How Do I Make a Pattern Follow a Shape in Illustrator?

You can make a pattern follow a shape in Illustrator using the Pattern Options panel.

Steps:

1. Create a pattern: Go to Window > Pattern to open the Pattern Options panel.
2. Draw your pattern: Use the tools in Illustrator to draw your pattern within the pattern tile.
3. Create a shape: Draw the shape you want your pattern to follow. This could be a circle, a rectangle, a custom shape, or even a complex design.
4. Select the shape: Select the shape you want to apply the pattern to.
5. Apply the pattern: Go to Object > Pattern > Make.
6. Adjust the pattern: In the Pattern Options panel, use the Tile controls to adjust how the pattern tiles within your shape. You can change the Tile Type to Grid, Brick, or Rotate to create different effects.
7. Adjust the scale: You can adjust the scale of your pattern using the Scale slider.
8. Save your pattern: To save your pattern for later use, click the New Pattern button in the Pattern Options panel. Give it a name and click OK.

Example:

• Imagine you want to create a pattern of polka dots that follows a heart shape. You can draw the polka dot pattern in the Pattern Options panel, create a heart shape, and then use the Make button to apply the pattern. You can then adjust the Tile settings to create different effects, such as having the polka dots follow the curve of the heart.

Practical Insights:

• Experiment: Play around with the Tile settings in the Pattern Options panel to discover different ways to make your pattern fit your shape.
• Use clipping masks: If you want to create a more precise pattern that perfectly conforms to the shape, use a clipping mask.