Keep plot styles consistent between two drafters?

[Anonymous]

Hey all,

I'll be using AutoCAD 2016 LT to draft a large amount of 2D steel details for a ductwork design project. Details are relatively simple drafting-wise; typical leaders, variations in linetype, lineweight assigned by color (i.e. set to default for line thickness).

My CAD file will eventually be printed (PDF print or otherwise), by another drafter, at a different company. This will be my first time where a computer is printing my CAD work that isn't the same as my own. How do I make sure his machine/plot style recognizes my linetypes/lineweights identically?

I was thinking it'd be easier to grab some blank/scratchwork CAD file from him, or should I just use one of my own templates for drawing and... transfer my plot styles to his printer some other way?

Again, first time doing this so forgive me if I'm missing something obvious. What's the best way to ensure lineweights/styles/thickness is maintained between two different drafters' machines?

Thanks.

[rkmcswain]

Will your CAD file be edited (before printing) by this other drafter at the other company?

If so, then send along your plot style (CTB/STB file). You can use eTransmit to make sure it's included (and see below).

If not, then print the drawing to PDF or DWF yourself and just let them print that to a hardcopy printer.

Since it sounds like you have no control over the other user's environment, there is no way to technically ensure they use the correct plot style. (Just because you send it, does not mean they will know how to use it, or choose to use it.) That falls under a contractual item that should be negotiated up front.

[Anonymous]

It may be edited minorly, probably more paperspace type edits. I guess there's procedures for sending along plot style files on the forum? At my office I've never seen them as seperate "files" for our jobs.

[MMcCall402]

An Etransmit will package up your current drawing file along with any files used in its preparation (xrefs, images, ctb/stb files, etc) and save them in one zip file for sending to another user.

[rkmcswain]

@Anonymous wrote:

At my office I've never seen them as seperate "files" for our jobs.

Yeah, within the same network, plot styles (among other things) are generally centrally located so that all users are pointed to the same set of standard files. There would never be a need to send a plot style (or fonts, shapes, etc.) to an in-office co-worker since you are all on the same network.