Open an existing PAT file or create a new file in a text editor that saves in ASCII format (for example, Notepad on Windows® or TextEdit on Mac OS®). Note: If you are creating a new PAT file, the PAT file and hatch pattern names must be identical.
Issue:
This article describes how to install custom hatch patterns in AutoCAD using PAT files.Solution:
Windows OS
Copy the custom .pat files into the default Support folder (listed below) that AutoCAD uses to find hatch patterns. Added .pat files will cause hatches to be listed under the User Defined or Custom hatch menu within AutoCAD.
- Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10. C:Users<USER>AppDataRoamingAutodeskAutoCAD 20xxRxx.x<LANGUAGE>Support
- Windows XP. C:Documents and Settings<USER>Application DataAutodeskAutoCAD 20xxRxx.x<LANGUAGE>Support
- For AutoCAD 2009 and earlier, the default location is: C:Program FilesAutodeskAutoCAD 20xxSupport
- The AppData and Application Data folders in the above paths are hidden folders (see How to turn on hidden files and folders on Windows).
- The default path is specified in the Support File Search Path listed under the Files tab in Options. It is usually the first one shown, pointing to the current user folder.
- If there is no longer a .pat file of an existing hatch used in a drawing, use the express tool SUPERHATCH to try and bring in the custom hatch pattern.
Mac OS
- On any drawing, type HATCH and press Enter.
- Click the pull-down in the Hatch visor for Patterns and click Open Library.
Free Autocad Hatch Pattern Files
- Click the drop-down arrow and select Add Patterns.
- Browse to the location of the custom .pat files, select them, and click Open.
- Custom hatch patterns files will automatically be copied to the following locations:
- AutoCAD for Mac 2016 and later. ~Home/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD 201x/Rxx.x/roaming/@<LANGUAGE>@/Support/Hatch Patterns
- AutoCAD for Mac 2011 to 2015. ~Home/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCAD 201x/Rxx.x/<LANGUAGE>/Support
Note: Manually copying the .pat Building construction book pdf. files into the specified location will also work.
See Also:
Products:
AutoCAD for Mac; AutoCAD LT for Mac; AutoCAD Products;- Open an existing PAT file or create a new file in a text editor that saves in ASCII format (for example, Notepad on Windows® or TextEdit on Mac OS®). Note: If you are creating a new PAT file, the PAT file and hatch pattern names must be identical.
- Create a header line that begins with an asterisk and includes a pattern name that is no more than 31 characters in length. For example, *ANSI31
- Optionally, include a description for the hatch pattern by adding a comma and descriptive text after the pattern name. For example, *ANSI31, ANSI Iron, Brick, Stone masonry
- Create a descriptor line that includes
- An angle at which the line is drawn
- An X,Y origin point
- A delta-x of 0
- A delta-y of any value
For example, 45, 0,0, 0,.125 - Add a blank line after the descriptor line. Note: If the blank line is missing, the hatch pattern won't be recognized by the program.
Parent topic:About Custom Hatch Patterns and Hatch Pattern Definitions