Seamless Pattern Maker
Script for Adobe Illustrator
✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.
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Description
The Seamless Pattern Maker is an Adobe Illustrator script that automates the creation of repeating patterns from selected artwork. The script duplicates selected objects in a grid formation with customizable spacing and provides advanced features for creating seamless, tileable patterns suitable for backgrounds, textures, and decorative elements.
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Key Features
- Grid-based duplication with adjustable rows, columns, and spacing.
- Real-time preview with live updating.
- Seamless pattern creation with automatic masking.
- Random rotation capabilities with seamless edge matching.
- Background color customization.
- Automatic pattern swatch generation.
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Installation
1. Download the Seamless Pattern Maker.jsx script file.
2. Place the script in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:
⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
3. Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running.
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Using the Script
- Open Adobe Illustrator and create or open a document.
- Select the artwork you want to turn into a pattern.
- Run the script via File > Scripts > Seamless Pattern Maker.
- The script dialog will appear with multiple options:
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➊ Set Grid Dimensions
- Adjust "Columns" using the text field, slider, or arrow keys.
- Adjust "Rows" using the text field, slider, or arrow keys.
- Use the "Link Columns & Rows" checkbox to keep both values synchronized.
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➋ Configure Spacing
- Set "Horizontal" spacing - distance between columns.
- Set "Vertical" spacing - distance between rows.
- Use the "Link Horizontal & Vertical" checkbox to maintain equal spacing.
- Negative values create overlapping arrangements.
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➌ Random Rotation
Enable random rotation (optional):
- Check "Random Rotation" to activate angle randomization.
- Set "Min" angle (0-360 degrees) for the minimum rotation.
- Set "Max" angle (0-360 degrees) for the maximum rotation.
- When "Make Seamless" is enabled, edge rotations are automatically matched for seamless tiling.
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➍ Seamless Pattern Options
Make Seamless:
- Check "Make Seamless" to create a clipping mask for seamless tiling.
- This creates a masking rectangle based on the grid dimensions.
- Essential for patterns that will tile perfectly.
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Background Settings:
- Check "Add Background" to include a colored background rectangle.
- Enter a hex color code (e.g., #FFFFFF for white) or click the color swatch.
- Click the color swatch to open Illustrator's color picker.
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Add to Swatches:
- Check "Add to Swatches" (only available when "Make Seamless" is enabled).
- Automatically adds the finished pattern to your Swatches panel.
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➎ Live Preview
- The "Preview" checkbox is enabled by default
- See changes in real-time as you adjust settings
- Use "Hide Edges" to toggle visibility of object outlines
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Advanced Tips
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Reset Controls:
Click the "×" button next to any parameter to reset to default.
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Keyboard Shortcuts:
Use Up/Down arrows in focused text fields to adjust values (hold Shift for larger steps).
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Seamless Tiling:
For perfect seamless patterns, ensure your grid is at least 2×2 and "Make Seamless" is enabled.
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Pattern Swatches:
When added to swatches, patterns can be applied as fills to any shape.
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Layer Management:
All pattern elements are created on the same layer as the original selection.
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➏ Finalize Pattern
Apply Changes:
- Click "OK" to apply the pattern with all current settings.
- Pattern elements are grouped for easy management.
Cancel:
- Click "Cancel" to discard changes and restore original selection.
Navigation:
- Click the "+" button to fit the selection in the window.
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☻ Conclusion
The Seamless Pattern Maker script transforms Adobe Illustrator's pattern creation workflow from a manual, time-consuming process into an efficient, automated operation. With its intuitive interface and real-time preview capabilities, designers can experiment with different grid configurations, spacing options, and randomization settings while seeing immediate results.
Whether you're creating textile patterns, website backgrounds, decorative elements, or packaging designs, this script provides a professional-grade solution that integrates seamlessly into existing Illustrator workflows.
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