Can I print my drawing in black and white even if the lines are colored in AutoCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Can I print my drawing in black and white even if the lines are colored in AutoCAD?

Short Answer

Yes — in AutoCAD, you can print a colored drawing in black and white by using the PLOT command and selecting the standard monochrome.ctb plot style table. This is the most common professional method for producing grayscale-free black output from colored layers. Limitation: it only works correctly if your drawing is using CTB plot styles.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your file is set up for STB plot styles instead of CTB, monochrome.ctb will not be available, and many users think plotting is broken. Also, objects with true color settings or incorrect plot style assignments may not print as expected.

How to Print in Black and White

  • Command: PLOT

  • Shortcut: Ctrl+P

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Open the Output tab on the Ribbon and click Plot, or press Ctrl+P.
    2. In the Plot dialog, choose your printer/plotter and paper size, then under Plot style table (pen assignments) select monochrome.ctb.
    3. Turn on Plot with plot styles, preview the sheet, then click OK or Plot.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Plot style table (pen assignments) = monochrome.ctb

  • Expert Setting: This setting forces all plotted colors to output in black, regardless of object or layer color on screen. If Plot with plot styles is unchecked, the drawing may still print in color even when monochrome.ctb is selected.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Some objects use transparency, screening, or image content that can appear gray instead of solid black when plotted.
  • Cause 2 (Layers/Locks): Layers may have VP color overrides in a layout viewport, causing unexpected plotted results even though model space looks correct.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The drawing is using STB-based plot styles, so monochrome.ctb cannot be applied directly.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run PLOT, select monochrome.ctb, and make sure Plot with plot styles is checked before plotting.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use monochrome.ctb for standard issue, permit, and construction sheet output when screen colors help drafting but final prints must stay black and white. Avoid mixing CTB and STB standards across teams.

FAQ

Can I print only one viewport in black and white?

Yes, if you assign the viewport or layout to a black-and-white plot style setup before plotting.

Why is monochrome.ctb missing in AutoCAD?

Your drawing is likely using STB plot styles instead of CTB plot styles.

Will line colors stay colored on screen?

Yes, monochrome.ctb affects plotted output, not the display colors in the drawing area.

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