Where to save hatch patterns in AutoCadLT 2020

[Anonymous]

Hi!

I've downloaded StoneCad's hatch patterns, but now I don't know where to put them (what file) so that I can access them in AutoCad LT 2020.  I've searched the internet, and AutoDesks help center, but all I've found is how to create or use existing hatch patterns. I have the patterns, I just don't know where to put them! Can anyone help? Thanks!

[pendean]

>>>... I've searched the internet, and AutoDesks help center,...<<<
Assuming those are good hatch pattern files (post a link of where you got them from to confirm), Google Search offers this from Autodesk https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-i...
And these from 3rd party sources among others if you prefer more graphicshttps://cadprotips.com/2016/10/30/adding-hatches-to-the-custom-tab-in-autocad/ and https://www.cad-notes.com/add-custom-pattern-to-autocad/

[Anonymous]

Hi - 
Thank you for your quick reply. However, I found the file path all the way until I got to the rxx.x file and it's just not there. Is there any other way to do this?

[pendean]

You can also create your own folder for these PAT files, add it to the search paths in your AutoCAD/LT in OPTIONS command's FILES tab, top section, restarting AutOCADLT, and then they become available to use under the CUSTOM settings.

[bob_mpc]

Try opening Options -> Files -> Support files search path. The first path should be the one you are looking for - click on it with the mouse, click F2 and then right-click -> Copy (or control-C). Then PASTE in Explorer address bar. Should open the folder.

[Anonymous]

Thank you - but I have no idea how to do this. What do I do with the Explorer result? It just opens a long list of folders and I don't know what to do with it. I really just need to know where to paste the .pat files - what folder do they go in?

[Bob_Zurunkle]

One thing you wouldn't want to do is to copy the content into your default PAT file. Add too many and it becomes unwieldy!

[Anonymous]

Hi - There has to be a simple way to do this. I can't even find a pat file! I can't find any of the common hatch patterns that come standard with Autocad. I've used Autocad for decades and I was able to do this with AutoCadLT 2014. I just don't understand why it's so complicated.

[pendean]

It's not complicated, and nothing has changed since LT2014 when you say you did it: do you just need to turn on file extensions in Windows File Manager to more easily identify file extensions? here is how to do it https://support.winzip.com/hc/en-us/articles/115011457948-How-to-configure-Windows-to-show-file-exte...

And here is how to add well formatted PAT files that conform to AutoCAD's requirements like you did in LT2014
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-i... and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usSc87n2FmM

HTH

[Anonymous]

Hi - 
Thank you for your reply. I did exactly what the youtube video shows, and all i get is a message saying "error in pattern file". These are the exact same hatch patterns I've used for years. I got them from Cultured Stone's website. That's why I'm so frustrated. I've done everything the way the instructions say - I can see the list of the hatch patterns ( although they don't show up under the hatch command, I can only see them if I use a standard hatch pattern and then "hatchedit" so change it to my pattern. They show up in the hatch edit command).

[pendean]

"error in pattern file" simply means they are NOT AutoCAD compliant formatted or coded PAT files, in 2014 or today in 2020.

ZIP one or more of them and post here for us to look at for you.
Or reach out to that vendor for support (bottom of each website page of theirs).

[Anonymous]

Hmmm - that's weird - here is the zip file.
Thanks!

[pendean]

Nothing attached: you can't send files by replying to emails (spam controls in place and all of that), you have to come over here, REPLY and add files.

[cbwilsondesign]

ok - here it is! Thanks for your patience! 🙂

[steven-g]

The problem is the name of the files. A hatch.pat file name has to be the exact same as the name used in the first line of the file if you open up those pat files you see the difference between the file name and the pattern file name used on the first line.

[pendean]

Custom Hatch patterns/ PAT-extension file rules that have never changed in over 30+years of AutoCAD, you might as well learn these or write them down for future reference:

1. File name and hatch pattern name must be one and the same.

2. One hatch pattern per file.

3. there must be a single blank line at the end of the definition in the PAT file.

4. The PAT file must be in AutoCAD's search path.This can be any folder, simply add that folder to the search path using OPTIONS command>Files Tab>Support File Search Path.

5. You then find all of these new hatch patterns that you added under the CUSTOM option in HATCH command pop-up (or in the Ribbon).

HTH

[Anonymous]

Ok - I sort of understand what you're saying. I give up - I still don't know how to change everything to make this right. The information is super helpful, but I don't know the steps to make it happen. I'll quit for now, and thank you so much for your help. I've read all of the links (that's what I had already found before trying the forum) and I guess I just don't know enough about computers to figure this out. Thanks though!

[pendean · Accepted solution]

You have to open each and every PAT file in Windows Notepad and change the name inside to match the name of the file, you need to take out the CS_ portion

Basically, their free-to-use hatch patterns from the vendor you got them from are garbage that need editing for AutoCAD users. 

HTH

[Anonymous]

Ok - thanks! These are the exact same files that worked in Autocad LT 2014, but I'll take it from here.
you've been great! Thank you!