How to Use Pattern Fill in Adobe Illustrator

If you’re wondering where to find the default Illustrator pattern fills, they are in the Swatches panel under the Swatch Libraries menu > Patterns. Then simply select the object you want to add the pattern fill and choose a pattern that you like. 

If you can’t find the ones that you like, you can also make your own pattern swatch in Adobe Illustrator and fill objects with custom vector patterns.

In this article, I will show you how to use patterns in Adobe Illustrator. You can use the existing Illustrator pattern fills or create your own.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Adobe has its own pattern fills or you can create your own. 
• Pattern fills can be added to closed paths, objects, or text (live or not). 
• New swatch libraries are accessed through the Swatches Panel.
• To create your own pattern fill, create the design, select all of it that you want to use, and drag it into the Swatches Panel.

Method 1: Pattern Swatches

To get started with using a Pattern Fill, you should find or create the pattern first. Well, let’s go for the easier solution first – using Illustrator patterns.

I’m going to show you an example of how to fill text with patterns in Illustrator.

Note: The screenshots from this tutorial are taken from Adobe Illustrator CC Windows version. Mac or other versions can look different.

Step 1: Open the Swatches panel from the overhead menu Window > Swatches.

Step 2: Click on the hidden menu in the upper right corner of the Swatches panel. Click Open Swatch Library > Patterns, and choose which subcategory. 

For example, I chose Nature > Nature_Animal Skins.

Your pattern swatch library is now open. 

Note: once you click on a pattern to try it, it will be added to your regular Swatches panel. Make sure to have your text or object selected, check to make sure your fill color option is selected (if your stroke is selected, it will put the pattern as a stroke), and then click on the pattern you want to try.

You can use pattern swatches on text or objects. 

Method 2: Make Your Own Pattern

You can also create your own pattern in Adobe Illustrator and fill in your object or text. 

Step 1: Go ahead and create the design. For example, I created these squares and I want to make a checkered pattern. 

Step 2: Select the shapes, drag them into the swatches panel, and your new pattern fill swatch will appear!

Now you are able to apply the pattern fill, just the same as above.

My current pattern doesn’t read very well, so I’m going to try and stack pattern fills. Make sure your Appearance panel is open. 

If there are no fills and strokes listed, click on the hidden menu in the upper right and choose Add New Fill.

You may have to add your fill again, but now click and drag that fill to the bottom right (Duplicate selected item) and it will create a second fill. Now choose a second pattern fill and viola, my text had an even funkier double pattern fill!

There are so many options with unique pattern fills that you’ll never run out!

Tip: If you don’t like how the pattern fill looks, you can also edit the pattern or change the pattern size.

Simply double-click on the pattern and it’ll open the Pattern Options dialog box. If it doesn’t open when you double-click on the pattern, you can also go to the overhead menu Object > Pattern > Edit Pattern.

Final Thoughts

The Pattern Fill in Adobe Illustrator can really add some unique value to your graphics and vector artwork. Whether you are using Adobe’s stock patterns or creating your own, you can add special visual effects to your design.

Have you tried a Pattern Fill in Illustrator? What did you create with it and was it for fun or work? Let me know in the comments below.