How to Add New Hatch Pattern in AutoCAD 2017?

Understanding Hatch Patterns in AutoCAD 2017

Adding a new hatch pattern in AutoCAD requires several steps, including accessing the right settings and creating or importing the desired pattern. This guide provides detailed instructions tailored for AutoCAD 2017.

Accessing Hatch Settings

1. Open Options Dialog

   • Start by launching AutoCAD and navigating to the top menu. Click on "File" and then select "Options" from the dropdown.
2. Configure Drafting Options
   • In the Options dialog, head to the "Application Options" tab. From there, find and click on "Drafting" followed by "Hatching." This opens the Hatching settings where you can manage hatch patterns.

Creating a New Hatch Pattern

1. Initiate Pattern Creation

   • Within the Hatching settings, look for the "Create" button. This action will launch the Edit Hatch Pattern dialog, where you can develop your custom hatch pattern.

2. Define Hatch Properties

   • In the Edit dialog, specify various properties for your hatch pattern. You can set the pattern type, scale, angle, and other relevant attributes that define how your hatch will visually appear in your designs.
3. Save the New Pattern
   • Once you have configured your new hatch pattern to your satisfaction, make sure to save it. The newly created pattern should now be available for use in your projects.

Adding an Existing Hatch Pattern

1. Access Options Again

   • Return to the Options dialog using the same method as before.

2. Support File Search Path

   • Navigate to the "Files" tab in the Options dialog. Locate the "Support File Search Path" section, which lists directories AutoCAD checks for hatch patterns.
3. Add Custom Folder
   • Click on the "Add" button and browse for the folder that contains any custom hatch patterns you wish to include. Select it and ensure it becomes part of the search paths.

Troubleshooting Hatch Patterns

• Check Layer Settings

  • If hatch patterns are not appearing correctly, verify that the layer containing the hatch is turned on and not frozen. You can adjust this in the Layer Properties.
• Adjust Fillmode Setting
  • To make certain hatches visible, confirm that the FILLMODE variable is set to 1. You can change this by typing FILLMODE into the command line and entering the value.

Managing Hatch Properties

1. Modify Existing Hatches

   • If you want to change the properties of existing hatch patterns, select the hatch by clicking on it. Then, access the Properties palette. You can adjust parameters like scale and spacing here.
2. Restore a Hatch
   • In cases where hatches might lose their appearance, simply click on the corner of your hatch to reset it. For more advanced adjustments, you can type HE in the command line to access hatch options.

FAQs

What file format do hatch patterns use in AutoCAD?
Hatch patterns in AutoCAD utilize the .pat file format. These files define various hatch patterns available within the software.

Where can I find additional hatch patterns?
Additional hatch patterns can typically be found in CAD libraries online, or they can be created from scratch following the process outlined above.

Can I edit a hatch pattern after I create it?
Yes, once a hatch pattern is created, it can be edited by accessing the Edit Hatch Pattern dialog through the Hatching settings in the Options menu. You can modify attributes such as scale, angle, and type as needed.