How to Hatch a Polygon in AutoCAD

Understanding Hatching in AutoCAD

Hatching in AutoCAD allows users to fill areas within polygons with patterns, enhancing clarity and visual appeal. Here’s a guide on how to hatch a polygon effectively in AutoCAD.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hatching a Polygon

1. Select the Polygon Tool

   • Navigate to the Home tab in the ribbon.
   • Locate the Draw panel and click on the Rectangle drop-down menu.
   • Choose Polygon from the list, or simply type POL in the command line and hit Enter.

2. Define the Polygon’s Sides

   • Once the Polygon command is initiated, AutoCAD will prompt you to specify the number of sides.
   • Enter the desired number of sides for your polygon and press Enter.

3. Specify the Polygon’s Center

   • Click to specify the center point for the polygon.
   • Drag outward to define the radius or the distance from the center to the vertices.

4. Activate the Hatch Command

   • With your polygon drawn, initiate the hatching process by typing HATCH in the command line and pressing Enter.
   • The Hatch and Gradient dialog will appear.

5. Choose a Hatch Pattern

   • In the dialog, under the Hatch Type dropdown menu, select your preferred hatch pattern.
   • Options may include solid, gradient, or patterned fills.

6. Select the Boundaries

   • Specify the area to hatch by either clicking on the polygon or choosing between the selection methods provided. Ensure the polygon you created is selected as the boundary.

7. Adjust Properties as Necessary

   • On the Properties panel, set parameters such as hatch color, background color, angle, and scale if needed.
   • Review these settings to ensure the hatch meets your design intentions.
8. Finishing Up
   • After adjusting settings, press Enter or click on the Close button in the Hatch dialog box to apply the hatch to the selected polygon.

Troubleshooting Issues with Hatching

If hatching does not behave as expected, check the following:

• Layer Management: Ensure that the layer containing the polygon is active and not frozen.
• Hatch Preview Settings: Make sure that the "Display" settings in the Options menu allow for hatch previews.
• Object Association: Confirm that the hatch is associated correctly with the boundary polygon if required.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I import custom hatch patterns into AutoCAD?
To import custom hatch patterns in AutoCAD 2025, access the Hatch tool from the Home tab, then use the Patterns panel to specify your custom patterns. Additional files can be added to the support paths where AutoCAD searches for patterns.

2. Is it possible to delete hatches once they are applied?
Yes, you can select the hatch you wish to remove and press the Delete key. Alternatively, the HATCHEDIT command allows for modifications, including the ability to delete existing hatches.

3. Can hatching be applied to complex shapes?
AutoCAD allows hatching for complex shapes as long as they are enclosed. Utilize the Boundary command if the shape is not recognized by the hatch tool, or manually define a boundary that surrounds the desired area.