Paint symmetrical patterns

Last updated on Oct 4, 2026

Learn how to apply preset symmetry modes to reflect brush strokes across defined axes in real time in Adobe Photoshop on desktop.

Paint Symmetry makes it easier to create balanced compositions like faces, vehicles, mandalas, and decorative patterns. It works with the Brush , Pencil, and Eraser tools to reflect your strokes across one or more axes as you paint. Choose from eleven preset symmetry types or define a custom path. This technique is useful when creating illustrations that require bilateral symmetry or radial balance.

Explore Paint Symmetry in Photoshop and create perfectly balanced artwork with mirrored brush strokes.

Activate a symmetry mode

Select the Brush , Pencil, or Eraser tool from the toolbar.

In the options bar, select the butterfly icon to open the symmetry menu.

Choose from ten preset symmetry types: Vertical, Horizontal, Dual Axis, Diagonal, Wavy, Circle, Spiral, Parallel Lines, Radial, or Mandala.

Paint on your canvas. Photoshop reflects your strokes in real time across the active symmetry axes. Each symmetry type creates a different reflection pattern.

Vertical: Produces a left-right mirror.
Dual Axis: Mirrors both horizontally and vertically.
Radial and Mandala: Offer additional configuration options for complex designs.

To use a custom vector path as your symmetry guide, right-click any path in the Paths panel and select Make Symmetry Path.

Modify an active symmetry path by selecting it and choosing the butterfly icon > Transform Symmetry in the options bar.

Configure Radial and Mandala symmetry

Select the Brush , Pencil, or Eraser tool.

In the options bar, select the butterfly icon and choose Radial or Mandala.

In the dialog, specify the Segment Count. For Radial symmetry, enter 2–12 segments. For Mandala symmetry, enter 3–10 segments.

Select OK. Photoshop displays the symmetry path overlay on your canvas.

Drag the path handles to reposition or resize the symmetry guide. Press Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS) to confirm.

Paint your strokes. Radial symmetry repeats each stroke around the centre point. Mandala symmetry mirrors each stroke, then repeats it for more intricate designs.

Increase the Segment Count to create denser patterns with narrower segments around the center.

Assign keyboard shortcuts for symmetry

Select Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts.

From the Shortcuts For menu, choose Tools.

Scroll to the bottom of the Tool Panel Command list and locate Toggle Symmetry Off/Last and Toggle Symmetry Visibility.

Select the Shortcut column for each command and press your desired key combination.

Select OK to save your shortcuts and enable the last-used symmetry mode or hide the symmetry path overlay.

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