The Photoshop Productivity Series: Customizing Photoshop

Creating Patterns

You can create a pattern from just about anything you can select. In fact, if nothing is selected, you can create a pattern be created from the entire document. In general, it’s more likely that you will create a pattern from a graphic. (Unless you plan carefully, most patterns created from photographs result in obvious seams.) Here’s a simple example of creating a pattern from a single dot.

1. Create a new document. The document size isn’t crucial, but it’s often easier if the document is square.

2. Add a new layer.

3. Press the Shift key as you draw to create a perfect circle.

4. Press Command-A (Mac) or Ctrl-A (Windows) to select the circle.

5. Fill the circle with a color.

6. With the Move tool, use the Alignment buttons ...