We want you to get the most out of our vector patterns so to make your job easier, we've made a list of methods you can use to apply patterns to your artwork, for both Illustrator and Photoshop.

Difficulty: Beginner

Completion time: 5-10 minutes

Tools: Illustrator and Photoshop

Resources: Seamless Vector Pack 15

Note: For Mac users, "CTRL" and "ALT" are "CMD" and "OPTION".

Illustrator

1. Use as swatch

The easiest and fastest way to apply a pattern is to use it as swatch.

1.1 To do so, select the preferred pattern, go to Window > Swatches to open the Swatches window and simply click-drag the pattern into the swatches.

1

1.2 Draw a simple shape and set Fill to the new swatch instead of a color.

2

2. Align to Grid

This method refers to simply tiling pieces together.

2.0 Go to View > Show Grid (CTRL+") and View > Snap to Grid (CTRL+SHIFT+").

2

2.1 Copy the pattern and paste it into your document.

2.1

2.2 Press "Down" arrow until it's aligned with the closest grid line.

2.2

2.3 Grab the Selection Tool (V), select the pattern, hold ALT, click-drag vertically and then hold the SHIFT key also.
Place it below the first one and leave a small space between them.

2.3;

2.4 Press "Up" arrow to align the copy to the grid line.

2.4

2.5 Select both shapes and press CTRL+G to group them together. Repeat all steps with the newly created group to create a larger pattern.

2.5

3. Align to Artboard

This method is similar to "Align to Grid" one, only we'll use the Artboard's edges as grid lines.

3.1 Copy the pattern and paste it into your document.

3.1

3.2 Click the "Align to Artboard" button, then "Horizontal Align Left" and "Vertical Align Top" buttons.

3.2

3.3 Grab the Selection Tool (V), select the pattern, hold ALT, click-drag vertically and then hold the SHIFT key also.
Place it above the original. Try to get the bottom edge near the top Artboard edge, it will automatically snap to it.

 

3.3

3.4 Select both shapes and press CTRL+G to group them together. Then repeat the previous steps if you want to make a larger pattern.

3.4

4. Align to Guides

This method is excellent when you want to align multiple shapes with close to no effort.

4.1 Go to View > Rulers to toggle to rulers (CTRL+R), View > Guides > Lock Guides (CTRL+ALT+;), View > Smart Guides (CTRL+U).

4.1

4.1.1

4.1.2

4.2 Copy the pattern and paste it into your document.

 

4.2

4.3 Click-drag two guides from the rulers: one vertical, one horizontal.

 

4.3

4.4 Grab the Selection Tool (V) and click-drag it from a marginal anchorpoint on a vertical edge near the created vertical Guide.

 

4.4

4.5 Repeat the previous step for the horizontal guide, but hold SHIFT key while dragging to move it orthogonally.

4.5

4.6 With the Selection Tool (V), ALT-click-drag to make a copy of the shape and align it like in previous steps.

4.6

4.7 Drag new Guides on the new edges created and repeat previous steps to enlarge the pattern.

4.7

Photoshop

1. Define as pattern

1.1 Create a new document and click-drag your desired pattern shape directly from Illustrator. Feel free to resize it as you please.

1.1

1.2 Go to Layers palette (Window > Layers or F7) and CTRL+click the layer's thumbnail. This will make a "marching ants selection of the inserted shape.

1.2

1.3 Go to Image > Crop, then Select > Deselect (CTRL+D).

1.3

1.4 Go to Edit > Define Pattern (CTRL+F2). Name the pattern as you please and hit OK.

1.4

1.5 Select a layer and go to Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options and check "Pattern Overlay" and click it.

1.5

1.6 Select the created pattern and hit OK.

 

2. Snap to Layers

2.1 Go to View > Snap to toggle snapping mode, then go to View > Snap To > Layer.

2.1

2.2 Click-drag your desired pattern shape directly from Illustrator and hit Enter to exit Transform mode. Feel free to resize it as you please.

2.2

2.3 Go to Layer > Duplicate Layer (CTRL+D). Grab the Selection Tool (V) and click-drag while holding SHIFT key to move it orthogonally. Notice it will automatically snap to the edges of the previous layer.
I've marked with red the second shape so it can be distinguishable.

2.3

2.4 Repeat the previous step until you obtain the desired pattern size.

2.4

 

How do you tile up your patterns? Please share your thoughts in the comments.