How to Add Custom Patterns and Save Them as a Set in Photoshop

This article explains how to add patterns in Photoshop CC 2019 for Windows and Mac.

How to Add Custom Patterns and Save Them as a Set in Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop CC ships with several sets of patterns that work with the fill tool and layer styles, but it's also possible to add your own patterns and save them as a custom set.

Follow these steps to create patterns from your own images and save them as a set:

1. Open the pattern you want to add in Photoshop and go to Select > All in the main task bar.

   If you only want to select part of the image, use the Photoshop Marquee tool.

    

2. Select Edit > Define Pattern.

    

3. Give your pattern a name and select OK.

    

4. To save your pattern in a set for future use, go to Edit > Presets > Preset Manager.

    

5. Set the Preset type to Patterns.

    

6. Select the patterns you want to include in the set, then select Save Set.

   To choose multiple patterns, hold the Shift key as you make your selection.

    

7. Give your presets a name and select Save. It should be saved to the Photoshop\Presets\Patterns folder on your computer.

    

Your new pattern set will be available from the patterns menu. If you don't see your patterns listed, select the gear icon, then select Load Patterns.

This method can also be used to save custom sets of brushes, gradients, styles, shapes, and more.

How to Use Adobe Capture CC To Create Photoshop Patterns

Adobe has a mobile app that lets you make your own patterns called Adobe Capture CC. Content you create in Capture can be saved to your Creative Cloud library and then used in the Adobe desktop applications such as Photoshop. Here's how:

1. Tap Patterns at the bottom of the screen and snap a photo, or select the photo icon in the bottom-right corner to choose an image on your phone.

    

2. Pinch the screen to zoom in or out on the image, then tap the right arrow in the top-right corner when you're satisfied with the preview.

    

3. Name the pattern, and then tap Save.

    

4. Open the Libraries palette in Photoshop to see your pattern.

    

Large pattern sets can take a long time to load. Group patterns in smaller sets of similar patterns to reduce load time and make it easier to find what you need.