Making and using patterns

July 31st, 2013

You can turn anything into a pattern that Photoshop will store. You can then have Photoshop repeat it for you over an area.

Objective

Tutorial

1. We want to make just one part of a pattern that can be repeated several times. Let’s start with a new canvas (File >> New). I will be using a 3x3px canvas.
2. In your Layers window, create a New Layer .

   

3. Still in your Layers window, select the Background layer and delete it . You should have a single, transparent layer now.

   

4. Make your pattern on this layer. I am making a grid pattern, so I will use the Pencil tool to draw a corner.

   

5. Go to Edit >> Define Pattern. Name the pattern and then hit OK.

   

6. Now you have stored a pattern! Whenever you want to use it, go to Edit >> Fill. Set “Use” to Pattern, and then select your pattern from the Custom Pattern list.

   

Pattern examples