Ensure your drawing scale is set to 1:1 before extraction so that the resulting PAT file populates at a predictable density in future drawings.
You upload a clean, isolated DWG file containing the repeating tile or geometry.
Click the upload button or drag and drop your DWG file directly into the browser window.
However, for 99% of users, an online converter is faster and less error-prone. dwg to pat file converter online
If your drawing is too complex, the converter may fail or generate a massive, slow-loading PAT file. Keep patterns simple.
Despite the convenience, online converters have limitations. Here is how to fix the three most common errors.
The converter calculates the vector displacement for each line segment (dX, dY, angle). It writes these calculations into a structured text file with the .pat extension. The output is a hatch pattern that AutoCAD can read instantly. Ensure your drawing scale is set to 1:1
❌ Logos, organic shapes (leaves, waves), imported SVG art, or anything with text.
Desktop CAD plugins can be expensive and difficult to install, especially if you operate on a restricted corporate network. Online converters run entirely in your web browser, requiring zero disk space or IT approvals. 2. Cross-Platform Compatibility
Run the PURGE command to delete text, dimensions, and hidden layers. Only the geometry of the hatch pattern should remain. Step 2: Upload to the Online Converter However, for 99% of users, an online converter
Save your file as a DXF (Drawing Exchange Format), as most online converters prefer this format over native DWG. Phase 2: Using the Online Converter Go to the converter (e.g., VectorToPAT). Upload your prepared DXF file. Define Settings: Name your pattern (e.g., CUSTOM_BRICK ).
Free converters often limit uploads to 10MB or 50MB. Make sure the tool can handle your specific DWG size.
This allows you to use your DWG geometry as a hatch pattern "on the fly" without needing a separate PAT file. Comparison Table: Conversion Methods Toolblocks Designing new patterns from scratch Online / Web PatOut LISP Extracting existing hatches from a DWG AutoCAD Add-on Generating grid/brick patterns via Excel Excel / Tool Converting 2D lines into PAT code CAD Utility
Draw a rectangle around your pattern tile. This rectangle defines the "repeat distance" horizontally and vertically. The converter will treat this rectangle as the tile boundary.
Platforms specializing exclusively in CAD file conversions usually yield the cleanest results because they understand complex AutoCAD line definitions.