How to Make a Custom Hatch in AutoCAD

Hatching is a useful feature in AutoCAD that allows users to fill areas with patterns to represent materials, differentiate sections, or enhance the clarity of drawings. While AutoCAD provides a variety of predefined hatch patterns, sometimes a custom hatch is needed to meet specific design requirements. This guide will walk you through the process of creating and applying a custom hatch pattern in AutoCAD.

Understanding AutoCAD Hatch Patterns

A hatch pattern in AutoCAD consists of repeated lines or shapes that fill a designated area. Hatch patterns are stored in .PAT files, which are plain text files containing code that defines the pattern’s appearance. Custom hatch patterns can be created manually by editing a .PAT file or by using AutoCAD’s built-in tools.

Method 1: Creating a Custom Hatch Using a .PAT File

1. Open a Text Editor: Use Notepad or any plain text editor to create a new .PAT file.
2. Define the Hatch Pattern: The basic syntax for defining a hatch pattern consists of numerical values representing angle, spacing, and origin.
   • Example of a simple hatch pattern:

   *CustomHatch, Custom Hatch Pattern
   0, 0,0, 0,.25
   90, 0,0, .25,0

   • The first number represents the line angle.
   • The next two numbers indicate the X and Y coordinates of the starting point.
   • The final two numbers control the line spacing in the X and Y directions.
3. Save the File: Name the file CustomHatch.pat and place it in AutoCAD’s support directory.
4. Load the Hatch: In AutoCAD, type HATCH in the command line, open the Hatch Editor, click Custom, and browse for the new pattern.

Method 2: Creating a Custom Hatch Using Superhatch (Express Tools)

If manually coding a .PAT file is too complex, AutoCAD provides an easier method using the Superhatch tool, available in Express Tools.

1. Prepare Your Pattern: Draw the desired hatch pattern using lines, polylines, or shapes.
2. Access Superhatch: Type SUPERHATCH in the command line and press Enter.
3. Select a Pattern Type: Choose Block, Image, or Xref depending on the type of hatch you want to create.
4. Define the Area: Specify the boundary where you want the pattern to be applied.
5. Adjust Scaling and Rotation: Modify the hatch’s appearance to fit your design.
6. Apply the Hatch: Once finalized, the custom hatch will be applied to your drawing.

Best Practices for Custom Hatching

• Keep Patterns Simple: Complex patterns can slow down performance.
• Use Blocks for Repetitive Designs: This reduces file size and improves efficiency.
• Test Scaling: Ensure your hatch pattern scales correctly at different drawing sizes.
• Save and Backup .PAT Files: Always store a copy of custom hatch files for future use.

Creating a custom hatch in AutoCAD allows for greater flexibility in design and documentation. Whether manually editing a .PAT file or using the Superhatch tool, these methods ensure that your drawings meet specific aesthetic and functional needs. By mastering custom hatching, you can improve the clarity and professionalism of your AutoCAD projects.