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If you’re looking to add a touch of flair to your designs, mastering the art of creating repeating geometric patterns can be a game-changer.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of crafting an eye-catching repeating geometric pattern using Adobe Photoshop.
Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a curious beginner, this tutorial will equip you with the skills to create captivating patterns that can be used in various creative projects.
Setting the Stage: Getting Started
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of pattern creation, let’s lay the groundwork by setting up our canvas and tools.
1. Creating a New Document:
– Open Photoshop and click on \”New File.\”
– Set the document dimensions to 1200 pixels by 1200 pixels.
– Choose a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (PPI).
– Opt for RGB color mode with a transparent background.
2. Accessing Shape Tools:
– To access the shape tools, use the keyboard shortcut `U`.
– Toggle between different shape tools using `Shift + U`.
– Alternatively, right-click and select your desired shape tool.
3. Drawing the Base Shape:
– Choose the ellipse shape tool.
– Click on the canvas to create an ellipse of 1200 pixels by 1200 pixels.
Building the Foundation: Adding Depth and Detail
Now that we have our base shape, it’s time to add depth and detail to our pattern.
1. Applying Stroke:
– With the shape tool selected, go to the properties panel.
– Turn off the fill and add a black stroke.
– Adjust stroke width to 40 pixels.
– Align the stroke to the inside.
2. Converting to Smart Object:
– Right-click on the shape layer and choose \”Convert to Smart Object.\”
3. Creating Corners:
– Duplicate the shape in all four corners using a predefined action. For this tutorial we use our Photoshop Actions for Pattern Design.
– Define the pattern by going to `Edit > Define Pattern`.
Testing and Refining the Pattern
With our pattern defined, let’s test and refine it.
1. Creating a New File for Testing:
– Open a new file with dimensions 3600 pixels by 3600 pixels.
– Choose artboards to accommodate multiple patterns.
2. Testing the Pattern:
– Use an action to quickly apply the pattern to a color fill layer.
– Adjust the scale and alignment of the pattern as needed.
3. Adding Color Variation:
– Choose a new color for the pattern’s background.
– Adjust opacity to create a two-tone effect.
Expanding the Horizons: Multiplying Patterns
Now that we’ve mastered the creation and testing of our initial pattern, let’s explore ways to expand and multiply it.
1. Scaling and Duplicating:
– Access the smart object and duplicate it.
– Scale down the duplicate using an action.
– Save and exit the smart object.
2. Creating Artboards:
– Create multiple artboards to experiment with different arrangements.
– Duplicate artboards for more variations.
3. Exporting the Patterns:
– Customize artboard names for organized file exporting.
– Export the patterns as high-quality JPEG files.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Congratulations, you’ve successfully learned how to create a stunning repeating geometric pattern in Photoshop! With this newfound skill, you can elevate your design projects and add a touch of elegance to your creations. Whether you’re crafting digital scrapbook papers, website backgrounds, or print materials, the possibilities are endless. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting and refining your pattern-making techniques.

Looking for more Pattern Design Tutorials?
- How to Create a Chevron Pattern in Photoshop
- How to Create Horizontal and Vertical Stripe Pattern in Photoshop
- How to Create a Diagonal Stripe Pattern in Photoshop
- How to Create a Polka Dot Pattern in Photoshop
- How to Create a Honeycomb Pattern in Photoshop
- How to Create a Diamond Pattern in Photoshop
- How to Create a Wavy Line Pattern with Wave Filter
- How to Create Asymmetrical Polka Dot Pattern in Photoshop
- How to Create a Heart Pattern in Photoshop
- How to Create a Checker Pattern in Photoshop
- How to Make an Argyle Pattern in Photoshop
- How to Use Pattern Preview Tool in Photoshop