Pattern Preview best practices

Last updated on Oct 28, 2025

Explore tips and techniques to improve Pattern Preview workflows.

Performance tips

Pattern Preview uses the graphics card (GPU) for display, but may slow down when:

  • Using complex brushes for pattern creation.
  • Working with large documents.
  • Editing patterns at high zoom-out levels.
Tip

For best results in Pattern Preview, convert raster layers to Smart Objects before transforming, rotating, and scaling pattern elements

Limitations

Keep these Pattern Preview limitations in mind:

  • It is disabled in Artboard documents.
  • It performs best when GPU is enabled, but remains functional without it.
  • It is disabled when tools and commands (like Crop tool and Canvas Size) that change document dimensions are used.
  • It may not work well with features like Symmetry, Liquify, or Vanishing Point.