The Photoshop Productivity Series: Customizing Photoshop

Applying Patterns

There are a number of different ways to apply a pattern and, like everything in Photoshop, the method you use depends on what you’re trying to create and how much flexibility you require. Options for applying a pattern include using the Fill command, the Pattern Stamp tool, or the Pattern Overlay layer style, a Pattern Fill adjustment layer, or selecting a pattern as a brush texture.

• Fill: The first method is to select an area and use the Fill command (Edit > Fill or press Shift-Delete (Mac) or Shift-Backspace (Windows). In the Fill dialog, choose Pattern from the Use menu. Then, select a pattern from the Custom Pattern pop-up. You can also choose a Blend mode and Opacity at this time, although it’s probably best (if possible) ...