How to Change Default Hatch Pattern in AutoCAD?

To change the default hatch pattern in AutoCAD, several steps must be followed to ensure you precisely configure the hatch settings. This process involves accessing hatch options and applying your desired customization effectively.

Step 1: Open the Hatch Command

First, launch your AutoCAD 2025 application. In the drawing environment, initiate the hatch command by typing HATCH in the command line or selecting the hatch icon from the Draw panel on the Home tab.

Step 2: Access the Hatch Creation Tab

Once in the Hatch Creation environment, navigate to the Hatch Type drop-down menu located on the Properties panel. Here, you will find various hatch pattern options available for selection.

Step 3: Choose a New Hatch Pattern

To alter the default hatch pattern:

1. Click the dropdown list to view the different hatch types.
2. From the given options, you can select between predefined patterns, or if you wish to use a custom pattern, select the "Custom" option.
3. If using a custom pattern, click on the three dots symbol beside the Custom Pattern field. This will open the Hatch Pattern Palette.

Step 4: Select Your Custom Pattern

In the Hatch Pattern Palette:

1. On the left side, you will see a selection list of PAT files. Select the appropriate PAT file that contains your desired hatch patterns.
2. On the right side, select the specific hatch pattern you wish to use.

Step 5: Adjust Properties

After selecting the hatch pattern:

1. Set additional properties such as scale and angle by navigating the appropriate controls in the Hatch Creation tab.
2. Modify the pattern’s origin point by hovering over the hatch control grip to adjust as needed.

Step 6: Save Settings as Default

To apply your new hatch pattern as the default for future projects:

1. Before closing the Hatch Creation dialog, find the option to save these settings.
2. Confirm changes to ensure that the chosen pattern becomes your default hatch for new drawings.

Step 7: Finalize the Hatch Application

Once you’ve configured your settings:

1. Specify the boundaries where you want to apply the hatch by clicking within the area.
2. Complete the hatch application by closing the Hatch Creation dialog when done.

Additional Considerations

• Hatch Layers: Ensure the hatch layer is active and not frozen, as this could affect visibility.
• Exploration of Options: Familiarize yourself with other hatch settings available within the Hatch Editor for better customization in the future.

FAQ

What should I do if my custom hatch patterns are not visible?
Ensure that the folder containing your custom hatch patterns is included in AutoCAD’s support file search path. You can check this in the Options dialog under the Files tab.

How can I revert to the default hatch pattern?
To revert to the default settings, simply access the hatch property panel and select the standard hatch patterns from the list provided without saving any custom changes you made previously.

Can I edit existing hatches after they’ve been applied?
Yes. You can use the HATCHEDIT command. Select the hatch, access the Hatch Editor, and modify properties such as pattern, scale, and angle as needed.