Creating Patterns in Photoshop: Basic or Seamless

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Create seamless backgrounds quickly and easily
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Repeating patterns are a timeless tool in graphic design. And, get this, they’re easy to make in Adobe Photoshop! You can make a basic repeating pattern, or get fancy and make a seamless design. This wikiHow guide will show you how to make a pattern in Photoshop on Windows & macOS.

Things You Should Know

  • Draw, fill, and place images on a new canvas.
  • Create a seamless design by turning on View > Pattern Preview .
  • When you finish making the pattern, flatten the layers by going to Layer > Flatten Image .
  • Save a pattern by going to Edit > Define Pattern…
Section 1 of 4:

Basic Pattern

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  1. To do so, click "File" → "New." This canvas will be the thing that is repeated throughout your pattern. Whatever size this canvas is will be the size of each repeated item in the picture. For now, set the height and width to 100 pixels or so, then zoom in to see the pattern up close.
    • You can change the canvas size later, so don't worry about getting it exactly right the first time if you're struggling. [1]
    • You can choose any type of background, from white to transparent, depending on your desired pattern.
  2. You might put something in the center, knowing it will repeat, or fill the whole thing up. You can even put in other images or text. If you have multiple layers, flatten the entire file by going to Layer > Flatten Image . [2]
    • If you're just practicing, place a dot in the very middle of the frame. This will end up creating a polka dot pattern.
    • You can turn on "View" → "Show Guides" to help you center and space out your pattern if you want exact measurements. [3]
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  3. You can find this up in the top bar. This allows you to save your pattern and use it later. [4]
  4. This is all you have to do! Your pattern will now appear in the patterns menu.
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Section 2 of 4:

Seamless Design Using Pattern Preview

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  1. Go to View > Pattern Preview . This feature will show you a workspace outside of the canvas that repeats the canvas contents. [5]
  2. You can draw, type, and add images to the canvas. Placing something that overlaps the edge of the canvas will automatically create a seamless pattern continuation on the opposite side.
    • You could make a cool, merged-photo pattern!
    • Or, try removing the background of a picture and using the subject as a pattern.
  3. Go to Edit > Define Pattern… Then, name the pattern and click OK. You’ve saved your new seamless pattern!
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Section 3 of 4:

Seamless Design Offset Method

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  1. Start by just drawing, copying, or adding the images you want in your pattern. The size of the canvas will be the size of each repeating piece of the pattern later on, so remember this as you're working.
  2. Depending on your workflow and pattern, you may end up with multiple layers. Merge them together by right-clicking in the Layer's Palette and selecting "Flatten Image." Note, however, that this will prevent you from editing the individual layers.
    • It is often best to use "Save As" to save a copy of the pattern with layers, allowing you to go back and make changes if need be. [6]
  3. In the top bar, click "Filters" → "Other" → "Offset." This will slide the pattern slightly, making it easier to repeat perfectly. Make sure you set the following settings:
    • Vertical Offset: Set to half of your image's height. If you have a 600px tall canvas, set the vertical offset to 300px.
    • Horizontal Offset: For now, set this to zero.
    • Wrap Around: Make sure that this setting is checked.
  4. Again, use "Filters" → "Other" → "Offset" to pull up the appropriate menu. Then set the following settings:
    • Vertical Offset: Set this to zero.
    • Horizontal Offset: Set this to half of your image's total width. If the width is 100px, you set the Horizontal Offset to 50px.
    • Wrap Around: Make sure that this setting is checked.
  5. When the filter is put into effect, it moves some of your pattern over. You can, however, use copy and paste or create new drawings to fill in the small spaces if you desire.
    • Remember to flatten your image again if you decide to create more layers or images.
  6. Remember, this pattern wants to repeat perfectly, so the each side should be balanced with the other. For example -- if your pattern is made up of stick figures, and the top of a head pokes out the bottom of the pattern, that figure's body should be right on the top edge of the pattern, so that they match up when repeated. To get this, Offset the image one more time, using the same settings as the first time.
    • Vertical Offset: Set to half of your image's height. If you have a 600px tall canvas, set the vertical offset to 300px.
    • Horizontal Offset: For now, set this to zero.
    • Wrap Around: Make sure that this setting is checked.
  7. Click "Edit" → "Define Pattern." This saves your pattern in the pattern box. You can choose a new name, then hit "OK" to save the pattern.
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Section 4 of 4:

Test Your Pattern

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  1. Open up a new canvas, one at least 3-4 times bigger than your pattern. To use the pattern, select "Fill" from the Edit menu, then choose "Pattern" from the Use box. You can then choose your pattern from the Custom Pattern Menu.
    • You can also use "Layer" → "New Fill Layer" → "Pattern..."
    • The Pattern Stamp Tool, found under the Clone Stamp Tool, allows you to "paint" a pattern on the image.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are there any other ways to do patterns?
    Shari Fairclough
    Social Media & Graphic Design Expert
    Shari Fairclough is a Social Media & Graphic Design Expert based in Atlanta, Georgia. Shari is a versatile designer with extensive experience in social media marketing, UX/UI design, and graphic print production. She has over 4 years of both freelance and in-house experience working as a UX and Graphic Designer. She currently works as the Social Media & Marketing Coordinator at Guidepost Montessori. In this role, Shari curates engaging content and enhances the school's online presence. In 2022, Shari founded Sunni Aesthetics, a design platform that blends culture, design, and art. Shari holds a Google UX Design certification. Additionally, she studied graphic design at The Creative Circus, has four years of experience working as an assistant teacher, and is certified as a TEFL instructor. Shari has contributed to various publications, including Canvas Rebel, VoyageATL, and 11 Alive, and has film credits on IMDb for her work in "Black Lightning," "The Color Purple," and "The Staircase." She received a BA in Film & Media from Georgia State University.
    Shari Fairclough
    Social Media & Graphic Design Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can also use Illustrator. Start by navigating the Illustrator’s Pattern Tool, found under Object > Pattern > Make. You can also use Procreate on the iPad, which offers a straightforward method for pattern creation with its canvas tiling feature, allowing you to duplicate and repeat designs easily. Additionally, online tools like Patterninja, PatternPad, or Adobe Capture provide intuitive interfaces for creating complex patterns without needing extensive design software skills. Lastly, consider a more traditional approach by drawing your pattern elements on paper, scanning them, and arranging the elements digitally in Photoshop or Illustrator. 
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  • Question
    this is a lot of stuff to try and remeber, how do you remember?
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Expert Answer
    Honestly, I don't remember a lot of Photoshop workflows! I keep several tutorials bookmarked to reference later. If you do a process often enough, you'll eventually commit it to memory. You can also create a Photoshop Action to automate some or all of the process.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/creating-custom-pattern-in-photoshop/
      2. ↑ http://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/repeating-patterns-intro/
      3. ↑ http://www.creativebloq.com/photoshop/repeating-pattern-41411342
      4. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/creating-patterns.html
      5. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/pattern-preview.html
      6. ↑ http://ohmyhandmade.com/2013/hands/lets-create-a-repeat-pattern-in-photoshop/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Create a new small canvas.
      2. Fill the canvas with your desired artwork.
      3. Click Edit .
      4. Click Define Pattern .
      5. Name the pattern and click OK .

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