Creating Custom Patterns in Illustrator

Illustrator makes it easy to design repeating patterns. You can create complex backgrounds, textures, or fills using the Pattern Options panel. 

Designing Your Base Artwork

Create the shapes or illustrations you want to use in your pattern.

Make sure the elements are grouped or arranged inside a bounding box if you want specific edges.

Making a Pattern

Select your artwork and go to Object > Pattern > Make.

Illustrator will enter Pattern Editing Mode and open the Pattern Options panel.

Give your pattern a name, and choose your tile type: Grid, Brick, or Hex.

Adjusting the Pattern Tile

Use the Tile Type, Width, and Height fields to control spacing.

Enable Size Tile to Art to auto-fit your shapes, or manually adjust the spacing for overlap or gaps.

Use Copies to preview how the repeat looks with multiple tiles.

Saving and Applying the Pattern

Click Done in the top bar to save the pattern to your Swatches panel.

Now, use the Fill tool to apply your custom pattern to any shape.

Last updated by Abigail Green - May 2025