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.pat

Image patterns or CAD hatches

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PAT can mean Photoshop patterns or CAD hatch definitions. They are not interchangeable by renaming. Identify the producer and whether the data is text or binary before choosing an import workflow.

Main use
Adding image patterns or CAD hatches
Data type
Multiple uses; identify the producer
All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai

Example: a practical checking sequence

Example: Photoshop rejects an architectural PAT because it is a CAD hatch definition. Identify the intended producer, register it through AutoCAD’s supported path/import, and test units, scale and angle without overwriting standard definitions.

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

For Photoshop patterns

Use this for image-pattern libraries.

  1. Confirm that the publisher identifies it as Photoshop PAT.
  2. Open Window → Patterns and use its import command.
  3. Test a pattern fill and inspect scale and seams.
For AutoCAD hatch patterns

CAD PAT stores textual line definitions.

  1. Confirm CAD use and inspect a copy in a text editor.
  2. Use the installed version’s supported search path or import workflow.
  3. Apply a hatch in a test drawing and check units, scale and angle.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • Photoshop rejection: check whether the file is a CAD hatch.
  • AutoCAD rejection: check whether it is an image pattern.
  • CAD list is missing it: check supported paths, filenames and definition names.
  • Wrong size: check image-fill scale or CAD units and hatch scale.
  • Last CAD definition absent: inspect syntax and required trailing blank line on a copy.

Export according to PAT variant

  1. Identify the pattern variant.
  2. Render image patterns to PNG or export CAD drawings/definitions through supported workflows.
  3. Verify appearance, units and scale at the destination.

Renaming cannot turn image patterns into CAD definitions. Rendered output and reusable definitions are distinct.

Different formats sharing a suffix

Photoshop PAT is an image-pattern library; CAD PAT defines line angles and spacing. Use provenance and contents together.

Source for these steps：Adobe · Photoshop User Guide: create patterns / Autodesk · Install custom hatch patterns in AutoCAD

CAD units and search paths

Saving a file alone may not register it. Check the version’s support paths without overwriting standard patterns.

  • Compare drawing units and intended scale.
  • Use a new file and preserve existing definitions.
  • Test display and printing in a disposable drawing.

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / purposeUse and preserved information
Photoshop PATImage pattern library.
CAD PATLine-based hatch definition.
ABRBrush presets rather than pattern definitions.

Handling and security

Avoid overwriting CAD configuration, check licensing, and do not run unknown programs to import patterns.

Questions and answers

Is PAT Photoshop-only?

No; CAD and other uses exist.

Can I rename between variants?

No; their internal structures differ.

Why is the CAD hatch too dense?

Check units, scale and definition spacing.

Should I modify the standard PAT?

Prefer supported separate-file import and preserve existing settings.

Does PNG retain reusable definitions?

It preserves appearance, not the source definitions.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
Formal name
Photoshop Pattern / CAD Hatch Pattern
Steward / specification
Adobe / Autodesk / implementation-specific
MIME type
Check the producer or implementation; do not assume a single universal MIME value.

Primary and official sources