- Open an existing PAT file or create a new file in a text editor that saves in ASCII format (for example, Notepad on Windows® or TextEdit on Mac OS®).
- Create a header line that includes an asterisk and a pattern name. The name of the hatch pattern is limited to 31 characters.
For example, *ANGLE
Note: If you are creating a new PAT file, the PAT file and pattern must have the same name.
- (Optional) Include a description in the header line, follow the pattern name with a comma and description text.
For example, *ANGLE, Angle steel
- Create a descriptor line that includes
- An angle at which the line is drawn
- An X,Y origin point
- A delta-x of any value if you want to offset alternating lines in the line family
- A delta-y of any value
- A value for a dash length
- A value for a dot length
- An optional second value for a different dash length
- An optional second value for a different dot length
For example, 0, 0,0, 0,.275, .2,-.075
- Create a second line including all the parameters in the previous step.
For example, 90, 0,0, 0,.275, .2,-.075
- (Optional) Create additional lines to complete the multiple-line hatch pattern.
- Add a blank line after the last descriptor line.