[Python tool] Exporting symbol fills in autocad

Mathias Jonathan — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:08:06 GMT

Hi everybody!

I'd like to share a small tool (made with claude AI) that generates a reference DXF file containing Archicad Symbol Fills translated into AutoCAD hatch patterns.

Why is this useful?

When exporting from Archicad to DWG/DXF, Vectorial Fills are correctly exported as AutoCAD hatches. However, Symbol Fills are exploded into individual lines and elements, making them difficult to edit and increasing file size.

The generated reference DXF contains AutoCAD hatch definitions corresponding to the Archicad Symbol Fills. This allows you to set up a fill-to-fill mapping in the DXF/DWG Translator:

Archicad Symbol Fill → AutoCAD Hatch

As a result, Symbol Fills are preserved as native AutoCAD hatches during export instead of being exploded.

I hope this can help anyone who regularly exchanges DWG files with AutoCAD users.

To do:

Improve the conversion of fills containing a large number of small line segments.
Verify how hatch scale is transferred between Archicad and AutoCAD.
Automate the mapping process by modifying the DWG Translator file directly from the tool.

Feedback and suggestions are welcome!

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[Python tool] Exporting symbol fills in autocad