Convert Dwg To Pat File ((full)) May 2026

Converting a DWG file to a PAT (Hatch Pattern) file is not a standard "Save As" function in AutoCAD, as PAT files require specific line definitions. Depending on whether you are trying to extract an existing hatch or create a new one from geometry, use one of the methods below. Method 1: Extract Existing Hatches (LISP Routine)

If your DWG already contains the hatch you want to save, use a LISP routine to extract the definition.

Download a LISP utility: Utilities like GETPAT or PatOut are specifically designed for this.

Load the routine: In AutoCAD, type APPLOAD, locate your downloaded .lsp file, and click Load.

Run the command: Type GETPAT (or the specific command for your chosen LISP).

Select the hatch: Click on the hatch pattern in your drawing. The routine will generate a .pat file, usually saved to your desktop or the drawing's folder. Method 2: Create a New PAT from DWG Geometry

If you have drawn geometry (lines/polylines) that you want to turn into a repeating hatch, follow these steps:

Clean the geometry: Ensure your pattern is made ONLY of lines or polylines. Arcs, circles, and splines are generally not supported in standard PAT files.

Explode blocks: If your pattern is a block, use the EXPLODE command so the geometry is simple.

Move to Origin: Move the lower-left corner of your repeating tile to 0,0 to ensure proper alignment when the hatch repeats.

Export as DXF: Select the geometry and use the DXFOUT command. Save it as an older version (like AutoCAD 2000 DXF) for maximum compatibility with converters.

Use an Online Converter: Upload your DXF to a specialized tool like Pattycake or other online DXF to PAT converters to generate the file. Method 3: The "Superhatch" Alternative (No PAT needed)

If you don't strictly need a .pat file and just want to use a block or image as a hatch, use the Express Tools in full AutoCAD. Block to PAT — AutoCAD Pattern Conversion #AutoCAD #Tips

To convert a DWG (AutoCAD drawing) into a PAT (hatch pattern) file, you must first simplify your geometry, as hatch patterns only support straight line segments. Step-by-Step Conversion Process Prepare the Geometry:

Ensure your design consists only of lines or polylines. Patterns do not support arcs, circles, or splines. Explode any blocks so the geometry is basic and clean. convert dwg to pat file

Move your pattern to the origin (0,0) to avoid alignment issues later. Export as DXF: Select your geometry and use the DXFOUT command.

Save it as an older version (like AutoCAD 2000 DXF) for better compatibility with conversion tools. Convert to PAT:

Use an online DXF to PAT converter (such as Couture or similar utilities) to upload your DXF file.

Set your desired scale or angle and export the resulting .pat file. Install the Pattern: Copy your new .pat file into the AutoCAD Support folder.

Typically, this path is: C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD \Rxx\enu\Support. Alternative Method: Express Tools

If you have AutoCAD Express Tools installed, you can use the SUPERHATCH command to create a hatch directly from a block or image without manually creating a .pat file.

To convert a file (AutoCAD drawing) into a file (hatch pattern definition), you must extract the geometry or the existing hatch definition. Note that standard

contain true "Solid" features; solid fills in AutoCAD are handled differently than vector-based pattern repeats. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Direct Methods for Extraction LISP Routines (Recommended) : Use a LISP utility like

. Drag the LISP file into your active drawing, type the command (e.g.,

), and click on an existing hatch in your drawing to save it as a standalone WBLOCK and HatchKit : Select a portion of your drawing, use the command to export it as a file, and then use specialized software like to convert that geometry into a repeating pattern file. DXF Conversion

: Explode your drawing into basic lines (no splines or arcs), export it as a version, and use an online DXF to PAT converter Handling "Solid" Features Solid vs. Pattern : Standard

files use coordinate-based lines to simulate fills. If you need a "solid" look in a custom pattern, you must define many closely spaced parallel lines The SOLID Pattern

: The "Solid" hatch in AutoCAD is a built-in feature that does not rely on a standard

line definition. If a solid hatch isn't working, it may be due to a corrupted file in your Support Folder Superhatch Converting a DWG file to a PAT (Hatch

: For complex "solid" shapes that cannot be captured in a simple PAT file, use the SUPERHATCH

Express Tool. This allows you to use an Image, Block, or Xref as a repeating pattern. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Installation Once you have your file, move it to the AutoCAD support path (typically

C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD \Rxx\enu\Support ) to make it available in the free DXF-to-PAT converter? Customized Solid Hatch Pattern - Forums, Autodesk

Converting a standard DWG (AutoCAD drawing) into a PAT (hatch pattern definition) file is a common yet nuanced task for CAD designers. While AutoCAD does not have a native "Save As .PAT" button, you can achieve this through specialized plugins, LISP routines, or manual workarounds that bridge the gap between drawing geometry and hatch definitions. Core Methods for Conversion

There are three primary ways to handle this conversion, depending on whether you want to extract an existing hatch or create a brand new pattern from geometry you’ve drawn. 1. Extracting Patterns with LISP Routines

If your DWG already contains a hatch pattern that you want to save as an external .pat file for use in other projects, the most efficient method is using a LISP utility.

PatOut / GetPat: These are popular freeware utilities. For example, by loading GetPat into AutoCAD via APPLOAD, you can simply select a hatch in your drawing and the tool will automatically generate a corresponding .pat file on your desktop.

Why use this? It’s the fastest way to "recover" a custom pattern if the original source file was lost. 2. Creating New Patterns from Blocks (SuperHatch)

For designers who have drawn a custom logo or geometric tile in a DWG and want it to behave like a repeating hatch, the Express Tools in AutoCAD offer a powerful alternative. Process: First, convert your custom drawing into a Block.

Command: Type SUPERHATCH in the command line. Select the "Block" option, choose your newly created block, and specify the boundary to fill.

Limitation: While SUPERHATCH creates a repeating pattern, it does not technically create a standalone .pat file that you can share or edit in Notepad; it lives within the specific drawing. 3. Converting Geometry to PAT Definitions (HGEN)

To create a true, portable .pat file from raw line geometry, specialized software or plugins like HGEN (Hatch Pattern Generator) are required. SAVING AUTOCAD DWG AS .PAT FILE - Forums, Autodesk

Converting a DWG (AutoCAD drawing) to a PAT (hatch pattern) file is a frequent challenge for designers who want to turn unique geometry into reusable hatch fills. While AutoCAD doesn’t have a single "Save As .PAT" button, there are several effective workflows to achieve this—ranging from using built-in Express Tools to dedicated LISP routines. 1. The "Superhatch" Method (No .PAT File Required)

If you simply want to use a drawing as a pattern within your current project without creating a separate .pat file, use the SUPERHATCH command. This is part of the AutoCAD Express Tools. Step 1: Draw the geometry you want for your pattern. HatchKit: This is the industry standard software for

Step 2: Convert that geometry into a Block using the BLOCK command. Step 3: Type SUPERHATCH in the command line.

Step 4: Select Block in the dialog, choose your created block, and specify the scale and rotation.

Step 5: Click inside the boundary you want to fill. AutoCAD will tile the block to create a custom hatch. 2. Exporting Existing Hatches to .PAT (LISP Routines)

If your DWG already contains a hatch pattern and you need to "extract" it into a .pat file for use in other drawings, you can use specialized LISP utilities.

PatOut / GetPat: These are popular free LISP utilities available on platforms like CAD Forum. How to use:

Download the .lsp file and load it into AutoCAD using the APPLOAD command.

Run the command (e.g., GETPAT) and select the hatch in your drawing.

The routine will generate a .pat file and save it to your specified directory. 3. Converting Geometry to .PAT (Third-Party Tools)

For creating a true, portable hatch definition from scratch, third-party generators are often the most reliable way to handle complex geometry. SAVING AUTOCAD DWG AS .PAT FILE - Forums, Autodesk

Part 5: Method 3 – Manual Coding (For the Purist)

If you cannot afford software and your pattern is purely orthogonal (straight lines at 0°, 90°, 45°), you can manually write a PAT file.

Error 3: Arcs or circles are ignored.

Cause: Standard PAT files do not support true arcs or circles. Only straight line segments. Fix: In your DWG, replace arcs with a polyline using PEDIT and the "Decurve" option. Then approximate the curve with short line segments (this increases file size).

Q3: My PAT file works, but the hatch origin is wrong.

A: Inside the HATCH command, use HATCH > Settings > Hatch Origin > Set Origin and click a point.

Method 3: Using Paid Plugins (Professional Workflows)

If you do this frequently, free scripts may crash on complex geometry. Professional plugins handle complex curves and dots much better.

• HatchKit: This is the industry standard software for editing and creating hatch patterns. You open your DWG/DXF in HatchKit, select the lines, and it generates a clean, optimized PAT code.
• AutoCAD Plugins: There are paid plugins available on the Autodesk App Store (like "Hatch Creation Tools") that add a button to your ribbon for one-click conversion.

Example Workflow (User Journey)

1. User opens a DWG file containing a decorative stone floor pattern (complex polygons, arcs, lines).
2. Selects area or says "Auto-detect repeating unit."
3. Tool highlights a 10×10 unit tile suggestion – user accepts.
4. Adjusts parameters: Tile size = 12 inches, rotation = 45°, stagger = 50%.
5. Real-time preview shows the hatch filling a rectangle.
6. Exports stone_pattern.pat.
7. Loads into AutoCAD – HATCH → Custom → selects pattern → applies to 1000 sq ft floor instantly.

Potential Use Cases

• Architects: Convert CAD details (terrazzo, custom brick bonds, ornamental ceilings) into reusable hatches.
• Interior Designers: Turn scanned tile DWGs into seamless digital patterns for documentation.
• Fabricators: Convert CNC vector art into large-scale fill patterns for laser or waterjet cutting.

How to "Convert" DWG to Text:

1. Open your DWG in AutoCAD.
2. Use DIST command to measure all relevant distances.
3. Use LIST command to get exact line angles.
4. Open Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).
5. Write your pattern using the syntax above.
6. Save as mypattern.pat (ensure .txt is not appended).

Warning: This method is impractical for complex curves, arcs, or slanted lines. A single error in a dash length will cause the pattern to misalign.

How to convert a DWG (AutoCAD) file to a PAT (Hatch pattern) file