Convert Dwg To Pat File -
Best for simple, geometric patterns.
If you want to convert DWG to PAT file successfully in under 10 minutes, follow this flowchart:
To convert DWG to PAT file is a misnomer. You are not changing a file extension; you are analyzing a repeating unit in your DWG and defining it mathematically as a tiled pattern.
Avoid online scams promising instant conversion. With this guide, you now understand the true workflow. Go ahead—turn that custom parquet floor, brick bond, or screen mesh into a reusable PAT file today.
Need professional pattern creation? [Contact our CAD services team] or download our free PAT sample library below.
Last updated: October 2025. Works with AutoCAD 2020-2026, BricsCAD, and ZWCAD.
Converting a DWG (AutoCAD drawing) to a PAT (hatch pattern) file is a frequent challenge for designers who want to turn unique geometry into reusable hatch fills. While AutoCAD doesn’t have a single "Save As .PAT" button, there are several effective workflows to achieve this—ranging from using built-in Express Tools to dedicated LISP routines. 1. The "Superhatch" Method (No .PAT File Required)
If you simply want to use a drawing as a pattern within your current project without creating a separate .pat file, use the SUPERHATCH command. This is part of the AutoCAD Express Tools. Step 1: Draw the geometry you want for your pattern.
Step 2: Convert that geometry into a Block using the BLOCK command. Step 3: Type SUPERHATCH in the command line.
Step 4: Select Block in the dialog, choose your created block, and specify the scale and rotation.
Step 5: Click inside the boundary you want to fill. AutoCAD will tile the block to create a custom hatch. 2. Exporting Existing Hatches to .PAT (LISP Routines) convert dwg to pat file
If your DWG already contains a hatch pattern and you need to "extract" it into a .pat file for use in other drawings, you can use specialized LISP utilities.
PatOut / GetPat: These are popular free LISP utilities available on platforms like CAD Forum. How to use:
Download the .lsp file and load it into AutoCAD using the APPLOAD command.
Run the command (e.g., GETPAT) and select the hatch in your drawing.
The routine will generate a .pat file and save it to your specified directory. 3. Converting Geometry to .PAT (Third-Party Tools)
For creating a true, portable hatch definition from scratch, third-party generators are often the most reliable way to handle complex geometry. SAVING AUTOCAD DWG AS .PAT FILE - Forums, Autodesk
This is a fascinating technical challenge because DWG (drawing file) is vector-based (lines, arcs, circles), while PAT (pattern file for AutoCAD hatch) is a tiled, repeating definition format.
Here is an interesting feature concept: "The Hatch Weaver" – a smart DWG-to-PAT converter that goes beyond simple tiling.
Before hitting the "convert" button (which doesn't exist in vanilla AutoCAD), you must understand the anatomy of each file.
Once you have your .pat file, AutoCAD won't see it until you link it. Best for simple, geometric patterns
Option A: The Support File Search Path (Permanent)
To convert a DWG (AutoCAD drawing) into a PAT (hatch pattern) file, you must first simplify your geometry, as hatch patterns only support straight line segments. Step-by-Step Conversion Process Prepare the Geometry:
Ensure your design consists only of lines or polylines. Patterns do not support arcs, circles, or splines. Explode any blocks so the geometry is basic and clean.
Move your pattern to the origin (0,0) to avoid alignment issues later. Export as DXF: Select your geometry and use the DXFOUT command.
Save it as an older version (like AutoCAD 2000 DXF) for better compatibility with conversion tools. Convert to PAT:
Use an online DXF to PAT converter (such as Couture or similar utilities) to upload your DXF file.
Set your desired scale or angle and export the resulting .pat file. Install the Pattern: Copy your new .pat file into the AutoCAD Support folder.
Typically, this path is: C:\Users\. Alternative Method: Express Tools
If you have AutoCAD Express Tools installed, you can use the SUPERHATCH command to create a hatch directly from a block or image without manually creating a .pat file.
Converting a (AutoCAD drawing) to a (hatch pattern) file is essentially the process of turning custom line-work into a repeatable pattern definition. Since AutoCAD does not have a native "Save As PAT" button, you must use one of the following methods to bridge the gap. Method 1: Using LISP Utilities (Most Efficient) To convert DWG to PAT file is a misnomer
The most common way to extract a pattern from a drawing is using a LISP routine. A popular, free tool is Download & Load : Obtain the PatOut.lsp getpat.lsp utility from a reliable source like the : In AutoCAD, type , locate your downloaded LISP file, and click Run the Command
in the command line. Select the existing hatch pattern in your DWG that you want to export. It will automatically generate a separate
, then select the hatch. The definition will be saved to a file named after the pattern (e.g., ZIGZAG.pat Method 2: Export via DXF and Online Converter
If you have raw geometry (lines) instead of an existing hatch, you can use a converter. Simplify Geometry
: Ensure your pattern consists only of lines or polylines. Explode any blocks and avoid arcs or splines, as these are often not supported by simple PAT formats. Move to Origin : Move your geometry close to the coordinates to prevent alignment errors. Export as DXF and save your selection as an AutoCAD 2000 DXF : Use an online DXF-to-PAT converter (e.g., ) to upload the DXF and download your new PAT file. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Method 3: Manual Creation (For Simple Patterns)
For basic linear patterns, you can write the code yourself using a text editor like Write the Header : Start with an asterisk followed by the pattern name: *PatternName, Description Add Data Lines : Each subsequent line defines a pattern segment:
Instead of just cropping a square from your DWG:
Converting a DWG (AutoCAD Drawing) file to a PAT (Hatch Pattern) file is not a native "Save As" function in AutoCAD. Because DWG files contain vector lines with specific coordinates and PAT files are text-based scripts describing line angles and offsets, the process requires a specific workflow or third-party tool.
Here is a detailed guide on the three best methods to achieve this, ranked from easiest to most technical.