This lesson installs .pat pattern files in Photoshop. Pattern libraries — textiles, backgrounds, UI elements — are part of every pro design workflow.
2026 note: This lesson was recorded on Photoshop CS6 in 2014. Adobe no longer sells the CS line — Photoshop now ships via Creative Cloud subscription. About 95% of the menus and shortcuts shown in the video still match the modern version; only the iconography is a bit fresher.
Install a Pattern
- Extract the downloaded
.patfile. - Open Edit > Presets > Preset Manager → Preset Type: Patterns.
- Click Load and select the
.pat. - Or, in modern Photoshop, use Window > Patterns → top-right menu → Import Patterns.
Make Your Own Pattern
- Marquee-select the tile.
- Edit > Define Pattern, name it, OK.
- Use it via Edit > Fill > Pattern or the Pattern Stamp.
2026 Tip — Pattern Preview
To build a truly seamless repeating tile, modern Photoshop’s Filter > Pattern Preview mode is incredibly powerful. Anything you paint repeats live across an infinite grid.
Free Pattern Sources
- Subtle Patterns — minimalist UI textures.
- Brusheezy Patterns
- PatternCooler — customisable patterns.
