This tutorial will teach the basics of creating and using patterns with Photoshop.

Making and Saving Patterns

1. Create a new document. For this demonstration I will be using a 5 x 5 pixel image. Copy the setting from the screenshot.

 
2. Magnify the document to 1600%.



3. Have your foreground set on the desired colour. Choose the pencil tool and draw the desired pattern. The format will look like:



Example magnified at 1600%


4. Once you are happy with your pattern, click Edit>Define Pattern.


Saving A Pattern As A Package

Another option is to save files in one .PAT file or package.

1. Click on your Paint Bucket tool. Look around the top for Foreground. Click on the drop-down box. Select Pattern.
Click on the drop down box for the pattern preview; the one highlighted in red at the upper portion of the screenshot. Then click on the right arrow; the other one to the right that's highlighted.


2. Select Preset Manager. Click on each pattern you want to include in the package while holding down Ctrl. When you are finished, click Save Set, name your package and choose Save.




Loading a Pattern Package

1. Start by repeating the process explained in step 1 of Saving a Pattern as a Package.

2. Click Load Patterns... Select your .PAT file. Click Load.





Using Patterns - Filling With The Paint Bucket Tool

1. Click on your Paint Bucket tool. Look around the top for Foreground, and click on the drop-down box. Select Pattern. Click the arrow beside the pattern preview. Select your desired pattern. Note: You can change the settings by changing opacity and the mode.

2. Fill the document.



 

Using Patterns - Layer Style : Overlay

1. Click f at the bottom of the Layer Pallette, shown highlighted in red. Click Pattern Overlay.


 
2. Choose your desired pattern. Make any changes to the Blend Mode and Scale.  The pattern can be moved around by clicking and dragging on your document. Hit OK when you are satisfied with the look.




Credit:
This tutorial was written by memoryBlade and edited by Georgie exclusively for NeoLodge.com.

05/2006
 
 

 
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