Set Default Hatch Layer - System Wide

[PLANacass]

I'm using CAD 2026.  Currently, with each new file I work in, whenever i use the command HATCH AutoCAD will create a new layer called "_dsg hatch".  I then have to change the hatch layer and purge the new layer that AutoCAD created.  How can I change the default layer that the command uses, system wide, so it doesn't create new layers that I have to purge?

[DGCSCAD · Accepted solution]

Set the variable HPLAYER to "." (just a period).

[PLANacass]

Excellent, thank you.  So far this seems to have worked

[Kent1Cooper]

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@DGCSCAD wrote:

Set the variable HPLAYER to "." (just a period).

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.... not only in existing drawings, but also in all your drawing template files, so it will be set in all new drawings.

[DGCSCAD]

You could also make it permanent by adding that^/this line to an ACADDOC.lsp file: (setvar 'HPLAYER ".")

First, test to see if you already have an acaddoc.lsp by copy/pasting this to the command line: (findfile "acaddoc.lsp")

If it returns a path and file, then add the (setvar 'HPLAYER ".") line to the existing file.

If it returns nil, then:

• Create a new folder.
• Create a new text file in that folder called acaddoc.lsp.
• Copy/paste (setvar 'HPLAYER ".") into the new file, then save and close.
• Go to OPTIONS in AutoCAD.
• Add that new folders path to the "Support File Search Path", and "Trusted Locations".

Now, every drawing you open will have your HPLAYER variable set to a period.

You'll also have the ability to add other changes to various variables and such. You'll have opened a new world of automation for yourself.