Revit's plotting capabilities are powerful, but sometimes you need to share your plot styles with others or use them in other applications. This guide explains how to export your carefully crafted Revit plot styles into a universally compatible .ctb file (Color Table file). This process allows for seamless collaboration and consistency across projects.
Understanding Plot Styles and .ctb Files
Before diving into the export process, let's clarify the terms. In Revit, plot styles define the appearance of lines, fills, and text when you print or export your drawings. They encompass line weights, colors, linetypes, and more. A .ctb file, on the other hand, is a standard AutoCAD color table file. While Revit uses its own style management, exporting to .ctb provides broad compatibility with other CAD software.
Exporting Your Revit Plot Styles to .ctb
Unfortunately, Revit doesn't offer a direct "Export Plot Styles to .ctb" button. The process involves a workaround using the Print Setup dialog and a bit of careful navigation. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Accessing the Print Setup
- Open your Revit project.
- Navigate to the Print menu.
- Select your desired Plotter. Make sure it's a plotter that supports .ctb files (most common plotters do).
- Click Properties. This opens the plotter configuration dialog.
Step 2: Exporting the Color Table
- In the plotter configuration window, look for a tab or option related to "Color" or "Color Table." The exact wording varies depending on the plotter driver.
- You'll likely find an option to "Save As" or "Export" the current color table.
- Choose ".ctb" as the file type and save the file to your desired location. Remember the file path, as you'll need it later.
Step 3: Importing the .ctb File (In Other CAD Software)
After successfully exporting your Revit plot styles as a .ctb file, you can import it into other CAD applications such as AutoCAD. This ensures consistent plotting across different platforms. The exact import process varies depending on the specific software you are using, so refer to its documentation for detailed instructions. Generally, it involves accessing the plot style or color palette settings and selecting the option to import a .ctb file.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Plotter Driver Compatibility: Ensure that your selected plotter driver supports .ctb files. Generic drivers like "DWF" or "PDF" may not offer this functionality.
- Missing Export Option: If your plotter configuration doesn't have an obvious "Export" or "Save As" option for the color table, check your plotter driver's documentation or contact the plotter manufacturer's support.
- Color Mismatches: Slight color variations might occur between Revit and the target software due to different color profiles or rendering engines.
Best Practices for Managing Plot Styles
- Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent set of plot styles across your projects for better organization and collaboration.
- Centralized Storage: Store your .ctb files in a central location accessible to your team.
- Version Control: If you frequently update your plot styles, use version control systems to track changes and revert to previous versions if necessary.
By following these steps, you can effectively export your Revit plot styles into .ctb files, ensuring consistent plotting and simplifying collaboration across your projects and with other CAD software. Remember to consult your specific plotter driver's documentation for any unique requirements.
