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How to open .PAT files on Windows

To open .PAT files on Windows, if the file came from CorelDRAW: open CorelDRAW and use its pattern fill/pattern resources workflow to load or apply the pattern (rather than expecting the .PAT to open like a photo).

Step-by-step instructions

  1. If the file came from CorelDRAW: open CorelDRAW and use its pattern fill/pattern resources workflow to load or apply the pattern (rather than expecting the .PAT to open like a photo).
  2. If it came from CAD: open your CAD application and load/add the .PAT as a hatch/pattern definition within the hatch/pattern tools (it may not be viewable as an image).
  3. If double-clicking fails, use "Open with" to choose the correct application (CorelDRAW for Corel patterns; your CAD app for CAD hatch patterns).

Common issues

.PAT won’t open or shows the wrong app

The .pat extension is used by multiple unrelated formats (CorelDRAW patterns and CAD hatch definitions), so the OS may not know which program to use.

  1. Confirm the source/workflow (CorelDRAW pattern fill vs CAD hatch pattern).
  2. Open the file from inside the correct application using its pattern/hatch import or load function.
  3. If needed, change the file association ("Open with") to the correct program for your workflow.

I expected an image preview, but it’s not viewable

Many .PAT files are pattern resources/definitions, not standalone raster images meant for gallery-style viewing.

  1. Use CorelDRAW’s pattern fill features to apply the pattern to an object and preview it in-document.
  2. If it’s a CAD hatch .PAT, apply it as a hatch in the CAD tool to see the pattern rendered.
  3. If you need a shareable preview, create a screenshot or export from the host application after applying the pattern.

Pattern/hatch doesn’t appear or looks wrong after loading

Pattern resources can depend on how they’re applied (scale, rotation, spacing) or on application-specific interpretation of the pattern definition.

  1. Adjust pattern fill parameters (scale/rotation/offset) in CorelDRAW or hatch settings in your CAD tool.
  2. Verify you’re using the correct .PAT type for your application (Corel pattern vs CAD hatch).

Security note

.PAT files are typically data/resources, but they are still parsed by complex applications (graphics/CAD), so only open patterns from sources you trust to reduce the risk of malformed-file parser vulnerabilities.

Back to .PAT extension page