If you do this frequently, the "better" converter is a dedicated plugin. Tools like HatchKit or specific add-ons from the Autodesk App Store allow you to visually design your hatch and export a clean PAT file.
Converting a DWG (AutoCAD drawing) to a PAT (hatch pattern) file is not a direct "Save As" process because PAT files require specific mathematical definitions for repetitive tiling. However, several tools and methods significantly "better" this workflow by automating the extraction or generation of these patterns. Top-Rated Software & Utilities
PatOut (by Arkance/CAD Forum): A highly regarded free LISP utility that allows you to select any existing hatch within a DWG and automatically generate a separate PAT file for it. Users prefer this for its speed in reusing custom patterns between drawings without manual coding.
GetPat (LISP Routine): Similar to PatOut, this utility is a favorite among SourceCAD users. You simply drag the LISP into AutoCAD, type the command, and click a pattern to export it as a PAT file to your desktop.
HatchKit: Often cited as the professional standard, this dedicated manager handles complex conversions, including those involving finely detailed patterns that standard AutoCAD might struggle with. It is specifically useful for Revit users who need to import complex PAT files that require a "Fill Manager".
Pattycake.io: An online PAT editor and generator that users praise for being 100% web-based and accessible from any device. While it primarily focuses on creating and editing patterns, it includes a library of 400+ materials and built-in error detection for PAT-specific limitations. Workflow Comparison Method Key Advantage LISP Utilities (PatOut/GetPat) Quick extraction Free and integrates directly into the AutoCAD command line. DXF to Online Converter Custom drawn patterns
Draw your pattern, export as DXF (version 2000), and use an online converter to generate the PAT. SuperHatch (Express Tool) Temporary patterns
Uses a "block" as a hatch on the fly without needing a PAT file, though it doesn't create a permanent PAT file. HatchKit / Professional Tools Complex & Revit workflows
Essential for patterns with thousands of elements or specific Revit compatibility needs. Important Conversion Tips
Clean Geometry: When creating a pattern from a block, ensure it consists only of lines or polylines; arcs and splines must be exploded into straight-line segments to be recognized in a PAT definition. dwg to pat converter better
Origin Alignment: Moving your pattern geometry near the origin (0,0) before exporting to DXF helps avoid alignment and scaling issues during the conversion.
File Size: Detailed patterns (e.g., fine woodgrain) can become enormous. It is often "better" to use a simpler pattern with fewer elements to maintain drawing performance. SAVING AUTOCAD DWG AS .PAT FILE - Forums, Autodesk
I have ACAD LT 2018. I received a dwg file with a hatch pattern that I don't have. Is there a way to get the hatch from that file? Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum SAVE HATCH PATTERN FROM DRAWING AS .PAT FILE
| Tool | Direct DWG → PAT | Handles curves | Free | Output quality | |------|----------------|----------------|------|----------------| | HatchKit | ❌ (needs DXF) | ✅ (auto-linearizes) | ❌ | Excellent | | Online converters | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (basic) | Poor (offset errors) | | LISP routines | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Medium | | QCAD Pro | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Good |
Winner for professionals: HatchKit
Winner for quick & dirty: Online DWG-to-PAT (but check alignment)
The biggest frustration with converted patterns is the "gap." A low-quality converter leaves a tiny space between pattern repetitions. A better tool mathematically calculates the "snap points" so the pattern tiles perfectly with zero gaps.
You don't need to code. You don't need to learn PAT syntax. You need three things:
| Feature | Typical Converter | Better Converter | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Geometry | Converts arcs to polygons | Preserves true arcs & circles | | Speed | Manual LISP script (20 min/pattern) | Drag-drop batch (2 sec/pattern) | | Error Handling | Fails silently (bad pattern) | Reports exact line number of error | | Tile Tolerance | Visible seam lines | Pixel-perfect seamless tiling | | File Output | Raw text (prone to commas) | Standardized ANSI PAT format | | Origin Control | Fixed at WCS 0,0 | User-pickable basepoint |
Hi everyone — I need a reliable way to convert DWG hatch patterns into PAT files. My use case: I have a collection of DWG drawings (AutoCAD 2018/2019 format) containing custom hatch patterns and I want clean PAT files I can reuse in other projects and share with the team. If you do this frequently, the "better" converter
Requirements:
What I’ve tried so far:
Questions for the community:
If you’ve used a specific tool or script, please mention:
Thanks — any sample PAT snippets for common hatch types (brick, crosshatch, diagonal lines) welcome.
Finding a DWG to PAT converter that actually works without corrupting your hatch patterns can be a major hurdle for architects and CAD designers. While generic online converters often struggle with the complex math of hatch definitions, specialized tools ensure your patterns scale correctly and remain usable across different platforms. Top Solutions for Extracting and Converting Hatch Patterns
If you need to turn existing DWG hatch geometry into a reusable .PAT file, these specialized tools and methods are widely recommended by industry professionals as of April 2026:
PatOut (LISP Utility by ARKANCE): This is one of the most reliable "insider" tools for AutoCAD users. It is a free LISP utility that allows you to select any existing hatch in a drawing and automatically generate a separate .PAT file with the exact definition. It is a favorite because it ensures the data is captured exactly as the CAD engine understands it.
reaConverter: A robust desktop option for users who don't want to mess with LISP routines or internal AutoCAD commands. It is known for handling complex conversions without file size limits, making it ideal for massive architectural blueprints. Converting a DWG (AutoCAD drawing) to a PAT
AutoCAD's Native Toolsets: While not a direct "one-click" converter for creating new PAT files from scratch, using the ARRAYRECT command and creating blocks can often "simulate" custom patterns for 2D geometry.
ZWCAD: A popular AutoCAD alternative that includes built-in compatibility for DWG files and often provides a more cost-effective way to manage and export design data. Why Precision Matters
Using a dedicated converter rather than manual redrawing offers several technical advantages:
Converting .dwg hatch file to .pat hatch file - Forums, Autodesk
Converting a (AutoCAD drawing) to a (hatch pattern definition) file is not a standard "Save As" function because PAT files are text-based coordinate instructions, not vector drawings. Finding a "better" converter depends on whether you want a quick workaround or a precise, reusable file. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Top Methods to Convert or Create PAT Files SAVING AUTOCAD DWG AS .PAT FILE - Forums, Autodesk
A .pat file needs a header (*PatternName, Description). Bad converters spit out *unnamed or encode the DWG filename with spaces, which AutoCAD rejects without any error message.
The "Better" Definition: A better converter recognizes geometric repetition, respects the unit system, cleans overlapping vectors, and generates human-readable (if necessary) .pat code.
Based on independent testing and user reviews across CAD forums (CADTutor, AUGI, Reddit r/AutoCAD), these three tools represent the state of the art.