monochrome CTB is copied into a project folder but does not appear in BricsCAD. Rather than repeatedly browsing for it, move it into the configured PlotStyles path, reopen the Page Setup, assign it and test a known color/lineweight sheet.
What not to do
- Do not rename random CTB copies across project folders without controlling the search path.
- Do not assume every DWG uses CTB just because the office usually does.
- Do not calibrate lineweights from screen display alone.
Good office standard
Keep one managed PlotStyles location per office/workspace and document the CTB purpose, version and calibration sheet.
Quick verification before you move on
- Use one representative drawing or sheet, not a production batch.
- Verify page size, orientation and a known dimension.
- Compare Preview/PDF with the physical output when a printer is involved.
- Save the setting or set only after the result is repeatable.
Official references
Frequently asked questions
Does BricsCAD support CTB?
Yes. BricsCAD supports color-dependent CTB and named STB plot style tables.
Why might a CTB not appear?
The file may not be in the configured PlotStyles path, or the drawing may use the other plot-style model.
Should I test CTB on paper?
Yes. Screen lineweight display is not a substitute for PDF or hardcopy calibration.
Explore more in BricsCAD Printing & Plotting Guide.