Pattern layer question

[christerdk]

Hi all,

Getting into working with pattern layers. For the sake of example, let's assume I've made a pattern of squares. Now, I'd like to fill one of these squares - how would I go about that in the most non-destructible way?

I've tried to select the inner part of the square, but the squares are not "available" as such. Should a duplicate the layer, then either rasterize or rasterize to mask, and continue from there? Or is there a smarter way?

Thanks!

[dominik]

3 minutes ago, christerdk said:

Hi all,

Getting into working with pattern layers. For the sake of example, let's assume I've made a pattern of squares. Now, I'd like to fill one of these squares - how would I go about that in the most non-destructible way?

I've tried to select the inner part of the square, but the squares are not "available" as such. Should a duplicate the layer, then either rasterize or rasterize to mask, and continue from there? Or is there a smarter way?

Thanks!

Hello @christerdk,

pattern layers are currently pixel only. Once something is painted into the pattern layer it cannot be changed. Unless you erase it or paint something different on top.

If you want to have the flexibility of working with vector objects that can be altered after their creation you'd have to look into APub's Date Merge Layout Tool or in AD's symbols. With both you can create patterns that are fully vector (and pixel, too).

d.

[GarryP]

10 minutes ago, christerdk said:

Now, I'd like to fill one of these squares - how would I go about that in the most non-destructible way?

I don’t understand what you are trying to do, specifically the “fill one of these squares” phrase, and more specifically the “fill” part (fill how?) and the “one of” part.

You can modify the pattern – as mentioned by dominik above – but each part of the pattern will be modified in the same way.

Can you show us what you have got and give us more information about what you want to achieve?

[NotMyFault]

2 hours ago, christerdk said:

Hi all,

Getting into working with pattern layers. For the sake of example, let's assume I've made a pattern of squares. Now, I'd like to fill one of these squares - how would I go about that in the most non-destructible way?

I've tried to select the inner part of the square, but the squares are not "available" as such. Should a duplicate the layer, then either rasterize or rasterize to mask, and continue from there? Or is there a smarter way?

Thanks!

Do you use Photo or Designer?

Do you work with vector shapes, or bitmap layers where you simply paint in pixels?
Do you specifically try to use a pattern layer (specific layer type in Photo)?

What do you specifically mean by „non destructively“? 
In context of Affinity, there are severely types of „non-destructivenesses“

• Keeping all edits in separate layers, allowing to change those layers any time later (so no need to rasterize / flatten into a single layer)
• ability to adjust layer parameters like color, blend mode any time 
• you can use vector shapes or curves to clip other layers, allowing to adjust the area inside  that shape without modifying the shapes itself

 

[christerdk]

I normally always prefix the subject with the application and version number, for some reason I forgot in this instance. Many apologies! I was testing patterns in Photo 2.2.1. 

I don't have any background in this, so coming at this as a novice. Trying to learn the terminology and processes as I go, while I try to expand my expression in these applications.

For some reason uploading an image isn't currently working for me, so I pasted a screen shot here. In Photo it's a 4000x4000pix canvas with 512x512pix pattern draw area. 

Coming back to the original question, what would the be process if I'd like to fill one or more of these with a solid color? (as marked by the blue X here)

It might be that Designer would be a better choice here, I'm open to hearing about that too.

Thanks!

 

[GarryP]

I don’t know how you are achieving the ‘wavy lines’ with a pattern layer but if you want to ‘blank out’ one of the shapes I would try simply adding a shape over the top of the pattern, or creating a ‘single-colour-only version’ of the original image which was used to create the pattern – see attached image for a crude mock-up.

If that isn’t what you want to do then I would need more information as I’m still not entirely sure what you are trying to do (but others might understand better).

[NotMyFault]

It seems you are working with pixel layers.

some easy steps:

1. add a pixel layer above the pattern layer
2. activate flood fill tool
3. set mode to „current and below“
4. Activate „continuous“ and “anti alias edges”
5. choose color
6. click once in the square you want to fill
7. repeat at step 5 or 6

Video from iPad, similar on desktop

[christerdk]

1 hour ago, GarryP said:

I don’t know how you are achieving the ‘wavy lines’

Hi again,

What I'm trying to achieve is just that... have everything look the same in the pattern, but have one part stand out. 

I just drew mine in by hand with stabilizer enabled, obviously very crude stuff. My question is now how did you make yours - seems I could learn something ;)  

[GarryP]

First I created a square with a yellow Fill and a black Stroke.
Then I used the Mesh Warp Tool to (rasterise and) ‘bend’ the sides of the square (crudely done).
Then, with the layer selected, I used menu “Layer → New Pattern Layer from Selection” to create the pattern.
Then I recoloured the original layer as all black using the Flood Fill Tool, and repositioned it as appropriate.

[christerdk]

1 hour ago, NotMyFault said:

It seems you are working with pixel layers.

Correct, but that's more because that's what I'm used to at this point.

I have Designer as well, might more beneficial to work with patterns there? In the end I'm going to have this printed in A3 size, working with the patterns in vector and with fills and also a few bitmaps on top. I've been looking into a few videos on patterns in Designer, interestingly without using a pattern layer. Ref 1 and ref 2.

[christerdk]

6 minutes ago, GarryP said:

First I created a square with a yellow Fill and a black Stroke.
Then I used the Mesh Warp Tool to (rasterise and) ‘bend’ the sides of the square (crudely done).
Then, with the layer selected, I used menu “Layer → New Pattern Layer from Selection” to create the pattern.
Then I recoloured the original layer as all black using the Flood Fill Tool, and repositioned it as appropriate.

Smart... I love learning new ways to achieve things in Photo.

Do you know if it's possible to import an existing bitmap to be part of the pattern? Let's say we start with a box with black stroke and want a bitmap placed inside, so that it repeats with the box?

[christerdk]

@GarryP I actually know the answer to this one, if everything is created first, and then made from new Pattern Layer from Selection. 

Just wondering if it's possible if the pattern layer is already in place with some content in it?

[lepr]

1 hour ago, christerdk said:

Just wondering if it's possible if the pattern layer is already in place with some content in it?

Yes, position any object above the master tile of the Pattern and then use Merge Down command to incorporate into the Pattern.