Creating a Pattern in Photoshop

21 December 2009 215 views View Comments

There are a lot of times that you may need to have a repeating pattern for a project. The easiest way to do this without losing your mind is to use a built in tool called ‘Define Pattern’ (in both Photoshop and Photoshop Elements). Below is a simple tutorial on how to use the tool, with a bunch of images to help walk you through it.

First, lets say we want a dot pattern. It would take forever to individually place each and every single circle, so we will make life a bit easier and use the pattern tool.
Click any of the images below to make them larger.
Find or make the image that is going to be repeated.

Here I’ve opened a blank file to create the pattern’s image.
The circle that is going to be repeated. It’s against a transparent background.
Go to Edit: Define pattern.
You will get a pop up that asks you to name your image. This one is rather uninspiring named Dots.
Open a new file if you need to.
Here is the new file. Select the paint can tool, and look towards the top where it gives you the option of filling in the image with either a solid color (Foreground) or a Pattern. Click on the dropdown option for pattern.
A box will open, and simply find your new pattern.
Use the paint can tool by clicking on the area you want filled.
Tada! Your new pattern.