Edit patterns

Last updated on Sep 11, 2025

Learn how to edit patterns to update Tile type, Brick offset, and other settings.

Select the existing pattern in the Swatches panel you want to edit.

In the Pattern Options dialog that opens, add a new name or modify the existing name of the selected pattern.

In the Pattern Options dialog box, you can further edit any of the following settings:

  • Tile Type: Choose how to lay out the tiles:
  • Grid: Tiles align evenly both horizontally and vertically, like a checkerboard.
  • Brick by Row: Rectangular tiles are staggered vertically in every other column, forming horizontal brick-like rows.
  • Brick by Column: Rectangular tiles are staggered horizontally in every other row, forming vertical brick-like columns.
  • Hex by Column: Hexagon tiles are stacked in vertical columns, with every other column shifted sideways.
  • Hex by Row: Hexagon tiles are laid in horizontal rows, with every other row shifted up or down.
  • Brick by Row: Controls the vertical offset of tiles in alternate rows based on their width.
  • Brick by Column:. Controls the horizontal offset of tiles in alternate columns based on their height.
  • Width: Set the horizontal space of each tile, where larger values add gaps, and smaller values may cause overlap.
  • Height: Set the vertical space of each tile, where larger values add gaps, and smaller values may cause overlap. 
  • Size Tile to Art: Select the checkbox to make the tile automatically match the size of the artwork.
  • Move Tile with Art: Select the checkbox to make the tile move along with the artwork.
  • H Spacing: Enter values to control the horizontal space between adjacent tiles.
  • V Spacing: Enter values to control the vertical space between adjacent tiles.
  • Overlap: Select the option to decide which tile appears in front when tiles overlap.
  • Copies: Enter values to control how many tile rows and columns are visible during editing.
  • Dim Copies to: Enter a percentage to adjust the opacity of tile previews while editing.
  • Show Tile Edge: Select the checkbox to display a border around each tile.
  • Show Swatch Bounds: Select the checkbox to highlight the repeat unit of the pattern.
Illustrator workspace showing the Pattern Options panel with a repeating star pattern set to Brick by Row tiling and the Brick Offset set to 3/5. The Pattern Options panel is highlighted in orange, and the Swatches panel is visible.
In the Pattern Options dialog, edit the pattern properties as desired.

In the bar below the Control Panel, select Save a Copy, Done or Cancel.