Manufacturer hatch patterns in Autocad Mac 2026

[NYSmokepipe]

I can't get new hatch patterns to load properly. I've tried all the suggestions offered from a google search, but I always get 'error in reading the pattern file'. 

I've tried user defined, and custom. I've removed everything from the first line of the PAT file, and made sure that the PAT file name matches the first line of the text file. I've added a hatch folder in the 'support files search path' under preferences. I've restarted Autocad after changes, and restarted the computer. I've tried PAT files from several manufactures, and generic onesI find with a google search.

Often a thumbnail image appears in the custom list, but I always get the error. I'm trying to get a stone pattern, and I've tried PAT files from several manufactures without success. I've attached a typical sample for review

[pendean]

Your exact AutoCAD for MAC version is...?
MacOS is...?

Your poste file, after I rename the extension to PAT, works fine for me

[maxim_k]

Hi @NYSmokepipe ,

I tried your sample hatch pattern and it works fine on my side:

I attached Hatch Pattern file I created from your River_Rock.txt file.

Can you try it?

Extract River_Rock.pat from the attached archive and place it in some folder located in the Support Files Search Path.

[NYSmokepipe]

Hi Maxim

I'm amazed it worked for you! I tried putting your file in my "hatch" folder (see attached) but I get the same error message. I also tried adding a custom hatch, and pointed to the same file, also with the error message.

This happens with all the hatches I download from manufacturer websites. I always assumed they were somehow incompatible with AutoCad Mac. (I'm now using 2026 version)

But if you got it to work, there must be some other setting on my system that is preventing it to work. I'm not big on customizing  my install, so I don't know what could be causing this. It sure would be helpful to track down the issue though

Rich

[maxim_k]

Hi @NYSmokepipe ,

I think that was a bad idea to put your custom hatch patterns inside AutoCAD application folder (first line in the Support Files Search path).

Try this:

1/ Remove all custom hatch patterns from the places where you put them. You can move them to some safe place.

2/ Remove all paths you added to the Support Files Search path in AutoCAD preferences.

3/ Create a folder inside your Home folder or inside your Documents folder.

4/ Add the folder you created in step #3 to the Support Files Search path in AutoCAD preferences

5/ Put the PAT file I shared in my previous post to the folder created in step #3

6/ Relaunch AutoCAD and try HATCH command with that PAT file.

[rdkrapf]

Hi Maxim

I did what you suggested, but now I’m getting a different error message (see attached). Not sure why it couldn’t be added, maybe something to do with permissions? I also tried another pat file with the same error message. I tried putting the folder on my desktop, same error.

Thank you for your help!

Rich

[maxim_k]

Hi Rich,

Unfortunately you forgot to attach screenshot with error message. Please keep in mind that you need to answer in a browser in order to be able to attach images to your posts.

[NYSmokepipe]

Here are the screenshots. I didn't realize you had to be in the browser.

[maxim_k]

When you get this message?

Please describe your actions in detail.

If you put the hatch pattern file in a folder specified in the Support files search path, you do not need to add this file manually. It should already be in the Hatch Library window

[NYSmokepipe · Accepted solution]

I didn't see the pattern in the Hatch Library window so this is what I did.

Clicked HATCH icon

Under PREDEFINED I clicked '...' then 'ADD PATTERNS' from the drop down list which took me to a window where I could navigate to the Hatches Folder, I chose the River_Rock pat. file and I got the error message.

I also tried USER DEFINED, but I didn't see a way to choose the new pattern.

I tried CUSTOM, which was a similar process to the USER DEFINED method, except the pattern is chosen in the CUSTOM PATTERN drop down, but the error message was the same.

Then I deleted the path in the Support Files search path, and added it again. Restarted AutoCDAD, and the pattern was there! However, I now get the 'error in reading pattern file' error again.

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Hi @NYSmokepipe ,

Now I can reproduce this problem.

Try this:

- Start HATCH command

- Use the button on the Hatch Visor to open Hatch Library window:

- Now find River_Rock pattern in the Hatch Library window and pick on it to make it current:

Now pick points (select boundary) in the drawing.

You may need to adjust Hatch scale to see the result.

[NYSmokepipe · Accepted solution]

Interesting! I got this to work by following your screenshots. I've always used the dialog box, so I wasn't familiar with the hatch visor. I googled how to get it and needed to set HPDLGMODE to 0, then it appears when I issue the hatch command. Even though it works with this new way (which I will be using from now on) it still does not work with the dialog box way of doing things. Must be a bug maybe? I'm going to download the rest of the patterns and test this out. I've had this problem for so long -Thanks for your persistence in helping me resolve this.

One other question - I often select a dimension or text item when I want to move it via grips. When I select it, many different heights (scales?) appear, and they obscure the drawing so that I can't pick a new point. I've tried changing the 'show annotative objects for all scales' option at the bottom right of the window, but without result. There are different number of sizes on different drawings. And on I started today doesn't do it at all. Any idea what is causing this?

[maxim_k]

>>>>> it still does not work with the dialog box way of doing things. Must be a bug maybe?

Yes, I think it is a bug.

>>>> There are different number of sizes on different drawings. And on I started today doesn't do it at all. Any idea what is causing this?

This is because you select annotative text or dimension objects.

To turn off preview of all annotation scales when an annotative object is selected set SELECTIONANNODISPLAY=0:

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Turning-off-previe...