Illustrating Shapes with Pattern Swatches

In this tutorial we will learn how to use Pattern Swatches to quickly fill shapes with patterns and illustrations.

An easy example

First you need to draw a simple shape .

 

Let’s see how to create a pattern swatch. Draw two rectangles on another part of the same canvas. Fill them with two different colours. Then choose both rectangles and drag them into the Swatches box.

If the swatch box is not visible then navigate to Window > Swatches. You can now see the pattern that you dragged into the Swatches box. To use the pattern choose the Object you want to fill using the selection tool (v). Then click on the pattern you just dragged in.

Now let’s fill the shape with some other illustration. If we are going to a 60's flower power party and we want to design a t-shirt for the occasion. Using Pattern Swatches draw a flower, drag it into the swatches and then quickly fill theshape. It’s easy.