How To Make 2 Versions of Repeating Patterns in Photoshop - New or Improved Skill Day 20

Sometimes you need a repeating pattern for a background. I used basic clip art shapes that are included with Photoshop and a photograph but you could use anything. I hardly ever use the shapes that came with Photoshop so it was good to remind myself they are there.

File > New.  Choose the size for the repeat and the resolution you need. 72 pixels for web, 300 for print. I like to make everything 300 and re-size it to 72 if needed. You can make it smaller but not bigger.

You want to find the center.
View > New Guide > Horizontal. Position 50%
View > New Guide > Vertical. Position 50%

Add the art work to the square - shapes can be found on the tool bar or you can use your own art. The shape menu looks like an amoeba. Make sure fill pixels is selected. If you want the shape centered on the working space, hold the shift key and option key while dragging from the center. Shift keeps it from distorting, option keeps it centered.

Edit > Define Pattern. Give it a name.

To use the pattern:

File > New
Edit > Fill > Pattern > Custom Pattern. Click on the one you want. OK

The above makes a square, repeating, background. Here's how to have it be offset.

File > New.  Choose the size for the repeat and the resolution you need.

View > New Guide > Horizontal. Position 50%
View > New Guide > Vertical. Position 50%

I used the same sunburst image but this time I changed the color to pale yellow before making the shape. Place the image in the center.

Duplicate the layer. Command j.

Filter > Other > Offset. Choose half the size of your original work space. If you started at 600 pixels, the offset would be 300.

Edit > Define Pattern. Give it a name.