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Archicad Hatch May 2026

In Archicad, "hatching" is managed through the . While AutoCAD users typically look for "hatch" commands, Archicad uses

to represent everything from solid colors and gradients to complex material patterns. Core Types of Fills

Archicad classifies fills into five main categories to cover various architectural needs: Solid Fills:

Uniform colors including foreground, background, and percentage-based opacity (e.g., 25%, 50%). Vectorial Fills:

Traditional line-based patterns used for detailing cut surfaces or top covers. Symbol Fills:

Patterns made from repeating geometric symbols, ideal for pavements or roof tiles. Gradient Fills:

Smooth transitions between two colors, used primarily for 2D presentation graphics. Image Fills:

Uses raster images (like JPGs) to represent textures like grass or brickwork. Key Technical Operations

To manage hatches effectively, you should be familiar with these common workflows: How to Access/Action Custom Patterns Draw a pattern with 2D tools, copy it, then go to Options > Element Attributes > Fill Types and click "New" to create a Symbol Fill. Fill Types dialog, you can set a fill to be "Scale Independent" (stays the same size regardless of zoom) or "Scale with Plan" (resizes with the model). Visibility

Fills are primarily 2D elements. To see them in 3D or Sections, you must assign a Vectorial Hatching

to a Surface and ensure "3D Vectorial Hatching" is enabled in view settings. Common Troubleshooting 25% Solid Fills in AutoCAD? - Graphisoft Community

In Archicad, "hatch" patterns are referred to as Fill Types. You can create, manage, and apply these through the Fill Tool to indicate materials, represent surface qualities, or add detail to your documentation. Core Fill Types

Archicad categorises fills into four primary types based on their behavior and source:

Solid Fills: Simple, single-coloured fills where you can adjust the opacity percentage.

Vectorial Fills: Made from preset vector line shapes that maintain clarity when zooming.

Symbol Fills: Custom patterns you create yourself by drawing a pattern "piece" and defining it as a fill.

Image Fills: Uses .jpg or .png image files to create realistic textures. How to Use the Fill Tool

Selection: Select the Fill Tool from the toolbox on the left of your workspace.

Geometry Methods: Choose how to draw the fill boundary in the info box: Polygonal: Click multiple points to define a custom shape. Rectangular: Two clicks define the diagonal corners.

Rotated Rectangular: Three clicks to define the angle and width. archicad hatch

Applying Patterns: Select a placed fill and use the Fill Selection Settings or the Info Box to change the pattern and colours. Customization and Settings

Creating Custom Fills: Go to Options > Element Attributes > Fill Types to create new patterns or edit existing ones.

Scaling: In the Fill Types menu, you can set a hatch to be Scale Independent (stays the same size on screen) or Scale with Plan (changes size based on the drawing scale).

Importing Patterns: While Archicad uses its own format, it can convert AutoCAD hatches into Fill Types when importing .dwg or .dxf files.

Are you trying to import a specific pattern from another software or create a custom symbol fill from scratch? SCALE FILL/HATCH ON SECTION/ELEVATIONS

In Archicad, "Stories" and "Hatches" (known as Fills) are the backbone of project organization and documentation. While Stories define the vertical levels of your building, Fills provide the graphical representation of materials and surfaces across those levels. 🏗️ Managing Story Settings

Stories act as vertical slices of your 3D model. Setting them up correctly ensures that elements like walls and columns are linked to the right floor heights.

Accessing Settings: Right-click any story in the Navigator or go to Design > Story Settings.

Adding/Deleting: Use "Insert Above" or "Insert Below" to add levels; use "Delete Story" to remove them (be careful, this is permanent!).

Vertical Linking: You can link wall heights to specific story levels. If you change a story height, linked walls will automatically adjust.

Markers in Sections: Story levels automatically generate markers in sections and elevations. You can customize their look, font, and units (e.g., changing from feet to feet-and-inches) in the Level Dimensions preferences . 🎨 Working with Hatches (Fills)

In Archicad, hatches are officially called Fill Types. They are used for 2D drafting, surface textures, and section cuts. Four Types of Fills: Solid: Single color with adjustable opacity. Vector: Preset line patterns (cannot be easily edited).

Symbol: Custom patterns you create by copying and pasting lines/arcs into the Fill dialog.

Image: Uses JPG or PNG files for realistic textures (like grass or stone).

Availability: You can set a fill to be available only for specific uses, such as Drafting Fills (2D only), Cover Fills (visible on top of objects in plan), or Cut Fills (visible in sections).

Hatch Origin: If patterns aren't lining up, check the "Hatch Origin" setting. You can set it to align with the element or the project's zero point. 🛠️ Displaying Elements Across Stories

A common challenge is showing an element (like a roof or stairs) on multiple stories. Hatch patterns for "earth" and 'story setting displays'??

Mastering the Archicad Hatch: A Comprehensive Guide to Fills and Patterns

In the world of architectural design, a "hatch"—referred to in Archicad as a Fill—is more than just a decorative pattern. It is a critical communication tool used to designate materials, show surface qualities, and add a layer of realism to technical drawings. Whether you are a student or a seasoned professional using Graphisoft Archicad, understanding how to manipulate these patterns is essential for creating high-quality Building Information Modeling (BIM) documentation. What is an Archicad Hatch? In Archicad, "hatching" is managed through the

While legacy CAD software often uses the term "hatch," Archicad uses Fills. These are 2D geometric patterns or solid colors applied to elements to represent construction materials, such as concrete, brick, or timber. Fills in Archicad are intelligent; they can be linked to physical building materials, ensuring that when you cut a section through a wall, the correct pattern appears automatically. Key Types of Fills in Archicad

Archicad categorizes fills based on their purpose within the BIM environment:

Drafting Fills: Used for manual 2D drawing. These are not linked to 3D elements and are typically used for annotations or simple site plans.

Cover Fills: Applied to the top surfaces of 3D elements (like slabs or roofs) in floor plans. These often represent floor finishes like tiles or hardwood.

Cut Fills: These appear when a 3D element is "cut" by a Section or Floor Plan Cut Plane. They represent the internal material of an object. Advanced Controls: Scale and Rotation

One of the most powerful features of an Archicad hatch is the ability to control its scale and rotation. Unlike static images, Archicad fills can be set to:

Project Origin: The pattern aligns with the global zero point of your project.

Fill Origin: You can manually place a "handle" to rotate the pattern or shift its starting point—ideal for aligning floor tiles with a specific wall.

Distorted Fill: This allows you to stretch or warp a pattern to simulate perspective or custom gradients. Creating Custom Hatch Patterns

If the standard library doesn't suffice, Archicad allows for the creation of custom Vectorial Fills. By drawing a small segment of a pattern with 2D lines and copying it into the Fill Types dialog, you can create bespoke textures that scale perfectly with your drawings. Why Fills Matter in Professional Practice

As drawings move from conceptual sketches to detailed Building Regulations sets, solid gray hatches are often swapped for complex patterns to reflect specific materials. This transition is seamless in Archicad's integrated environment, where a single change to a "Building Material" can update every hatch across your entire drawing set.

While programs like AutoCAD are often cited for their general-purpose ease of use, Archicad’s specialized architectural tools offer more advanced control for professionals who need precision in their material representation.

Are you looking to create a specific custom pattern or do you need help managing fill visibility across different scales?

Graphisoft Archicad | BIM Software for Architects | United States

Summary Checklist

This content is prepared for educational and professional use within architectural workflows.

Mastering Archicad Hatch: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhancing Your Designs

As an architect, designer, or draftsman, you're likely no stranger to the importance of presentation and visualization in your work. One crucial aspect of creating stunning, professional-grade designs is the strategic use of textures, patterns, and hatching. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of Archicad hatch, exploring its capabilities, benefits, and best practices to help you take your designs to the next level.

What is Archicad Hatch?

Archicad hatch refers to the hatching and patterning tools within Graphisoft's popular building information modeling (BIM) software, Archicad. Hatching is a technique used to create textures, patterns, and shading in 2D and 3D models, adding visual depth and interest to designs. Archicad's hatch tools allow users to create and customize a wide range of patterns, from simple textures to complex, detailed designs. Summary Checklist

Benefits of Using Archicad Hatch

So, why is Archicad hatch such an essential feature for designers? Here are just a few benefits of incorporating hatching into your workflow:

  1. Enhanced Visualization: Hatching helps to create a more immersive and engaging experience for clients and stakeholders, allowing them to better understand and interact with your designs.
  2. Increased Accuracy: By adding textures and patterns to your models, you can more effectively communicate your design intent, reducing errors and misinterpretations.
  3. Improved Communication: Archicad hatch enables you to create detailed, professional-grade documentation, making it easier to convey complex ideas and specifications to clients, contractors, and other stakeholders.
  4. Streamlined Workflow: With Archicad's intuitive hatching tools, you can quickly and easily create and modify patterns, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.

Types of Archicad Hatch

Archicad offers a range of hatching tools and techniques, including:

  1. Solid Hatching: A simple, solid fill used to create uniform textures and colors.
  2. Line Hatching: A technique using lines to create patterns and textures, often used for shading and shadowing.
  3. Symbol Hatching: A method using custom symbols and graphics to create complex patterns and textures.
  4. Gradient Hatching: A feature allowing users to create smooth, gradient-like transitions between colors and patterns.

Best Practices for Using Archicad Hatch

To get the most out of Archicad hatch, follow these best practices:

  1. Start Simple: Begin with simple hatching patterns and gradually build complexity as needed.
  2. Use Scalable Patterns: Choose patterns that can be scaled up or down without losing clarity or integrity.
  3. Experiment with Texture: Don't be afraid to try out new and unusual textures to add visual interest to your designs.
  4. Maintain Consistency: Establish a consistent hatching style throughout your project to create a cohesive look and feel.

Common Applications for Archicad Hatch

Archicad hatch is a versatile tool with a wide range of applications, including:

  1. Architectural Visualization: Use hatching to create stunning, photorealistic visualizations of buildings and spaces.
  2. Construction Documentation: Add hatching to your documentation to clearly communicate design intent and specifications.
  3. Interior Design: Use hatching to create detailed, textured models of interior spaces and furniture.
  4. Landscape Architecture: Apply hatching to landscape designs to create realistic, natural-looking textures and patterns.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Archicad Hatch

To take your Archicad hatch skills to the next level, try these expert tips:

  1. Use the Hatch Navigator: This powerful tool allows you to easily manage and organize your hatching patterns and textures.
  2. Create Custom Patterns: Use Archicad's built-in pattern creation tools to create unique, custom hatching patterns.
  3. Take Advantage of Libraries: Leverage Archicad's extensive library of pre-built hatching patterns and textures to save time and streamline your workflow.
  4. Combine Hatching with Other Tools: Experiment with combining hatching with other Archicad tools, such as materials and lighting, to create rich, detailed designs.

Conclusion

Archicad hatch is a powerful tool for enhancing your designs and taking your visualization skills to the next level. By mastering the various hatching techniques and best practices outlined in this article, you'll be able to create stunning, professional-grade designs that captivate and engage your clients and stakeholders. Whether you're an experienced Archicad user or just starting to explore the world of BIM, incorporating hatching into your workflow is sure to have a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of your designs.

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The Two Hatch Types You Must Know

| Type | Where it shows | Controlled by | Typical use | |------|----------------|----------------|----------------| | Fill (2D) | Plan, Section, Elevation | Fill palette or pen set | Drafting patterns, temporary shading | | Surface | 2D + 3D (via texture) | Material settings | Brick, tile, wood grain, gravel |

Pro tip: Always prefer surface hatches for construction documents. They stay consistent when you switch between model views.

C. Distort Fill

This is a unique feature in Archicad. It allows you to skew the hatch pattern to fit a non-orthogonal shape (like a trapezoidal site boundary) while maintaining the pattern integrity.

5. Advanced Placement Controls

7. Best Practices for ArchiCAD Hatches

  1. Use Building Materials: Avoid manually applying fills to walls and slabs. Assign the fill to the Building Material attribute. This ensures that if you change the material definition later, all walls update automatically.
  2. Naming Conventions: When creating custom fills, use a prefix (e.g., [Office] Brick Red) so they are easy to find and not confused with default ArchiCAD fills.
  3. Pen Colors: Always set your hatches to use a distinct pen number (usually a lighter weight, like Pen 2 or 3) so they do not overpower the cut outlines (usually Pen 1).

B. Scale Fill

Also found in the pet palette. This allows you to make the pattern larger or smaller graphically.

Step 2: Choose “New”

Pick between: