Patterns for Adobe 速 Photoshop 速 + Elements Introduction Thanks for the interest in the patterns designs. I hope this document will enable you to find many different ways of using the patterns designs. If you have any questions, please contact me on my site, graphicxtras.com. If you have purchased the patterns pack or collection, thank you. If you are considering purchasing a set or two and have any questions, please ask. There are many
samplers on the graphicxtras.com site. If you have been checking the patterns out and have some questions, again, please ask. If you find anything confusing in this documentation, please let me know and I will try and update it. Andrew
Installation Of patterns (if PAT format) Extract the PAT files from the zip file (use an application such as PKUnzip or Stuffit expander if required). Once expanded, place the PAT files in the Photoshop folder ‘patterns’ (found in the presets folder). You might be required to enter a password to place the files in the folder (the admin password). If you place the files in your user account, you will not need to enter the admin password but you will then need to browse for the PAT file via the patterns palette.
Installation of PSD / PNG files in Photoshop From set 10 onwards of the patterns, PNG files are also included along with the PAT files. The PAT format files are the same as PAT patterns. The PNG patterns are for applications such as Paint Shop Pro and Xara. To install the patterns, please place in a patterns folder (create one) and then use the file > open command and then use the define pattern command (edit menu in Photoshop) This adds the pattern to the pattern library. You can also set up a simple action and process the PSD / PNG files. Capture a define pattern command for an open pattern and close action. Run this for all the patterns and the patterns will be added to the current patterns palette.
Please note, if you add all the patterns to the patterns, the PAT library may end up very large and this may make the opening of Photoshop very very slow. Please be warned about adding a large number of large files to the patterns palette.
Once defined, the pattern can be accessed via the usual patterns library. I would suggest adding them to themed patterns libraries instead of adding them all to a single library.
Installation of PSD / PNG files in Photoshop Elements If included, the PSD / PNG patterns can be added to Elements in a similar way to Photoshop. Use the file > open command and then edit menu and define pattern. Sadly, there is no action / process for each file command in PSE
Installation of PSD / PNG files in Paint Shop Pro
If included, place the PSD / PNG files in the patterns folder of Paint Shop Pro. You can use the preference file locations to find the location of the patterns folder (generally in presets patterns of Paint Shop Pro but this varies). You can also redefine the pattern folder via the materials palette. The patterns can then be accessed via the materials palette. Use as fills etc The patterns can also be used in many other applications
Install of EPS patterns / designs (if included not in all sets) Some of the sets include AI as well as EPS designs or patterns. To access, simply use the place command found in the Photoshop file menu or use the file > open command. You can also use the edit > define pattern command on the EPS designs to import them as patterns
Patterns install folder The location of the presets on the PC is generally PC c:\program c:\program c:\program c:\program
files\adobe\adobe photoshop CS4\presets\patterns files\adobe\adobe photoshop CS3\presets\patterns files\adobe\adobe photoshop CS2\presets\patterns files\adobe\photoshop CS\presets\patterns
on the Mac HD: Applications: Adobe Photoshop CS4:presets:patterns Applications: Adobe Photoshop CS3:presets:patterns Applications: Adobe Photoshop CS2:presets:patterns Applications:Adobe Photoshop CS:presets:patterns (or 6 or 7 or elements 1 2 3 4 5 6 equivalent) The patterns can be placed in any folder if you wish. You will need to access them via the open command or the load / replace command (PS) As mentioned, you may have to enter your admin password to store the items in the presets folder, depends on the type of user. If you are installing them using an admin account this is not an issue
Serial number Please store the serial reference number for reference and future updates or replacement CDs
Royalty-free The patterns are royalty-free. They are non-exclusive. Please feel free to use them in many different projects, commercial or hobby. Please check the license for the usage and / or the examples (online) file The copyright of the original patterns still remains with Andrew Buckle / Abneil Software Ltd
Patterns in Photoshop 速 palette / load / replace 1) Select fill or pattern stamp tool or layer effects->pattern overlay or brushes palette / texture 2) Go to the patterns palette dropdown 3) Click the menu dropdown on the right of the patterns palette and select a pattern file from the pattern dropdown or use the load / replace command With the latest versions, the PAT files can also be loaded via the open file command as a normal file though the items are added to the current palette
Demo use / patterns If you are using this set as a demo / sampler and would like to purchase the patterns, please check out the patterns page for more details of all the patterns included in the full collection. The pattern sampler is as, it might or might not be the same resolution or an exact sample of the items in the collection. The pattern sampler is useful for also determining whether or not the patterns will work on your system or version of PS. The sampler patterns can also be used in commercial work if you wish.
Patterns use / other documentation For how to use patterns, please consult the Photoshop manual or any guides on the subject such as the excellent Scott Kelby books as well as the stunning wow! books. Magazines such as Computer Arts, EFX (sadly this magazine does not appear to be available any more, certainly not in the UK) and Digit are wonderful sources for information about the use of the patterns, supplying tutorials and examples. I would also suggest checking out sites such as Photoshop TV for information on how to use the patterns. Also another useful site is the Photoshop Elements User site and that is packed with tutorials etc, patterns are probably included.
EPS patterns (if included) The EPS files in the EPS patterns folder (if included, not all sets have this) can be imported into Photoshop in a number of ways, via the clipboard and Illustrator or just open the EPS files and setting the rasterization. On opening in Photoshop, you will be offered a setting for the rasterization, you can use this, or you can decide you want a 4000 x 4000 600 dpi import, or a 10 x 10 72 dpi import. The EPS files are resolution free.
I have added a crop mark to all the EPS files, you might like to edit that. If you remove the crop mark, an edge will appear around the imported pattern in PS. Using Illustrator (or similar) modify the crop marks to change the pattern. As long as you align center the crop marks and the object, the pattern will be preserved. Different sizes of rectangular crop marks will result in different patterns. Use the object menu->crop marks release command to release the crop marks and re-sized, delete, as required. The pattern can then, if so desired, be added to the Photoshop patterns files. Please place the EPS pattern files in preset patterns [ PostScript Patterns ] sub folder along with the supplied AI files, though another folder can be used, and this will depend on the application. The files can be imported into many applications such as Paint Shop Pro 速 (especially useful for the browser) The EPS files can also be imported into other applications
Selection Use the pattern and any transparency associated with the pattern to create a selection, delete the pattern and use the selection to fill with a gradient or effect etc
Export to other applications The patterns can also be exported for use in other applications or perhaps as displacement maps for use in Photoshop native tools such as the "displace" filter and glass filter / factory or use in 3rd party plug-ins such as KPT 速 Spheroid Designer or even exporting to 3D applications and using the patterns as a texture. The patterns can also be exported to applications such as Paint Shop Pro 速 and used as a bitmap pattern in the patterns folder of PSP (via the materials palette)
The patterns should be easy to export, simply create a file the size of the pattern. The size of the pattern is generally indicated in the pattern tile so if it says 500 x 500 then create a file 500 x 500.
All the designs are 300 DPI TIFF is probably the best format to use as you should be able to open this in many other applications. PNG is useful but is not compatible with many applications (for some reason)
Pattern to pattern Patterns can be used to create new patterns, simply create a file (you will have to determine the correct size for a pattern, though recent versions indicate the size in the palette thumbnail) and then fill the file with the pattern. If you get appropriately the pattern fill, you might like to use the ImageReady Tilemaker plug-in to create a seamless tile from that approximate pattern. You can also manipulate the pattern and as long as you avoid ruining the edges of the tile, the tile will still remain seamless
Pattern thumbnails There is a thumbnails gallery folder with all the palette shots of the patterns. You might like to create your own, simply open the palette and then alt-print screen Or use the patterns and fill a small selection with the current pattern and repeat for all the patterns in the set, save this file. Or if save the pattern fill to a single file for each pattern and then save to a folder.
Other items
We have brushes for Photoshop, shapes for Photoshop, plug-ins for Photoshop, styles, gradients, displacement maps, ... please check out http://www.graphicxtras.com Also you can find items from graphicxtras.com on http://www.digiscrapwarehouse.com
Installation issues If you have problems installing or using this product, please e-mail our tech support at support@graphicxtras.com
Comments If you have any suggestions to how we can improve our products or manual, or if there is something that is hard to understand or badly stated, please contact us and we will try to correct any errors or misunderstandings in the next release of the manual. It is always great to hear your feedback.
System requirements Applications supported Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ® Adobe ® Photoshop ®
CS4 CS3 CS2 CS1 7 6 (some of the patterns work in 6) Elements 7 Elements 6 Elements 5 Elements 4 Elements 3 Elements 2 Elements 1 (some work in version 1)
Windows ™ 98, and NT, ME, XP, Vista Mac OS X 10.5 10.4 10.3 10.2 10.1 If the set includes PNG or PSD files then the patterns can also be used in Corel ® Paint Shop Pro ® Photo X2 Corel ® Paint Shop Pro ® Photo X1 Corel ® Paint Shop Pro ® Photo X Corel ® Paint Shop Pro ® Photo 9 Corel ® Paint Shop Pro ® Photo 8 And many other applications that support the PNG format
Minimum Requirements: At least 64 MB of memory, though some operations might require a lot more (patterns are hefty users of resource; also too many patterns or too big a pattern set, might slowdown startup)
Trademarks The patterns were created by Andrew Buckle, and copyright 2000-2009 (depending on the set) Abneil software ltd (Andrew Buckle) All products mentioned in this manual are trademarked or probably trademarked by their respective owners. Illustrator and Photoshop and Adobe and After Effects are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. We have no connection whatsoever with Adobe Systems Incorporated. Screenshots are shown with kind permission of Adobe Systems Incorporated. They are purely shown as examples of how to use the pattern designs as well as a tutorial of their use in Photoshop (or other applications)
Company address Telephone / FAX: UK 01622 688 375 http://www.graphicxtras.com support@graphicxtras.com
Fill content / fill layers Patterns can be used as fills or fill layer content (and can be re-scaled) or used in layer effects in patterns overlays or textures For a fill, a normal edit->fill, simply apply a pattern by setting the fill / use method to pattern
Set the opacity and pattern and blending mode as required
The actual use of the fill and the application depends on the fill and whether it holds any transparency information.
Fill layer Using patterns with the new fill layer content, go to the layer menu and select fill content (pattern)
The scaling of the pattern can be set (unlike the setting in the basic fill)
Rasterize the fill content and then you can modify the fill via the layer style such as adding a bevel or stroke etc
For a layer, the pattern can also be used as a pattern overlay or used to add texture to a bevel (the former depends on the transparency setting of the pattern)
Here the style is modified to include a bevel texture using the pattern
and here the pattern is being used as an overlay (which can interact with the other effects via blending modes / opacity etc)
Patterns and blending modes Apply a fill new layer content > pattern. Repeat with a new layer fill content > pattern. Use the same or different pattern as required Set the topmost layer blending mode to a different blending mode such as lighten or difference or one of the other blending modes. The layers can be shifted as required by selecting the layer and using the move tool. Align the layers as required. Use to create 100s of different and unique patterns from a combination of two or more patterns
This can also be applied to a non pattern designs: start with an image or text and then apply a fill layer pattern. An example below using a lighten blending mode
Patterns and opacity Instead of using blending modes, the opacity can be set to less than 100% allowing some of the image below through (either another pattern or an actual image)
Rasterize layer You cannot apply effects such as blurs until you rasterize the layer. Layer > rasterize > fill content or layer.
Below is an example showing a rasterized pattern and a watercolor effect applied.
You will also need to rasterize the fill content to apply a transformation such as a warp or perspective
You will also need to rasterize the layer to apply other tools or fills to the layer, such as the gradient tool (below) In this case, the lock transparent pixels was set to ON
Pattern stamp brush The pattern stamp brush tool uses the brushes and the patterns to great effect. In CS / CS2 / CS3 / CS4, the pattern stamp can also use the pattern as a source for impressionist brush strokes and superb colorful patterned imagery can be created.
Using subtle brush strokes (perhaps 50% opacity or a different blending mode), stunning surreal images are possible.
Set the impressionist on
And then paint
From the following pattern
Patterns on patterns You can apply a pattern (perhaps best via a layer pattern fill content), apply a new layer fill and then go to the layer palette and set the layer blending mode to difference or exclusion or multiply and then go back to the layer scaling or fill / scaling and modify the combination of layered patterns to create stunning unique patterns. This can be repeated with many additional layers or perhaps using a gradient as an overlay instead or even a basic fill.
Patterns and selections A pattern can be used to fill a selection. Useful if you wish to use a pattern to create a frame. A quick frame: select an area, invert, and then apply the pattern.
Patterns and text Patterns can be used in combination with text. Use as a pattern overlay in layer effects.
Use the pattern as a fill for a text selection
Patterns and effects The pattern shouldn't be the (only) end result. You can start with the pattern but remember that you can also apply effects to the pattern such as blurs or re-color the pattern or apply distortions maps via the glass or displace or even apply brush strokes to the pattern (and perhaps save the new pattern) Original image below
Apply water color effect
Or glass filter
Or wave filter
Or perhaps a third party plug-in such as an effect from the Andrew’s Plug-ins (graphicxtras.com)
Textures for brushes In version 7 and CS and CS2 and CS3 and CS4, the patterns can be used as textures for the brushes via the brushes panel (textures section)
Apply the brush strokes using any of the brushes supplied or perhaps using third party brush designs.
The depth and scaling of the textures can be modified via the palette. Patterns can be used in many of the brush tools to create unusual brushed textures strokes.
As with all the brush tools, the brush strokes and textures can be used to great effect on a new layer (simply create a new layer and then apply a layer effect) and then use the brushes / texture to create 3D textured brush strokes
Patterns and selections Enter the quick mask mode and use the fill command to apply a pattern to the current image, return to edit mode to have the pattern returned as a selection. Apply effects to the pattern selection, fill the selection, apply a stroke to the selection, feather the selection and more.
Patterns and color modes Patterns can also be applied in different color modes such as CMYK and LAB
Or in LAB
Or use the fills in grayscale
Patterns and channels Go to the channel palette and select the red channel or the red and green etc (any combination other than all the channels) and then fill the current selected channels with the current pattern. All the other channels will be untouched by the pattern
The above shows a single channel being selected and the fill applied. The image below shows all the channels being selected
Likewise the pattern can be manipulated via the channel palette. Fill all the channels with a pattern using the edit > fill
Select one of the channels as below
Apply a blur or another effect as required, or perhaps draw or paint over the fill in a particular channel (in the case below, the red channel)
Now select all the channels to see the end result (a blurry red background)
Patterns and displacements Recent versions of Photoshop show the size of the pattern (500 x 500 etc) Create a document at that size and fill with the pattern. Save the document as a PSD file Go to the distort menu and select the glass or displace and other filters that accept displacement maps. Use the pattern displacement to apply distortions, displacements and textures
Some of the recent packs include only the PSD / PNG files. You may still have to convert them to grayscale or save them in your current format PSD to access them via the displacement filters. This is definitely the case with the PNG files, they will need to be converted to PSD before they can be used by the glass etc filter. Run a batch process to convert them all (automate batch menu)