Defining Hatches

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Hatches

Defining Hatches
Both associative and non-associative hatches must be defined. A hatch definition is a repetition of
the elements in a series of lines in all directions from the beginning point. Specify where the hatch
line begins (the Start Point), where it stops (the Dash Factor), where it begins to repeat (the
Repeat), and the distance separating the line from a neighboring line (the Offset); the pattern is
repeated in all directions.
A hatch can consist of several levels, or layers, of pattern definitions. Each level is edited
individually to create the overall hatch. (Hatch layers are named hatch levels in order to distinguish
them from the layers in the drawing area.)
A new hatch can be created by editing an existing hatch; see Editing Hatch Definitions.
To create a new hatch pattern definition:
1. Open the Resource Browser by selecting Window > Palettes > Resource Browser.
2. Select Resources > New Resource to display the list of new resource types.
3. Select Hatch.
The Edit Hatch dialog box opens.

Click to show/hide the parameters.

The Start Point, Repeat, Dash Factor, and Offset functions correspond to the four control
handles in the preview window. When a handle is moved, the corresponding functions values
change to reflect the move. The Shift key constrains the drag when using the control handles,
affecting each of the four functions differently.
For the Start Point, Repeat, and Offset parameters, enter values according to either the polar
coordinate system or the Cartesian system. The text box labels for these four controls change to
correspond to the selection of Cartesian or polar.

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Defining Hatches

http://app-help.vectorworks.net/2015/NNA/eng/VW2015_Guid...

Coordinate
System

Description

Cartesian

Cartesian coordinates are the same as those used in the drawing area, with
positive and negative X and Y axes

Polar

Defines the different hatch line segments by length and angle values. In
polar mode, angles are represented as positive or negative values from 0 to
180. Values from 180 to 359 are automatically converted to negative. 0 is at
the 3 oclock position.

4. Click OK. The new hatch definition is saved under the specified name.

Example: Creating a Brick Hatch

The following Edit Hatch values demonstrate how to create a brick pattern. The hatch requires two
levels. The bricks will be 8x 3 and the first set of lines will be the vertical components of the
bricks. This procedure creates a hatch that scales appropriately when it is placed into a drawing.
All values are entered in World units and Cartesian mode.

Click to show/hide the parameters.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Applying Associative Hatches
Applying Non-Associative Hatches
Editing Hatch Definitions

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