Generate patterns with Pattern Maker

Last updated on Oct 4, 2026

Learn how to use the Pattern Maker to slice and reassemble image areas into seamless repeating tiles in Adobe Photoshop on desktop.

Pattern Maker is an optional plugin for Windows and macOS that creates seamless patterns by analyzing and reconstructing portions of your image, offering control over tile size, smoothness, and detail preservation. If you're using 64-bit macOS, you'll need to run Photoshop in 32-bit mode.

This filter creates patterns by analyzing your image and offers control over tile size, smoothness, and detail. You can fill layers directly or save individual tiles as presets for future projects. Each generation produces a unique variation by sampling and algorithmically rearranging selected areas.

Download and configure Pattern Maker

Download Pattern Maker for your operating system from the Optional Plug-ins page.

Install the plugin following the provided instructions.

Configure Photoshop to run in 32-bit mode (64-bit macOS only).

Prepare your source content

Select the layer containing your source area. Create a duplicate to preserve the original.

To generate a pattern in a new location, make a rectangular selection and select Edit > Copy.

Add a new layer or create a new file with your desired dimensions.

Generate and refine the pattern

Select Filter > Pattern Maker.

If you copied content earlier, select Use Clipboard As Sample. Otherwise, use the Marquee tool to select an area in the preview.

Enter pixel dimensions in the Width and Height fields or select Use Image Size to create a single-tile pattern.

Adjust the Smoothness slider to reduce sharp edges in the pattern.

Set Sample Detail to control slice size—higher values preserve more original detail but increase generation time.

Select Generate to create the initial pattern.

Higher Sample Detail values produce more accurate patterns but require longer processing time. Press Esc to cancel generation. The preview shows your pattern as repeating tiles. Use the Show menu to toggle between generated preview and source image. Select Tile Boundaries to see individual tile edges. Adjust tile alignment using the Offset menu as this repositions tiles without affecting saved presets.

Navigate and save pattern variations

Select Generate Again to create additional variations using the current settings or adjust options before regenerating.

Use the navigation buttons at the bottom of the Tile History panel to review all generated patterns.

Select or deselect Update Pattern Preview to control whether the preview area shows the full repeating pattern.

Navigate to your preferred tile and select the Save Preset Pattern button.

Enter a preset name and select OK.

Saved pattern presets contain only a single tile, not the full generated pattern. The tile seamlessly repeats when applied using the pattern tools.

Select OK to fill the active layer or selection with your pattern. To save preset patterns without filling, select Cancel.