Last updated on
Peb 11, 2026
Learn how patterns allow you to create repeating and consistent designs that can be applied as fills or strokes in Adobe Illustrator.
Patterns in Adobe Illustrator are repeating designs that fill an object’s stroke or shape. They can range from simple geometric tiles to complex illustrations, and are a quick way to add texture, decoration, or branding elements to your artwork.
About patterns in Illustrator
When designing, patterns in Illustrator let you:
- Apply a repeated design without manually duplicating artwork.
- Edit the pattern once and update every object using it.
- Combine patterns with colors, gradients, and effects for unique designs.
Types of patterns
- Predefined patterns: Illustrator includes ready-to-use patterns (dots, stripes, textures) that you can find in the Swatches panel.
- Custom patterns: The Pattern Options panel allows you to create your own patterns and control tile size, spacing, overlap, and rotation.
