Adobe® Creative Suite® 4 Bible

Chapter 10. Using Patterns, Symbols, and Styles

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Using patterns

• Working with symbols, styles, and swatches

• Working with transparency

Patterns are designs that repeat themselves over and over. They are commonly used in the place of a solid fill within objects. Using the various features for working with patterns, you can position and orient patterns within an object.

Symbols are simple design elements that are stored in libraries. They have the advantage of being easily reused without requiring extra memory. Styles are collections of design properties that are stored where they can be applied easily from a library to an object.

Working with Patterns

In addition to colors and gradients, Photoshop and Illustrator can use patterns to fill objects or paint onto images. Patterns are used differently in both of these applications.

Using patterns in Illustrator

Patterns may be selected from the Swatches palette and applied as an object fill. Any artwork may be used as a new pattern by simply dragging the artwork to the Swatches palette or by selecting the artwork and choosing Edit

Figure 10.1. Choosing Edit

Define Pattern creates a new swatch.

To add some spacing behind the pattern, drag a ...