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Patterns for Photoshop installation, tutorials, how to use and more

 

To purchase the patterns sets on graphicxtras.com, please check out the patterns pages

 

 

Photoshop® and Elements

Patterns collection and patterns packs work with all versions from PS 6 and PSE1 upwards. Many of the patterns sets also work in Paint Shop Pro and others (if they included the PNG files)

 

 

Patterns load

Load the patterns via the patterns tools (such as pattern overlay in layer effects) and use the patterns palette to load / replace patterns files. The patterns can also be opened using the open command in CS4 / CS3 PS/CS2 and PSE4. Store the patterns in the presets folder or another location

 

An alternative approach with the more recent versions of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements is to use the file > open command. The file open command adds the patterns in the PAT file into the patterns palette. An even quicker way to load them is to double click the patterns PAT file (opening the file) and the patterns are loaded quickly, especially useful if you have a lot of patterns to add (this does depend on the PAT file being assigned to the current version of Photoshop.. if it is set to something else, then that will start up instead)

 

If you are using the patterns in Paint Shop Pro then you will need to just add the PNG files to the patterns folder of PSP (found via the file > preferences > file locations section for patterns)

 

 

Multiple pattern uses

Use patterns in layer effects pattern overlay and textures via the layer effects dialog 'pattern' options

 

 

Transparency and patterns

Use the pattern transparency settings combined with layer effects to create grid designs / pattern overlays and more in Photoshop.

 

 

Re-size patterns

Use patterns in fills or layer content, the patterns can be re-sized if on a layer (as well as angled and distorted). You can create huge pattern designs (though with a little blurring.. use the rasterize layer to apply a blur or additional effects) or you can set the scaling of the pattern to a very small setting to create tiny pattern dots.

 

 

Pattern stamp tool

Use patterns in pattern stamp tool for impressionist designs or for brush stroke textures. Use to create stunning color effects and designs

 

1) Open document

2) Go to the Photoshop toolbox

3) Select clone tool

4) Swap icon to pattern stamp tool (press S is another way)

5) Set brush via top bar

6) Set pattern via top bar

7) Set alignment etc

8) Apply brush

 

If you wish to create an interesting impressionist effect, check the impressionist check box. Depends on the

brush etc to the effectiveness of the impressionistic effect

 

 

Use as patterns art history source

Apply the pattern and then remove using fill with white etc and then re-apply the pattern by selecting the pattern fill in the history palette, apply the pattern as an impressionist design etc

 

 

Use patterns to create frames and borders

Apply pattern fill, remove central core of the pattern and save as a frame. Apply the frame as a layer / overlay or as a selection.

 

1) Layer > New fill layer > pattern

2) Click OK

3) Rectangular marquee tool (press M)

4) Select middle area of the layer

5) Layer > Rasterize > Layer

6) Delete key (or edit > cut)

7) De-select

 

 

Use Photoshop patterns as a source for brushes

Open a file, apply the pattern fill, select the area and then define as a brush in Photoshop. Use the new brush preset to create stunning pattern designs.

1) Select brush tool

2) Window > brushes

3) Go to the texture panel of the brushes palette

4) Select pattern (texture) from the patterns dropdown

5) Set scale etc

 

 

Use patterns as a source for displacement maps / distortions

Create a new document, apply a pattern fill and save the pattern fill as a new file (PSD format) and then use in the glass / distortion / displacements (you may wish to apply tilemaker to create a seamless pattern or use the offset function)

 

 

Export to other applications such as Painter™

Open a new document, apply a pattern fill and then save the document as PSD or TIFF and then open in Painter or Paint Shop Pro®

 

 

Blending modes and photoshop patterns

The patterns can be used in normal blending mode as basic fills but they can also be applied in difference mode or multiply and many other modes or applied with a 50% or less opacity setting. By re-applying patterns using different opacity setting, unusual smudged patterns can be created. The patterns can be applied as an overlay or as a color.

 

 

Color modes and patterns

Patterns can be used in color mode RGB but they can also be used in LAB and CMYK modes and other color modes in PS

1) Image > mode > LAB

2) Layer > New fill layer > pattern

3) Select pattern from the pattern's palette dropdown

4) OK

The pattern can be further manipulated via the color channels or shifted by dragging the pattern as required

 

 

Patterns and color channels

Apply patterns to different color channels for unusual patterned designs

 

 

Patterns and text

Use the patterns to apply fills / color to text.

1) Create text using the type mask tool (on the same tool as type)

2) Layer > new fill layer > pattern

3) Select pattern from the pattern tool dropdown palette

4) OK

 

Patterns and bevel / layer effects

Use the patterns in textures option in layer effects for bevels

 

 

Brush textures using patterns

Use the patterns as a brush texture for stunning brush strokes

 

 

Paint bucket

Use the paint bucket fill to fill different patterns on the same layer

 

 

Pattern Stamp Tool

Use the patterns in path brush strokes 'pattern stamp' (use pressure and brush settings)

 

 

Native effects

Apply pattern fills and change apply opacity or apply native Photoshop® effects

 

 

Create new patterns for Photoshop or Elements

Apply a pattern fill, modify, overlay additional pattern fills and then use the offset command and define a new pattern. The patterns can be saved to a new pattern library or saved to the existing one (though setting the pattern library to that version of Photoshop format)

 

 

Photoshop® patterns installation

Patterns are stored in native format PAT files. Please place the patterns files in the presets patterns folder of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. To access, use the presets manager or pattern palette. With recent versions, you can also load the patterns via the file open command.