Simple Hatch Pattern

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rfc
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Joined: Thu Dec 14, 2023 7:24 pm

Simple Hatch Pattern

Post by rfc »

Please add a simple hatch pattern to the pencil tool. I am quite surprised that patterns are not available to add fill within existing tools. I have read about the work-around that exists, but it is far too complicated for my taste. My guess is that there are particularities about your software that block you from easily adding patterns to your tools. Therefore, I would like to make this as simple as possible - add one pattern, in one colour, to the pencil tool. Because I am suggesting adding it to the pencil tool, there is no requirement for complex calculation to work through what to fill and at what scale. The user just pencils on the pattern where they want it. Done. Multiple patterns and the ability to change colours would be great, but not if it means that you never deliver even one simple pattern.
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Daniel - PDF-XChange
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Re: Simple Hatch Pattern

Post by Daniel - PDF-XChange »

Hello, rfc

Unfortunately this issue is not unique to our software, but an aspect of the PDF Specification. Comment items cannot utilize or contain hatching and so our hands are somewhat tied.

The only way around this by creating a bundle of items, then flattening them as a singular base content item. Another user (Mathew) has provided a fantastic tool to accomplish this quite easily, simply use the polygon or rectangle tools to draw the shape, and then activate his Javascript button to complete the process:

viewtopic.php?t=40329&start=100

Kind regards,
Dan McIntyre - Support Technician
PDF-XChange Co. LTD

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Mathew
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Re: Simple Hatch Pattern

Post by Mathew »

Daniel - PDF-XChange wrote: Mon Mar 09, 2026 8:55 pm simply use the polygon or rectangle tools to draw the shape, and then activate his Javascript button to complete the process:

viewtopic.php?t=40329&start=100
It will also recognize pencil lines as boundaries for the hatch patterns, but you have to be a bit strategic on making sure they make a closed shape:
image.png
With hatch:
image(1).png
Selecting the stem and one side:
image(2).png
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