CREATIVE TIP OF THE WEEK – How to use the Adobe Photoshop Pattern Preview tool

How to use the Adobe Photoshop Pattern Preview tool. Learn how to quickly and easily make repeat patterns in Photoshop with your pngs, Procreate and Adobe Fresco motifs.

 

 

PREPARING YOUR FILE INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Export your files into a Photoshop document.
  2. Split them into separate layers if they are not already (use the Object Selection Tool).
  3. Turn the layers into smart objects if they are not already by Control clicking on the layer and choosing ‘Convert to Smart Object’ in the drop down menu.

USING PATTERN PREVIEW INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Go to Edit > Pattern Preview.
  2. Make sure Auto Select is ticked in the top menu to make it easier to select and move your motifs.
  3. Create your repeat pattern.

SAVING YOUR REPEAT PATTERN SWATCH INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Once your pattern is finished go to Edit > Define Pattern and name your pattern swatch file.

USING YOUR REPEAT PATTERN SWATCH AND ADDING A BACKGROUND COLOUR

  1. Open a new document at the size you need. We have used a standard presentation size (13 x 19 inches).
  2. Use the Colour Picker to select your background colour and press CMD and the delete button to fill the background in that colour.
  3. Double click on the layer and choose ‘Pattern Overlay’ in the drop down menu.
  4. In the ‘Pattern’ drop down menu find your pattern swatch and select it.
  5. You can use the scale slider to change the amount of pattern you want to see on the document.
  6. To change the background colour, eye drop the colour, double click on the swatch and choose another colour in the colour picker. Use CMD and the delete button to fill the background in that colour.

TIPS

  • Make sure sure that your beginning motifs are not spilling over the edge before going to Pattern Preview. They will be cut off.
  • This tool only currently creates standard tile repeats and not half drop or brick repeats.
  • When creating your repeat pattern, be sure to zoom out to get a feel for how the repeat is looking and check for any tracking lines (lines where you can obviously see the repeat tile).
  • Be patient and take your time with the pattern building process.

We’d love to see your results on socials. Tag @makeitindesign #makeitindesign.

Loved these tips? Learn more in our gorgeous newsletter!