Draftsight

How to Fill a Shape in DraftSight?

Filling shapes in Draftsight involves the use of hatch patterns or fill colors to enhance the visual representation of your designs. Here’s a detailed guide to help you accomplish this effectively.

Understanding Hatch and Fill

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to recognize that filling a shape in Draftsight can typically be done in two primary ways: using hatch patterns and applying color fills. Both methods can add depth and distinction to your drawings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling a Shape Using Hatch

Step 1: Initiating the Hatch Command

To start the hatch process, navigate to the top menu and select Modify. From the dropdown, choose Entity and then click on Hatch. Alternatively, you can type EditHatch directly into the command line to bring up the hatch options.

Step 2: Selecting a Boundary

You will need to specify the area or boundary where the hatch will be applied. Click on an existing closed shape or create a new area. It’s crucial that the boundary is closed; otherwise, the hatch will not fill correctly.

Step 3: Adjusting Hatch Settings

In the Hatch/Fill dialog box, you have options to customize your hatch. You can select the pattern that suits your design from the various predefined styles. If you want a solid fill, ensure that it is selected.

Step 4: Specifying Parameters

You can specify several parameters to define how the hatch appears:

  • Scale: Adjust the scale of the hatch pattern to ensure it fits well within the designated area.
  • Angle: If necessary, set an angle at which the hatch will be applied.
  • Spacing: Define how closely spaced the lines in the hatch are (if applicable).

Step 5: Finalizing the Hatch

After setting your desired options, confirm your selection by clicking OK in the dialog box. This action will apply the hatch to the selected area.

Applying Color Fill in Draftsight

Step 1: Selecting the Shape

Click on the shape or area that you want to fill with color. This may include rectangles, circles, or any closed contour.

Step 2: Accessing the Properties Palette

Right-click on the selection and choose Properties from the context menu. This action opens the Properties palette, where you can adjust various attributes of the selected shape.

Step 3: Choosing the Color

Locate the Color section in the Properties palette. Click the down arrow next to the current color to open a dropdown list of available options. From here, select the color you wish to apply to your shape.

Step 4: Applying the Changes

Once you’ve selected a new color, close the Properties palette. The fill color should now be visible on the shape you selected.

Step 5: Saving Your Work

It is always good practice to save your drawing after making significant changes. Use the save feature in the File menu to ensure your filled shapes are preserved.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I modify an existing hatch pattern?
To modify an existing hatch, select the hatch entity and right-click to choose the Edit Hatch option. From there, you can change the pattern, scale, and angle as necessary.

2. What do I do if my hatch doesn’t appear?
If your hatch isn’t visible, ensure that the layer it is on is turned on and not frozen. Also, check your display settings to confirm that the “apply solid fill” option is enabled.

3. Can I create custom hatch patterns in Draftsight?
Yes, you can create custom hatch patterns in Draftsight. This usually involves defining a new pattern file or downloading patterns compatible with Draftsight. Refer to the software documentation for detailed instructions on creating custom patterns.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.