AutoCAD

How to Trim Hatch in AutoCAD 2021?

Understanding Hatch Trimming in AutoCAD 2025

Trimming a hatch in AutoCAD 2025 can streamline your design process by allowing you to manage hatch areas effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this task.

Step 1: Select the Hatch

To begin, click on the hatch pattern you want to modify. This action highlights the hatch for editing.

Step 2: Disable Associativity

Once the hatch is selected, look at the hatch ribbon. Find and click the "Associative" button to turn it off. This step ensures that the hatch will not automatically update if you change the boundaries.

Step 3: Start the Selection Command

On the left side of the ribbon, locate and select the "Select" command. This will enable you to choose the objects that you want to use as boundaries for trimming.

Step 4: Choose the Cutting Boundary

Click on the polyline or the boundary edge that defines the area you wish to trim. After selecting the boundary, press "Enter" on your keyboard. The hatch within the selected boundary should now be removed.

Step 5: Verify the Changes

After executing the trim command, visually inspect your drawing to ensure that the hatch has been trimmed properly. If further adjustments are needed, you can repeat the steps as necessary.

Alternative Method: Using the Hatch Editor

  1. Open the Hatch Editor: Double-click on the hatch pattern to launch the Hatch Editor.

  2. Select ‘Pick Points’: In the editor, choose the option to "Pick Points."

  3. Indicate Areas for Removal: Type ‘S’ for subtract and hit Enter. Move your mouse to select any internal areas of the hatch you wish to remove.

  4. Finalize the Changes: Once you’re satisfied with your selections, close the Hatch Editor to apply the changes.

Additional Tips for Working with Hatches in AutoCAD 2025

  • Layer Considerations: Ensure that the hatch layer is active and not frozen to avoid any issues while trimming.

  • Editing Hatches: Familiarize yourself with the Hatch Editor options to make real-time adjustments to the hatch style, color, and scale as needed during your design process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I undo a trim operation on a hatch?

Yes, you can use the "Undo" command (Ctrl + Z) to revert the last action if you accidentally trim the wrong area.

2. Is it possible to re-associate a hatch after I’ve trimmed it?

Yes, you can turn the Associative option back on in the hatch ribbon after making your adjustments, which allows the hatch to update with any changes to its boundaries automatically.

3. What should I do if my hatch does not appear after trimming?

Check if the hatch layer is visible and not turned off or frozen. You may also need to refresh the view or confirm that the hatch still exists within the boundaries you set.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.