This tutorial will demonstrate how to create a seamless pattern using the Offset filter, it is actually quite a simple process, even if an advanced technique.
Start by creating a 2inch by 2 inch transparent canvas at 300ppi (The canvas size is a matter of personal preference. You could make its smaller or larger as desired as long as it is square)
Select the custom shape tool on the tools palette.
We will start with a symmetrical shape – this could be a simple circle or use a custom shape such as the snowflake I am using in this example downloaded from ActionFx.com. Select or load a shape from the options bar.
Once you have selected your shape, look for the custom shape symbol on the options bar and click the arrow to access the drop down menu. Select From Center in the menu.
Position the cursor in the center of the canvas. Have your rulers turned out to assist you (View>Rulers) as you move your cursor on the canvas you should see a guide line in the ruler window for both axis. Position your cursor the guides line up exactly at the halfway points.
Click, hold the SHIFT key and drag the cursor diagonally to create the shape. You can create any size you like within the canvas boundaries. The snowflake here is approx 1 inch.
With the Move tool selected go to Filter> Other> Offset
Select Wrap Around and then enter the Horizontal offset to half the original measurement of your canvas. In this case half of my 2 inch (600px x 600px) canvas is 300px. If you are using a different size canvas then you must enter half of the canvas width value.
Enter the Vertical offset to half the original measurement of your canvas. In this case half of my 2 inch (600px x 600px) canvas is 300px. If you are using a different size canvas then you must enter half of the canvas height value.
Select OK
For a simple design, use the custom shape tool and draw the snowflake in the center.
Go to Edit> Define Pattern
Give the pattern a name and select OK
Create a new canvas at 12x12 inches (or your preferred size).
Go to Edit>Fill. From the Use: menu, select Pattern. Select the pattern you just created and named (it should be the last pattern)
The pattern you have created will fill your page.
Create a more advanced pattern by filling the center of the canvas with shapes in a variety of size or even type, rather than a single shape. Try not to leave any large open spaces which will be more conspicuous once the fill has occurred.
Once you have finished with the tile design
Create the pattern as above. Edit> Define Pattern and name it
Create a 12x12 canvas, go to Edit>Fill. From the Use: menu, select Pattern. Select the pattern you just created and named (it should be the last pattern)
For a non symmetrical custom shape the procedure is the same, how ever this time, try the following:
Draw out the shape in the center of the canvas as above. Duplicate the image and hide one of the layers.
Go to Filter> Other Offset and then change just the Horizontal offset to half the original measurement of your canvas. In this case half of my 2 inch (600px x 600px) canvas is 300px. If you are using a different size canvas then you must enter half of the canvas width value. The Vertical should be 0.
Select OK
Show the previously hidden duplicate shape. Now flip the shape horizontally.
Go to Filter> Other>Offset and then change just the Vertical offset to half the original measurement of your canvas. In this case half of my 2 inch (600px x 600px) canvas is 300px. If you are using a different size canvas then you must enter half of the canvas width value. The Horizontal should be 0.
Select OK
Now fill the spaces with designs as desired.
Define the pattern as above and then fill a canvas with the new pattern.
This stops the pattern becoming too repetitive with everything facing the same way.
While black is used here you can create your tile in color
Don’t forget to then save your pattern files through the Preset Manager and remember your pattern fill will also be available in the Layer Style palette to create a background and will allow you to alter the scale of the custom pattern.
You can find a tutorial on basic Pattern Fills HERE
Download a PDF version of this tutorial by CLICKING HERE
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