Tutorial 06: Pixel Patterns
There are many ways to make pixel patterns. You can draw them with the Pencil tool. You can scan them. You can make them with brushes. But today, I have an easy way to make them using images.
Going from
to
This tutorial can work with any program, but shortcuts are specific to Photoshop 7+. Images are underneath each step.
1. Start with your base. This can be any image, as long as it's square. One you've created or a photograph or scan or screencap.
2. Resize to 100x100 pixels.
3. Leave Layer 1 on Normal at 100%.
4. Duplicate this layer. Go to Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal. Set to Screen or Multiply at 100%, depending on your image. You should be able to see both layers on top of each other, looking sort of merged together.
5. Create a new layer. Merge-Copy-Paste (Ctrl+Shift+Alt+E) into the layer. Go to Edit > Transform > Flip Vertical. Set this to Screen or Multiply at 100%. All layers should be visible now and be forming a pattern in the middle.
6. Create another new layer. Merge-Copy-Paste (Ctrl+Shift+Alt+E) everything into this layer. Go to Edit > Transform > Rotate 90 CW. Set this layer to Linear Burn or Overlay at 100%. All layers should be visible now and this is your pattern.
7. Optional: If your pattern is not dark enough, you can create a new layer and Merge-Copy-Paste (Ctrl+Shift+Alt+E) your pattern into it, setting it to Linear Burn at 100%. This will darken it. If it is too light, do the same and set it to Linear Dodge to lighten it.
8. The final step for creating patterns is deciding on the size. Some patterns look better small, some look better large. I tend to like mine between 40x40 and 64x64 pixels, but it mostly depends on personal preference.
This method was used to create these patterns.
Thank you and enjoy! :D
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Going from
to
This tutorial can work with any program, but shortcuts are specific to Photoshop 7+. Images are underneath each step.
1. Start with your base. This can be any image, as long as it's square. One you've created or a photograph or scan or screencap.
2. Resize to 100x100 pixels.
3. Leave Layer 1 on Normal at 100%.
4. Duplicate this layer. Go to Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal. Set to Screen or Multiply at 100%, depending on your image. You should be able to see both layers on top of each other, looking sort of merged together.
5. Create a new layer. Merge-Copy-Paste (Ctrl+Shift+Alt+E) into the layer. Go to Edit > Transform > Flip Vertical. Set this to Screen or Multiply at 100%. All layers should be visible now and be forming a pattern in the middle.
6. Create another new layer. Merge-Copy-Paste (Ctrl+Shift+Alt+E) everything into this layer. Go to Edit > Transform > Rotate 90 CW. Set this layer to Linear Burn or Overlay at 100%. All layers should be visible now and this is your pattern.
7. Optional: If your pattern is not dark enough, you can create a new layer and Merge-Copy-Paste (Ctrl+Shift+Alt+E) your pattern into it, setting it to Linear Burn at 100%. This will darken it. If it is too light, do the same and set it to Linear Dodge to lighten it.
8. The final step for creating patterns is deciding on the size. Some patterns look better small, some look better large. I tend to like mine between 40x40 and 64x64 pixels, but it mostly depends on personal preference.
This method was used to create these patterns.
Thank you and enjoy! :D
meta: resources | add to your friend-list| request an icon | affiliates