I have ACAD LT 2018. I received a dwg file with a hatch pattern that I don't have. Is there a way to get the hatch from that file? Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum SAVE HATCH PATTERN FROM DRAWING AS .PAT FILE
Converting DWG geometry into a functional .pat hatch pattern requires more than a simple file save; it involves translating vector geometry into the specific coordinate-based code that AutoCAD uses for patterns. 🛠️ Top Solutions for DWG to PAT Conversion
While there is no "one-click" native button in AutoCAD to export a drawing as a PAT file, several high-quality tools and methods bridge this gap. 1. Dedicated Pattern Software (The Most "Better" Option)
For complex patterns or frequent use, professional tools are the most reliable.
HatchKit: Widely considered the industry standard for creating and managing AutoCAD and Revit hatch patterns. It allows you to import DXF files and visually edit them.
PatOut (LISP Routine): A free LISP utility from Arkance that extracts existing hatch definitions from a DWG and saves them as individual .pat files. 2. The "Superhatch" Method (No PAT File Needed)
If you don't strictly need a .pat file but want to use your DWG geometry as a hatch, use the Superhatch command (Express Tools).
Best For: Turning images, blocks, or Xrefs into hatches without writing code.
Limitation: It creates an "image-based" or "block-based" hatch that is harder to scale or edit than a standard vector PAT file. 3. The Online Conversion Workflow
If you want to create a portable .pat file for free, follow this proven multi-step process:
Step 1: Explode your DWG geometry so it consists only of lines (no arcs or splines).
Step 2: Move your pattern close to the origin (0,0) to prevent alignment errors.
Step 3: Use DXFOUT to save the selection as an older version (e.g., AutoCAD 2000 DXF). dwg to pat converter better
Step 4: Upload to an online tool like the Toolblocks PAT Generator or similar DXF-to-PAT converters. 🏗️ Comparison: Manual vs. Automated Superhatch (Native) LISP / PatOut (Free) HatchKit / Software (Paid) Complexity Simple blocks/images Existing hatches only Any vector geometry File Output None (stays in DWG) Individual .pat files Full .pat management Best Use Quick project fills Recovering lost patterns Professional libraries 💡 Implementation Tip
Once you have your .pat file, ensure AutoCAD can find it by adding its folder to the Support File Search Path. Go to Options > Files > Support File Search Path > Add and browse to your storage folder.
Converting a file into a custom hatch pattern ( ) is a common hurdle for designers who want to turn unique line work into repeatable textures. Because PAT files are text-based scripts containing geometric coordinates, you cannot simply "rename" a drawing file; you must extract or translate the geometry. Core Conversion Methods Extracting from an Existing Hatch (The LISP Method)
If your DWG already contains a hatch pattern but you’ve lost the source file, use a LISP routine to reverse-engineer it. GETPAT.lsp is the industry standard for this task. Load the routine into AutoCAD using
, and click on the hatch. The script will automatically generate a corresponding file in your directory. Creating Patterns from Scratch (The DXF Bridge)
For new geometry (like a custom logo or tile), you need a translator that reads CAD geometry and writes the PAT code. Explode all blocks and ensure the pattern consists only of straight lines . PAT files generally do not support arcs or splines.
Move your pattern near the origin (0,0) to ensure the coordinates remain manageable. Save the geometry as a DXF (version 2000)
Upload that DXF to an online converter or use a dedicated tool like to generate the The "Superhatch" Alternative If the conversion process feels too technical, AutoCAD's Express Tools SUPERHATCH This allows you to use an existing , Image, or Xref as a hatch pattern without ever needing a Limitation:
This is only available in the full version of AutoCAD, not AutoCAD LT. Best Practices for Better Patterns Keep it Simple:
Patterns with thousands of elements will drastically slow down your drawing's performance. Check File Names: In AutoCAD, the filename (e.g.,
) must exactly match the internal pattern name defined inside the text file (e.g., Coordinate Management:
If a pattern looks "broken" or doesn't repeat correctly, it’s often because the base geometry was too far from the 0,0 origin during the initial export. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Useful Tools & Resources SAVING AUTOCAD DWG AS .PAT FILE - Forums, Autodesk I have ACAD LT 2018
a lighter, simpler pattern would avoid the size and speed impacts of employing a pattern containing over 2000 elements. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum
Unlocking Better Efficiency: Why a DWG to PAT Converter is Essential Converting a (Drawing) file to a
(Hatch Pattern) file is a critical workflow for architects and engineers who need custom textures that AutoCAD's standard library doesn't provide. While manual coding of
files is notoriously difficult and error-prone, using a dedicated converter offers a "better" way to maintain design fidelity and save hours of technical work. Why Using a Converter is Better Than Manual Creation Precision and Accuracy
: Manually writing pattern code requires calculating slopes and offsets in a text editor, which often leads to "leaky" patterns. Converters automate this, ensuring line segments meet perfectly. Complex Geometry Support
: Advanced tools can approximate complex shapes, like arcs and splines, into the straight-line segments required by the format—a task nearly impossible to do by hand. Time Savings
: What takes hours to code manually can be done in seconds by selecting geometry in a CAD environment and exporting it directly. Top DWG to PAT Tools and Methods
Depending on your software and specific needs, several high-quality tools stand out: How convert this in .pat Hatch? - Forums, Autodesk
Converting a DWG (AutoCAD drawing) to a PAT (hatch pattern) file is not a direct "Save As" process because PAT files require specific mathematical definitions for repetitive tiling. However, several tools and methods significantly "better" this workflow by automating the extraction or generation of these patterns. Top-Rated Software & Utilities
PatOut (by Arkance/CAD Forum): A highly regarded free LISP utility that allows you to select any existing hatch within a DWG and automatically generate a separate PAT file for it. Users prefer this for its speed in reusing custom patterns between drawings without manual coding.
GetPat (LISP Routine): Similar to PatOut, this utility is a favorite among SourceCAD users. You simply drag the LISP into AutoCAD, type the command, and click a pattern to export it as a PAT file to your desktop.
HatchKit: Often cited as the professional standard, this dedicated manager handles complex conversions, including those involving finely detailed patterns that standard AutoCAD might struggle with. It is specifically useful for Revit users who need to import complex PAT files that require a "Fill Manager". How it works: Draw your pattern in AutoCAD
Pattycake.io: An online PAT editor and generator that users praise for being 100% web-based and accessible from any device. While it primarily focuses on creating and editing patterns, it includes a library of 400+ materials and built-in error detection for PAT-specific limitations. Workflow Comparison Method Key Advantage LISP Utilities (PatOut/GetPat) Quick extraction Free and integrates directly into the AutoCAD command line. DXF to Online Converter Custom drawn patterns
Draw your pattern, export as DXF (version 2000), and use an online converter to generate the PAT. SuperHatch (Express Tool) Temporary patterns
Uses a "block" as a hatch on the fly without needing a PAT file, though it doesn't create a permanent PAT file. HatchKit / Professional Tools Complex & Revit workflows
Essential for patterns with thousands of elements or specific Revit compatibility needs. Important Conversion Tips
Clean Geometry: When creating a pattern from a block, ensure it consists only of lines or polylines; arcs and splines must be exploded into straight-line segments to be recognized in a PAT definition.
Origin Alignment: Moving your pattern geometry near the origin (0,0) before exporting to DXF helps avoid alignment and scaling issues during the conversion.
File Size: Detailed patterns (e.g., fine woodgrain) can become enormous. It is often "better" to use a simpler pattern with fewer elements to maintain drawing performance. SAVING AUTOCAD DWG AS .PAT FILE - Forums, Autodesk
The most common failure. A good hatch pattern uses line segments confined to a definition box (the tile). Bad converters ignore the tile boundary. They take a closed shape (like a star) and draw lines that stretch to infinity, crashing your rendering engine.
Create a custom parquet floor pattern:
HATCH → Custom → pick your pattern.💡 Pro tip: PAT files require the first line to be
*PatternName, Descriptionand all lines must fit within a 0,0 to 1,1 tile unless otherwise defined.
Many cheap "converters" are actually screenshot takers. They rasterize your DWG, apply edge detection, and generate a garbage .pat file with hundreds of tiny, overlapping lines. This is not a hatch pattern; it is a landfill.
If you do this frequently, the "better" converter is a dedicated plugin. Tools like HatchKit or specific add-ons from the Autodesk App Store allow you to visually design your hatch and export a clean PAT file.