How Do I Install Hatch Patterns in AutoCAD 2016?

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Welcome to this tutorial on how to install hatch patterns in AutoCAD 2016!
In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of adding hatch patterns to your AutoCAD software.
So, let’s dive right in and get started.

Step 1: Downloading Hatch Patterns

The first step is to find and download the hatch patterns you want to use in AutoCAD. There are various websites available that offer free or paid hatch pattern libraries. You can simply search for “AutoCAD hatch patterns” and explore the options.

Once you have found the desired hatch pattern library, download it to your computer.

Step 2: Locating the Hatch Pattern Folder

Now, locate the folder where AutoCAD stores its hatch patterns. The default location for AutoCAD 2016 is:

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2016\Support

If you have installed AutoCAD in a different directory, navigate to that directory instead.

Step 3: Extracting Hatch Pattern Files

Once you have located the support folder, open it and look for a file named “acad.pat”. This file contains all the default hatch patterns provided by AutoCAD.

  1. Create a backup copy of the “acad.pat” file before proceeding further. This is important in case something goes wrong during the installation process.
  2. Next, extract the downloaded hatch pattern files from Step 1.
  3. Select all the extracted files and copy them.
  4. Paste these files into the support folder where “acad.pat” is located.

Step 4: Configuring Hatch Pattern File

Now, we need to configure the “acad.pat” file to include the newly added hatch patterns.

  1. Open the “acad.pat” file using a text editor of your choice (e.g., Notepad).
  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the file.
  3. Add a new line and type in the name of the hatch pattern you want to add, followed by a comma and the path to the hatch pattern file. For example:

NewHatchPattern, C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2016\Support\NewHatchPattern.pat

  1. Save and close the “acad.pat” file.

Step 5: Loading Hatch Patterns in AutoCAD

Now that we have added our custom hatch patterns, it’s time to load them into AutoCAD.

  1. Launch AutoCAD 2016.
  2. Type “OPTIONS” in the command line and press Enter.
  3. In the Options dialog box, go to the “Files” tab.
  4. Under “Support File Search Path,” click on “Add..”
  5. Browse and select the support folder where you copied your hatch pattern files (the same folder where “acad.pat” is located).
  6. Click “OK” to save your changes.

Congratulations!

You have successfully installed new hatch patterns in AutoCAD 2016! You can now access these patterns through the Hatch command and use them in your drawings.

Remember to experiment with different hatch patterns and explore the vast array of possibilities that AutoCAD offers.

Happy designing!