In this post, I want to give you some simple guides on how to create patterns with various tools and programs.

Whether you're using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or even online tools like Canva, the process of creating seamless patterns with PNG files can be achieved by following a few key steps.

With the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you'll be able to design unique and eye-catching patterns for your projects in no time.

PNGs used in this post:

Create patterns in Adobe Illustrator.

Creating patterns in Adobe Illustrator is easier than ever, simply follow the steps below:

Create a new document.
Import the PNGs you want to use to create your pattern.
Select them and embed them.

Now, while they are still selected, go to Object > Pattern > Make.

A pattern has been added to your swatches, to edit the pattern, simply double click on the swatch.

Please note, that this does not make the pattern seamless, this created a pattern that can be repeated unlimited times but only within Illustrator. You can export the pattern and use it however you like. But if you want your final, exported file, to be seamless and repeat on all sides, follow the extra steps below.

Make the exported file repeated and seamless.

This will require some manual work, so be prepared for that, Tip. activate "smart guides" as this helps a lot in the process (View > Smart Guides or Ctrl+U).

Create a new document, it's best if all sides have the same dimensions (square).
Import the file(s) you want to use for your pattern.
Place the files on two sides of the canvas. (I am using smart guides to center the element in the middle of the edge.)

Next, select the elements on the left side and hold alt + shift to create a copy and place it on the opposite edge.

Do the same for the other edge.
You can select all objects and create a clipping mask, then create a copy to check if it repeats correctly. (select all objects, create a rectangle that is the same size of the document and place it exactly in the canvas, then select both the objects and the rectangle and press Ctrl+7 to create a clipping mask)

If the repeat is correct, you can fill in the middle part of the pattern.

You can also create the pattern first and later try to adjust the sides so they become seamless and repeatable when copied.

Also read: Best Free Sublimation Designs

Create seamless patterns in Canva.

There are multiple ways you can create seamless patterns in Canva, the most simple is to use an app.

Go to Canva.com, login, and then click on App.
Search for "pattern" and click on Pattern Maker.
Now upload the file you want to use to create the pattern, Please note, that files cannot be larger than 3 MB.

Now, you can play around and create some unique and cool patterns, and once you are satisfied with your design, you can export the pattern and use it however you like. Just make sure to follow the extra steps provided by Canva to ensure that your final exported file is seamless.

Create a seamless pattern with free online tools.

There are many ways to create patterns, and there are many more tools you can use for free online to create them, I list a few of my favorite ones here:

Patternico.com

Patternico is a great website that allows you to easily create seamless patterns by uploading your own image or choosing from their library of designs. Simply choose the desired pattern type, adjust the settings to customize it, and then download the final pattern in various formats for your projects.

Repper.app

Another great tool is repper.app, Although you have to pay for the tool, it's a very unique pattern creator tool. Unlike traditional pattern creators who simply duplicate the elements you upload to create a pattern, Repper creates abstract patterns from the images that you upload.

It's a great tool to create unique and sometimes weird pattern designs. You can start a free trial and test the cool app yourself!

Patterninja.com

One of my all-time favorites is Patterninja, simply because it's easy to use, but they don't allow you to upload PNGs (only SVGs). It's still a great way to create a seamless pattern. If you want to use my pattern sets, consider using a converter tool to convert the images to SVG first. patterninja.com

Create seamless patterns in Adobe Photoshop.

Follow these steps to create seamless patterns in Photoshop.

Method 1 (create Photoshop patterns)

This first method creates a "seamless" pattern within the Photoshop environment. This is useful if you create designs (such as websites or flyers) that need a pattern background, but it might be less useful if you want to sell patterns on products such as duvet covers or mugs.

first, open the image that you want to use to create a pattern from.

Then go to Edit > Define Pattern. (Name your pattern; after that, a pattern has been added.)

Now you can create a larger canvas, then use the bucket tool to fill the canvas with the newly created pattern.

You can now save or export the pattern and use it in your other design projects, or you might want to try Method 2. See below.

Method 2 (create manual patterns)

If you want to export and save the pattern with seamless sides, you have to create the desired canvas size first and edit the pattern manually.

First, create a larger file and create your pattern design, Importantly, make sure that all elements are within the canvas and nothing is cut off.

When you are finished, go to Filter > Other > Offset and play around with the sliders.

After that, you can add more elements to fill up the weird gaps and make sure the design makes sense. Again, make sure to stay within the canvas; otherwise, some parts will be cut off weirdly.

Repeat the offset process again until you are happy with the pattern.

In the end, you should have a pattern that can be saved as a PNG or JPG file that is seamless and repeats on all sides.

This method has some limitations, and it can be a bit frustrating as you have to do a lot of manual work Also, you have to merge the image into one layer first before you can use the offset feature.

In my opinion, this tool is best for photos or full-color images. The example donut picture I used is probably not the best example as this kind of patterns are best created in Illustrator.

Tip: Make sure to "crop" the layer first using the crop tool.

Sell pattern designs on Redbubble.

If you want to sell pattern designs on Redbubble, you don't need to create a pattern file, as pattern files can be quite large. Redbubble has the ability to create patterns from each file you upload. Although this method has its limitations, it can save a lot of time.

To create patterns in Redbubble, do the following:

Upload your design.
Choose a product you want to edit.
Then click Choose Pattern.

Now choose the kind of pattern you want and resize the design to your liking.

You can also change the position of the design by clicking and holding on to the design canvas.

Conclusion:

I'm sure there are other ways to create patterns, but these are some of my favorite ways, if you have any suggestions or tips, feel free to share them in the comments below.

Remember to experiment with different patterns and designs to find what works best for you and your style. Happy creating!

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