Converting R14 Pen Settings to AutoCAD 2000

Pen settings stored in a CFG, PCP, or PC2 file will not be recognized in AutoCAD 2000 until these files are converted into CTB or STB files.  Fortunately, it is very easy to convert AutoCAD R14 pen settings into AutoCAD 2000.  Use the Add-A-Plot Style Wizard to accomplish this.  Run the File -> Plot Style Manager to get to the wizard.

In the first dialog box in the wizard, choose the file type whose pen settings you wish to import.  If you have saved plotter configurations in AutoCAD 14, click on the Use a PCP or PC2 File button.  If you have not saved any plotter configuration files, click on the Use My R14 Plotter Configuration (CFG).

The next dialog box asks if you want to make a color-dependent plot style table (CTB file) of a named plot style table (STB).  If you need help in choosing which plot style table type to use, see our web page on plot styles.  If in doubt, select a CTB file, as the color-dependent plot styles mirror AutoCAD 14's plot system.


The next dialog box varies, depending if a PCP/PC2 file is selected, or if a CFG file is selected.  The PCP/PC2 dialog box is on top, and the CFG dialog is on the bottom.  Browse for the PCP, PC2 or CFG file that you want to import.  If you have selected a CFG file, you also need to select the specific plotter description whose pen settings you want to bring over.

You will then be prompted for the file name for the CTB or STB file that you will create for AutoCAD 2000's pen settings.  By default, this file will be stored in the Plot Styles directory of AutoCAD 2000, although this can be changed in the Options dialog box.

The final dialog box allows you to make changes to the new CTB or STB file.  To do this, click on the button called Plot Style Table Editor.  If you do not want to make changes to your new CTB/STB file, then just click the Finish button.  Your R14 pen settings have now been converted.

The AutoCAD 14 PC2 file stores both pen settings and plotter configurations.  If a PC2 file is imported into AutoCAD 2000, only the pen settings will be copied into AutoCAD 2000; the plotter configurations will be ignored.  Although AutoCAD 2000 has a wizard that imports plotter configuration settings (Tools -> Wizards -> Import R14 Plot Settings), it is not reliable.  Create a PC3 file from scratch that configures a plotter in AutoCAD 2000.  For more information on creating PC3 files, go to the Introduction to AutoCAD 2000 Plotting page.