Creating and editing patterns

In addition to using the libraries of patterns provided with Photoshop Elements, you can create your own custom patterns. Once you've created patterns, you can save them in a library, then load and manage libraries of patterns using the Preset Manager. This allows you to easily use multiple patterns in an image. You can also use the pattern stamp tool to paint with a pattern. (See  Using the pattern stamp tool).

To create a custom pattern:

1 Make a rectangular selection around the part of the image you want to use as the pattern, or you can use the entire image. Note that large patterns may become hard to manage.

2 Choose Edit > Define Pattern.

3 Enter a name for the pattern in the Pattern Name dialog box.

The pattern you defined is repeated as tiles within the selection. If you want to reuse patterns, you can create a library of defined patterns.

To define a pattern for use with the pattern tool:

1 Use the rectangle marquee tool () on any open image to select an area to use as a pattern. Feather must be set to 0 px.

2 Choose Edit > Define Pattern and enter a name for the pattern.

3 Deselect the rectangle.

Note: If you are using a pattern from one image and applying it to another, Photoshop Elements converts the color mode.

To use a preset pattern from the PostScript Patterns folder:

1 Choose File > Open. Each preset file in the PostScript Patterns folder (which comes with Photoshop Elements) contains a single pattern in the Adobe Illustrator format. You can scale and render these patterns at any resolution.

2 Select the pattern file you want to use, and click Open.

3 Select any rasterizing options. (See  Opening and importing images.)

4 Click OK.

5 Make a rectangular selection around the pattern, or choose Select > All.

6 Choose Edit > Define Pattern. The pattern is defined as an Adobe Photoshop Elements pattern.

7 Enter a name for the pattern in the Pattern Name dialog box.

8 Click OK.

Painting and Drawing > Creating and editing patterns

Related subtopics: