Illustrator Pattern Swatches...

[Loopy Lisa]

ggrr...
I'm trying to make a pattern swatch in Illy using a jpeg. When I select the image and drag it into the swatches box and then use it to fill a rectangle (for instance), you can see definite tiling going on...how do I get it to go seamless or untiled? Or do I need to mess with it in PS first then bring the image into Illy?

[AlexNJ210]

post the swatch patern

[CkretAjint]

All I know this file ever makes it way around to me I will hate your guts for doing this. :)

[AlexNJ210]

wha???

[urstwile]

It's okay if it's expanded though, right Ckret?

To be honest, I haven't worked with patterns much in Illy.

[CkretAjint]

If it is expanded. But still if it is an IMAGE as a swatch and I expanded it and then have to print you logo or what ever on a HUGE poster or banner, it'll still come out all icky and fuzz where your IMAGE is..... blah blah and more blah!

[urstwile]

I was just curious. I'd honestly never even think of doing it that way, but so many have different ways to skin a peach, so to speak, I'm just trying to keep in the loop.

[PrintDriver]

Ckret, you and me both.
jpg baaaaaddd.
Unless it's for web. Then it doesn't matter.

The trick to patterns is to make a repeat in 4 squares (2 over 2) then select a square of the same size out of the middle part where the 4-squares touch. If your pattern doesn't repeat, it will never tile right.

[Loopy Lisa]

Hey guys thanks for responding...yes I understand that jpegs are a bitch to use for pattern swatches, it's just that they look nicer than the default red/orange/green blocks or diamonds that come with Illy.

ANYways, I've attached a couple images to show my progress using one of the swatches I made from a jpeg.

As you can see the heart in the top corner look untiled, but when I move the image around, the swatch becomes tiled...

The first one is the jpeg I wanted to use for the swatch, the second one is what happens when I have made the swatch and applied it to a drawing, then the 3rd is what it does when I did the 2 by 2 as PD suggested.

See what I mean jelly bean? The silly thing is I made a swatch using a jpeg of linen, and it worked out FINE. NO tiling at all...don't ask how I did that cause I didn't do it any different from the way I am doing these ones...I've attached that image as well for shits and giggles.

P.S.
What do you mean by expanded?

[CkretAjint]

Instead of placing the hearts on 1 image. Why not use a clippng mask on 1 heart and then duplicate that and move you image slightly within you clipping mask?


So you'll have 3 hearts, 3 JPG swatches, and 3 clipping masks for your 3 hearts...

[Loopy Lisa]

yesssssssssssssss....I thought of that, only that with a clipping mask, does it not still leave the blanked out image still attached?

Let's say I were to get it printed, would I not have problems with "printing outside of the border" or something?
Know what I mean?
I am bad at describing this, sorry...

[CkretAjint]

clipping mask only prints what is INSIDE your mask area. Everything outside of it gets knocked out... Make sense?

[Loopy Lisa]

yessir!
thanks, I'll mess with the idea now.