Here’s a set of free vector design elements that you can use in your personal or commercial work. Lots of uses for these. You can add your own text to these to make “sale” or “new” banners for a store. I’m sure you can think of loads more exciting things to use these for. If you like em, let me know in the comments.

In the download you’ll find:

• An EPS files that you can load into Adobe Illustrator (or your favorite vector editor) and edit to change the scale, colors etc.
• A 24 bit transparent PNG file that you can use right away (1000 x 1106 pixels)

Cool, how can I use the download?

• You can use the downloads for personal or commercial projects
• A link back here would be appreciated but it is not required
• You may not sell or redistribute the downloads in any way, shape, or form
• You may not create derivatives of the downloads for resale or distribution
• Visit the License and usage info page for full Terms and Conditions of use

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Each pattern is seamless and will tile perfectly on all sides. The download contains six EPS files that you can load into Adobe Illustrator or your favorite vector editing program. It also includes six 24 bit transparent PNGs that you can use “as is” or load into Photoshop (Edit->Define Pattern).

Here’s a sample of each pattern:

Cool, how can I use the download?

• You can use the downloads for personal or commercial projects
• A link back here would be appreciated but it is not required
• You may not sell or redistribute the downloads in any way, shape, or form
• You may not create derivatives of the downloads for resale or distribution
• Visit the License and usage info page for full Terms and Conditions of use

Download Now

You can have some real creative fun with Photoshop and repeat patterns. As with most things, there’s lots of different ways to use patterns in your own designs. For this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to take a repeat pattern, add it to the Photoshop pattern library and then use it to fill selections.

1. OPEN YOUR PATTERN FILE

• For this tutorial I’m using one of the free patterns but you can use any pattern as long as it repeats on all sides.
• In Photoshop, Click the File menu and choose Open.
• Select the pattern file you want to use and open it.

2. DEFINE A CUSTOM PATTERN

• Click the Edit menu and choose Define Pattern
• Give your pattern a name and click ok
• You’ve now defined a pattern that you can open and use in any future design that you create. How cool is that?

3. CREATE A SELECTION

• Click the File menu and choose New
• Choose a file size (I’m using 500px by 300px but you can choose any size.)
• Use the elliptical marquee tool to drag a circular selection

4. FILL YOUR SELECTION WITH A PATTERN

• Click the Edit menu and choose Fill
• In the first dropdown box choose Pattern
• In the second dropdown box select the pattern you want to use. You’ll probably have to scroll to the bottom of the list

When you’re done, the option window should look like this…

Click the Ok button to fill your pattern. It should look something like this…

CONCLUSION

This tutorial has only just scratched the surface. You can do so many things with patterns in Photoshop. For example, use the pen tool to create custom shapes then use layers, masks and blend modes to get impressive effects. You can also fill vector shapes and adjust the scale and transparency of the patterns. I guess we can cover some more complext stuff in future tutorials. Have fun.