Hatch patterns - .pat

[KT277]

I found a site where I could download additional hatch patterns. All the files were .pat. How can I use/see these? I noticed that there is a acad.pat file in ACAD2000\Support. Is this where the hatch patterns are stored?

[Eddie]

Yes this were the hatch patterns are contained, you will notice there are 2 *.pat files
the acad.pat is for imperial format and the acadiso.pat is for metric

Simply add the contents of your .pat fiel to or replace either of these.

[csiarch]

Eddie! PLEASE tell them to SAVE their original .PAT under a slightly different file name FIRST before adding hatch patterns...

:roll:

[KT277]

Ok. Yes, I did notice 2 *.pat files. So, I'm in explore under \Support, and I should rename acad.pat to acad1.pat? Then, I should put all the new .pat files into \Support?
Are all the original hatch patters(except for metric) in acad.pat? Thanks for your help.

[csiarch]

KT277: Maybe rename acad.pat to acad.pqt so AutoCad doesn't try to reference it? AutoCad is written to look for .PAT files when the Hatch command is invoked so you don't want it looking for too many files with a .PAT extension.

The reason for renaming, as you have probably already guessed, is to "...leave yourself a trail of breadcrumbs..." in case you get lost in the woods, metaphorically speaking. F.Y.I.: Renaming files is a good habit to adopt before you start mucking about in questionable territory -no matter where you are.

More F.Y.I.: Hatch pattern definitions are ASCII text files (i.e., pure text, with no word processor formatting coding). The .PAT files that come with AutoCad are also ASCII files which are best looked at using an ASCII text editor such as WordPad.

Adding hatch definitions to a .PAT file is a realtively simple process of opening the .PAT file in a WordPad window, opening the pattern you wish to add in another window, then copying and pasting the new definition into the .PAT file. I would recommend pasting the new pattern into the .PAT file in alphabetical order just to keep things better organized.

When done, save the .PAT file then test the new pattern in a drawing to see if it shows up on the list of patterns available.

The expanded explanations above are not intended to insult your intelligence if you already know about ASCII files, etc. The nature of your last post seemed to indicate you might be wandering into unknown territory. If that is not the case, apologies in advance. Just trying to help you avoid having to ring back to the forum with a HELLLPPPPPPP! message.

If you're so inclined, you might want to investigate creating your own hatch patterns and realizing the satisfaction of accomplishing something besides doing good drawings. Be advised that custom hatch patterns must be sent along if you share your drawings with others.....

:D

[Eddie]

:oops: Oops..sorry about that csiarch...you are 100% correct in that remark....how stupid of me to forget that......

[csiarch]

Eddie: No apology necessary. It's human nature to assume that others have the same relative experience -whatever that may be, and respond accordingly.

This is why some programming manuals are so difficult to understand.

I take my response cues from how the original poster asks and replies and if I sense they're not that experienced, I try to respond in kind...sort of the way I did to KT277.

[Eddie]

8) I do likewise csiarch, I have been having a blonde moment......
And I say this from experience as I used to be a teacher of Autocad, so I tend teach students to make backups in oneway or another when modifying systems file like the .pat file.

[KT277]

csiarch, Yes, you're right that I'm unfamiliar with ASCII text files. And, looking at this site, I'm only a novice. What I did do meanwhile, is put some of the new .pat files directly into \Support and not into the original acad.pat file. Now, when I start the hatch command I hit the ... button for the various type hatches. Now I can hit the 'custom' tab, and there are the ones I've loaded - even with a thumbnail.
I was specifically looking for a batt insulation hatch to show in a wall section. But, when I adjust the scale to make the loops fit in the wall, the full loops don't fit in the wall unless you move the wall. Maybe I need to manually make a single string of loops into a block. Another pattern I was looking for was one for crushed stone or gravel - but the riprap one may work. Eventually, I may learn how to create a hatch pattern. Know of any references?

[architech]

Have you tried looking here ....?
There are some hatches uploaded here.
Take a look.

http://www.autocadeverything.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=19


:P

[KT277]

Thanks architect,
I have already downloaded this, which is similar to the one I found previously. Your riprap one is the one I mentioned above. I'm not sure which batt file I was using.
Here's another site I found with shareware:
http://www.cadopolis.com/shareware_listing.asp?TheCategory=CatAll&TheSubcat egory=SubBlocks&TheKeywords=#top
Has alot of architectural blocks if your interesed.
I would also like to add on Land Development if anyone knows of a souce (cheap). I'd like to try to play around with it for road layout.

[VERYCIVILDRAFTER]

I just purchased a few seats of Land Development... I can tell you it isn't cheep, but (if you act like you’re going to buy it and you’re willing to put up with the salesmen phone calls for a few months) a retailer will give you a copy to use for 30 days free.

[architech]

Dude,
just to follow up on your question on making custom hatches ....

In AutoCAD, hit F1 then type in ...
making hatches

The 1st topic should work. :mrgreen:
Take a look.


Also if you have the "Express Tools" ... try "super hatch"
Super hatch pretty much does an array of any block you make.
That's a patch solution to making the real thing. :?

later guy.
:P

[VERYCIVILDRAFTER]

architech

What the heck is a "Supper Hatch"???
I think you've got visions of Thanksgiving Dinner dancing in your head.
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Happy Holidays Everybody! :wink:



This post now makes no sense. Thanks a lot architech...
:D
:P
:mrgreen:

[YosSa]

Holiday ??

What holiday ... ??

AAaaAAaRrRRRRrrgGGgGGHHhhhH :P


for the lucky bastards -> Happy Holiday !!

[csiarch]

Architech: Re: Supper Hatch. Quite simple, actually. Hatches placed on drawings between the hours of 4 PM to 7PM are traditionally thought of as Supper Hatches. :roll:

KT277: Could you explain a bit about having to move the wall to make the hatch fit? That's a new one to me....like moving the road over a little so the car can drive.

Attached are some hatch blocks, if you care to use them. They are full size.

[architech]

Thanks for that CSIarch. :mrgreen:

Oops :oops:
I corrected that error.
Thanks VCD.

Happy turkey day to all. :P

[csiarch]

KT277: Just mentioned ASCII (or pure text) files because this is commonly overlooked (even by folks who know better) when mucking around in .PAT and .LIN files.

Once you're aware of it, then you can go on and do something productive instead of bashing your head trying to solve a problem that isn't exactly obvious.

Ironically, Autodesk developers bypass the format of these files while adding dazzling new feature to the latest versions. They're still in the same basic old text file format that has been around for ages.

:?