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How Do I Make a Step and Repeat Pattern in Photoshop?

Last updated on January 26, 2023 @ 4:22 am

In Photoshop, a “step and repeat” is an easy way to create a repeating pattern of images. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the image you want to use in Photoshop.

2. Select the “Rectangular Marquee Tool” from the toolbar.

3. Drag the tool across the image to create a selection.

4. Go to “Edit” > “Define Pattern”.

5. Enter a name for the pattern and click “OK”.

6. Create a new file in Photoshop.

7. Go to “Edit” > “Fill”.

8. In the “Use” drop-down menu, select “Pattern”.

9. Choose the pattern you created in step 5 from the menu and click “OK”.

Your image should now be filled with your repeating pattern!

How Do I Make a Step and Repeat Pattern in Photoshop?

  1. Open the image you want to use in Photoshop. You can open any image, but for this tutorial we’ll be using a simple image of a solid color background with some text on it.
  2. Select the “Rectangular Marquee Tool” from the toolbar. This is the tool that will allow us to make a selection in our image.
  3. Drag the tool across the image to create a selection. You can make the selection as big or small as you like. For this tutorial we’ll be making a small selection.
  4. “Define Pattern”. This will open up the Pattern dialog box where we can name our new pattern.
  5. Enter a name for the pattern and click “OK”. I like to name my patterns something descriptive so I know what they are later on. For this tutorial I’ll be naming my pattern “Step and Repeat”.
  6. Create a new file in Photoshop. This is where we’ll be creating our final repeating pattern.
  7. Go to “Edit” > “Fill”. This will open up the Fill dialog box where we can choose what kind of content to fill our new file with.
  8. In the “Use” drop-down menu, select “Pattern”. This will tell Photoshop that we want to fill our new file with a repeating pattern.
  9. Choose the pattern you created in step 5 from the menu and click “OK”. Your new file should now be filled with your repeating pattern!
PRO TIP: If you are not familiar with Photoshop, this tutorial may not be for you. It is assumed that you have a basic understanding of Photoshop and know how to use the software. The tutorial covers how to make a step and repeat pattern in Photoshop, but does not cover how to use the software in general.
Kathy McFarland

Kathy McFarland

Devops woman in trade, tech explorer and problem navigator.