How to use Custom Hatch patterns in AutoCAD-based programs and AutoCAD LT

Issue: You have custom hatch patterns given to you or created by you and need to know the best way to add them into AutoCAD so you can use them

Solution:

1.   A couple of items to know first:
   1. Each hatch pattern should be in its own file
   2. The PAT file name must exactly match the name of the pattern
   3. The end of the pattern file must be a blank line.
2. Best place to start is to create a hatch pattern folder (to make it easier for future upgrades).  I will be using D:\Hatch Patterns as my example
   
3. Create each hatch patter separately, or if you have one combined, you will need to separate them all out into separate files.
   In the example, the pattern file created is called CLG_GYP.PAT
   So the hatch pattern contains this data:
   
   I use plain Notepad to make sure that the *CLG_GYP (red box) matches the filename and this cannot have spaces, the description following can have spaces
4. Once you have them all separated, then Launch AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT to a blank drawing and then type in Options or Red “A” => Options
   
5. Navigate to the Files Tab, expand out Support File Search Path and then Click Add…
   
6. Now navigate, type in, or paste the path of the hatch patterns directory in the new box and then click OK:
   
7. Now click to Hatch:
   
   
   Click on the Expand button on the Hatch Pattern Panel:
   
   
   You will now see your custom hatch patterns at the bottom of this list:
   
8. If you get an error stating a pattern is invalid, then that pattern is not valid or has an issue that needs to be corrected to fix the issue.

Note: once you have this working, and new or separate versions of AutoCAD simply need to be pointed to this directory for the hatch patterns to work for future releases (Steps 5 & 6)
 

About the Author

Support Team Manager - AEC Team<br><br>An AutoCAD Certified Professional, Ryan is responsible for taking client cases and assisting with issues with the software - everything from regular glitches to software deployments and whatever else goes wrong. He's proficient in AutoCAD (including customization), VBA, LISP, and Civil 3D.

Follow on Linkedin More Content by Ryan Wunderlich