Constructing simple patterns and defining patterns
To create a pattern, you create artwork that you want to use as a pattern tile and then either drag it to the Swatches palette or use the Define Pattern command.
To create a pattern: - Create artwork for the pattern following Guidelines for constructing patterns.
- Optionally, to control the spacing between pattern elements or to clip out portions of the pattern, draw a pattern bounding box (an unfilled rectangle) around the artwork you want to use as a pattern. Choose Object > Arrange > Send to Back to make the rectangle the backmost object. To use the rectangle as a bounding box for a brush or fill pattern, fill and stroke it with None.
- Use the Selection tool to select the artwork and bounding box (if any) that will make up the pattern tile.
- Do one of the following:
- Choose Edit > Define Pattern, enter a name in the New Swatch dialog box, and click OK. The pattern displays in the Swatches palette.
- Drag the artwork to the Swatches palette.
To rename a pattern: - Double-click a pattern swatch in the Swatches palette.
- Enter the new pattern name in the Swatch Name text box, and click OK.
|