Scan a paving stone, trace its outline in AutoCAD as a polyline, then convert. For random stone, you’ll need to create 3-4 different “tile” DWGs and combine their PAT codes into one file.
If you already own AutoCAD, you might not need external software. AutoCAD includes a built-in bonus toolset called Express Tools, featuring the command.
: Avoid using splines, ellipses, or custom proxies, as most converters can only read standard linear coordinates ( Step 3: Define the Origin Point
A: Yes. PAT format is unchanged since AutoCAD R12.
Before looking for external software, you can use built-in features. While it doesn't create a raw .pat text file, the SUPERHATCH command (available via Express Tools in full AutoCAD versions) allows you to use an existing DWG block, image, or external reference as a hatch pattern. dwg to pat converter
Each line of text in a PAT file defines a single line segment, specifying its angle, origin point, offset, and dash-dot pattern. Because writing this code by hand is highly complex for organic or intricate shapes, designers draw the pattern visually in a DWG file and use a converter to translate that geometry into PAT code. Top Methods to Convert DWG to PAT
Free; accessible from any device without installation.
If you don't want to mess with LISP code, these tools handle the heavy lifting of converting geometry to coordinates.
: Tools like HatchKit or dedicated CAD add-ons can automate the conversion by reading DWG/DXF geometry and formatting the complex text-based code required for PAT files. Why direct conversion is rare Scan a paving stone, trace its outline in
Whether your pattern design uses or includes curves and arcs .
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Open AutoCAD and draw a single, seamlessly repeatable tile of your pattern using only basic LINE and POINT objects (avoid polylines, arcs, or blocks unless the script explicitly supports them). AutoCAD includes a built-in bonus toolset called Express
Copy your custom .PAT file and paste it into that Support folder.
PAT files struggle with complex curves, splines, and ellipses.
Do you have a specific you're trying to create, or