How do you apply a hatch pattern in AutoCAD?

To apply a hatch pattern in AutoCAD, using the "HATCH" command is the correct approach. This command allows you to fill a defined area with a chosen pattern or color, making it an essential tool for enhancing drawings and conveying information visually.

When you activate the HATCH command, you can select the area where you want the hatch to be applied, and you are provided with options to choose different hatch patterns, scales, and angles. This functionality is particularly useful in differentiating sections of your drawing, like demarcating materials or highlighting specific features.

While there are other methods mentioned, they do not provide the same direct control and precision as the HATCH command. For example, the "FILL" command is used for solid fills and does not offer the variety of hatch patterns. Dragging a hatch from a palette could be misleading because it implies a method that doesn’t align with standard AutoCAD practice, which relies on the HATCH command for application. Additionally, simply typing "HATCH" followed by dimensions is not a valid approach in this context, as the command requires the selection of a closed area or object to effectively apply the hatch pattern.