How to Add Custom Hatch Patterns in AutoCAD 2019?

Steps to Add Custom Hatch Patterns in AutoCAD 2019

Adding custom hatch patterns in AutoCAD allows for greater flexibility and creativity in your designs. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to integrate custom hatch patterns into AutoCAD 2019.

Step 1: Setting the Support File Search Path

1. Launch AutoCAD and access the command prompt by typing OPTIONS and pressing enter.
2. The Options dialog box will appear. Navigate to the Files tab.
3. Find the section labeled Support File Search Path. Here, you will add the directory where your custom hatch patterns are stored.
4. Click the Add button. This will open a file explorer window.
5. Browse to the folder where your custom hatch patterns are saved and select it.
6. Once selected, click OK to confirm the new path.

Step 2: Configuring Hatch Settings

1. After establishing the path for your custom hatch patterns, press ESC to exit the options dialog.
2. To enable the custom hatching features, set the system variable HPDLGMODE to 1. Do this by typing it into the command line and pressing enter.
3. Now, type _HATCH into the command prompt to open the Hatch and Gradient dialog.

Step 3: Selecting Custom Hatch Patterns

1. Within the Hatch and Gradient dialog, locate the Hatch Type dropdown menu.
2. From the options provided, choose Custom.
3. Next, click on the three dots icon in the Custom Pattern section to open the Hatch Pattern Palette.

Step 4: Choosing Your Custom Hatch

1. In the Hatch Pattern Palette, you will see a list of available hatch patterns, including your custom ones.
2. Select the desired custom hatch pattern from this list.
3. Once selected, click OK to apply the hatch to your drawing.

Step 5: Applying the Hatch Pattern

1. After returning to your workspace, choose the area where you want to apply the hatch pattern.
2. Ensure that the boundaries for hatching are defined properly; you can manually select the boundaries or let AutoCAD detect them.
3. Finally, click OK or Apply in the dialog to see the custom hatch pattern applied in your drawing.

FAQ

How can I remove a custom hatch pattern from AutoCAD?

To remove a custom hatch pattern, simply navigate back to the Hatch and Gradient dialog. Locate the custom hatch pattern in the Hatch Pattern Palette and select the option to delete or remove it.

Are there any restrictions on the size of custom hatch patterns?

Yes, custom hatch patterns may have some limitations based on the drawing scale and the complexity of the pattern. Extremely intricate patterns might affect performance, so it’s advisable to test the pattern in a smaller area first.

Can I share my custom hatch patterns with others?

Custom hatch patterns can be easily shared by copying the .pat files along with any supporting files to be placed in the recipient’s AutoCAD support file search path. Ensure that they follow the same steps to add the directory in their AutoCAD installation.