What Is a PAT File?

This article details all the formats that use the PAT file extension (there are several) and explains how to open each type.

What Is a PAT File?

A file with the PAT file extension is most likely a pattern image used by graphics programs for creating a pattern or texture across an image using a small and usually square picture.

If the file you have isn't in that format, it might be something else that uses the same PAT extension. For example, it could be a DiskStation Manager system file, Gravis UltraSound GF1 instrument patch file, Ketron sound pattern file, or Kega Fusion cheat codes file.

How to Open a PAT File

Pattern images can be opened for free with GIMP and even online with Photopea. If you choose the latter, open the PAT file like you would any other, via File > Open; access the patterns through Edit > Preset Manager > Pattern.

Adobe Photoshop works, too, and surely other popular photo and graphics tools as well. If you're using Photoshop, Window > Patterns will display the imported patterns in the right panel. There's a small menu there that lets you import and use patterns, or you can access them from the Pattern Stamp Tool.

A PAT file might instead be used as an AutoCAD Hatch pattern or CorelDRAW pattern. These can be opened using Autodesk AutoCAD or CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, respectively.

Below are other scenarios where a PAT file is used:

• DiskStation Manager installation files are used with Synology Assistant.
• Gravis UltraSound GF1 patch files can be played using FMJ-Software's Awave Studio.
• 3D Patch files are usually just text files that describe 3D patterns, which means while AutoCAD and SurfaceWorks can open them, so might a free text editor.
• Ketron keyboards use PAT files as sound patterns. Use Ketron software to open one.
• The game emulator Fusion (aka, Kega II or Kega Fusion) is what's used to open PAT cheat code files.

How to Convert a PAT File

Patterns used by Photoshop and other image editors are usually just small photos that those programs repeat over a canvas to create a pattern. There isn't really a good reason to convert one to a different file format.

However, since they are images that open in graphics programs like the ones mentioned above, you could just open the file and make a small pattern, and then save it as a JPG, BMP, PNG, etc.

An actual file converter called reaConverter can convert PAT to JPG, PNG, GIF, PRC, TGA, PDF, etc. The program is only free during a short trial period, so you can only convert a few files before you have to pay.

CAD software, CorelDRAW, and Ketron Software may be able to convert PAT files that are used in those programs. If applicable, the option might be in the File > Save As or File > Export menu.

Still Can't Open It?

Some file formats use a file extension that looks an awful lot like ".PAT" but that doesn't mean they are related. Similarly spelled extensions or even ones that are identical (like seen above) don't necessarily mean that the formats are related or that the files can be opened with the same software.

Some examples include PPT and PST, both of which share similar letters to the PAT extension but aren't actually related to the format.

APT files share the same file extension letters, but are Almost Plain Text files. These files aren't images at all, but instead text files that you can open with any text editor.