How To Create A Seamless Pattern In Illustrator

This tutorial will provide a step by step workflow explaining how to make seamless patterns in Illustrator. We'll then add this pattern to swatches, and use it as a background pattern to fill an object. The pattern will then be transformed by using the scale tool applied only to the background pattern, without changing size of the object itself, which will help you gain granular control over the pattern scale within an object.

It took me a while to figure out how to create a pattern, use it as background fill for a custom shape, and then rescale that pattern within that shape. This tutorial documents the process.

Let's take a look at how to make your own custom patterns in Illustrator. But first, here's a video tutorial. It will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating your own patterns and scaling them within a custom shape:

To summarize this video tutorial, here are the main steps involved in creating a custom pattern in Adobe Illustrator (also see screenshots below):

• Draw a shape to form the base of your pattern.
• Duplicate the shape using the ALT key.
• Select all the shapes and group them together into one object.
• Add the grouped object as a pattern in the Swatches window.
• Adjust the pattern's details in the Pattern Options window.
• Fill an object with your pattern and resize the pattern within the object if necessary.

Okay, but how do you actually make a pattern in Illustrator?

Creating custom patterns in Adobe Illustrator can be a great way to make your designs stand out. This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a polka dot pattern, which can be used for a variety of different design projects, from creating unique backgrounds for your website to adding extra flair to your illustrations.

Here are some potential use cases for custom patterns in Illustrator:

• Designing unique website backgrounds - A custom pattern can make your website stand out from the crowd.
• Creating eye-catching illustrations - Patterns can add depth and interest to your illustrations, making them more engaging for your audience.
• Adding a personal touch to your branding - Using custom patterns in your branding materials can help to create a distinctive and memorable brand identity.

To start, draw an ellipse using the Ellipse Tool. This will form the base of your polka dot pattern.

Next, you will need to duplicate your ellipse. Click on the circle and hold the ALT key. Then also hold the Shift key to make sure it horizontally aligns with the other circle.

Then, select all the circles you have created, hold the ALT key again and drag out the entire selection. Make sure you're also pressing down the Shift key to align the circles vertically. This is how you duplicate the selection of multiple objects.

With all the circles selected, go to the Object menu and click on "Group". This will group them together into one object, making it easier to manage your pattern.

Now, to add this as a pattern in Illustrator, open the Swatches window. Once you have the Swatches window on the screen, you can drag your selected pattern into the Swatches box.

Your pattern will appear with all the other colors. Double-click on the pattern to open the Pattern Options window, where you can adjust the details of your pattern.

Using the Tile Type dropdown, you can align your pattern as bricks or as a hexagon. At the bottom of the window, you can select how many times your pattern will extend in all directions.

Now that you have created your pattern, it's time to fill an object with it. Draw a shape, such as a star, and fill it with your new pattern.

If you find that your pattern is too big for the object, you can resize it. However, you need to ensure that only the pattern within the object is being resized, not the object itself.

Right-click on the object, go to Transform, then to Scale. In the Scale window, deselect "Scale Corners", "Scale Strokes and Effects", and "Transform Objects". The only option left selected should be "Transform Patterns".

With the Transform Patterns option selected, adjust the scale of your pattern by moving your mouse wheel up or down. This will allow you to scale the pattern within the object to the desired size.