Patterns are a vital part of graphic design. They add style, texture, and interest to any project they’re used in. Illustrator has made it easier than ever to create and apply patterns to your work. In this article, we’re going to explore the different types of patterns in Illustrator and how to use them.

Types of Patterns

There are three types of patterns in Illustrator: Custom Patterns, Pattern Swatches, and Seamless Patterns. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Custom Patterns

Custom Patterns are created using any shape or object, much like a brush or symbol. They can be simple, random, or complex designs that you can make from scratch or by using existing Illustrator artwork.

Pattern Swatches

Pattern Swatches are predefined patterns that come with Illustrator. They are stored in the Swatches panel, where you can apply them to your design by clicking on the desired pattern. You can also create your Pattern Swatches, allowing you to reuse your favorite design elements or create a custom color palette.

Seamless Patterns

Seamless Patterns are patterns that tile perfectly, creating a seamless design that can be used for backgrounds, wallpapers, or wrapping paper. Seamless patterns can be created using Custom Patterns, Pattern Swatches, or by drawing an object in Illustrator, then applying the Tile Pattern tool under the Object menu.

How to Use Patterns

Now that we know the different types of patterns in Illustrator let’s see how to apply them to your designs.

Applying Patterns using Custom Patterns

To apply a Custom Pattern, first, select the object or shape you want to use as your pattern. Then, drag and drop the object into the Pattern palate or click on the New Pattern button in the Swatches panel. Once saved, you can apply it to any object in your design by selecting the pattern fill from the Swatches panel.

Applying Patterns using Pattern Swatches

To apply a Pattern Swatch, first, select the object you want to fill with your desired pattern. Then, click on the Pattern Swatches option in the shape’s fill menu. Once you select a pattern, it will be automatically applied to the shape.

Applying Patterns using Seamless Patterns

To create and apply a Seamless Pattern, first, create a pattern tile by selecting an object or a group of objects that you want to use as your pattern. Then, go to Object > Pattern > Make. Once you’ve created the pattern tile, you can apply it to any object by selecting the pattern fill from the Swatches panel.

Conclusion

Patterns are an essential tool for any graphic designer. They add interest and texture to any design, making it more visually appealing. With Custom Patterns, Pattern Swatches, and Seamless Patterns, Illustrator has made it easy to create and apply patterns to your work. So, the next time you’re working on a design, don’t forget to incorporate some patterns and see how they can transform your work.