How do I fill an object with Hatch or color

[RobB]

My installation:
Linux Mint 19.3,
Version: 3.25.2.0 (3.25.2)
Build Date: Sep 4 2020, Revision: 4a61501 Qt Version: 5.14.2 Architecture: x86_64 Compiler: gcc 5.4.0

Puzzled how to apply a hatch or color. It does not work even when I start from a blank drawing.
When I draw a box and select it, click HS or HA I get the Hatch box, and can select either 'Solid fill' or 'Hatch Pattern'. The preview window shows a very tiny (~1% of the box surface) hatch or white square. It then asks me to choose the next segment. When I clicked all, it keeps asking. when I type return the Hatch box disappears and the object is unselected.

In the Hatchbox I can select a hatch pattern, selecting solid color gives no options. In either case nothing happens.

Strangely enough, I could change the hatch pattern in an existing 2-year old drawing by clicking on it, and even set it to solid white. But no color selection tool.

Rob

[Husky]

HA or HS depends on the situation.

HA = FIRST built a closed selection, then launch the tool.
HS = Launch the tool first, then built a closed selection with the mouse pointer piece by piece, when you are done click the right mouse button or hit ESC.

If the hatch is to big or to smal - play with he scale of the hatch,
The color of a hatch is the color which is used for the active layer.