# patterns, textures, and clipping **introduction to using patterns and textures in Adobe Illustrator** ## PATTERNS Patterns in Illustrator are just what you expect them to be: an element repeated over and over in a regular manner. There are many different settings you can use to the create and style your patterns. - [Create and edit patterns from Adobe Help](https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/create-edit-patterns.html) - video tutorial - [A Beginner's Guide to Adobe Illustrator Patterns from Design Tuts](https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-adobe-illustrator-patterns--cms-33351) - in-depth article on how to create your own patterns. this is a great place to begin when you want to start making your own patterns - [Patterns from Adobe Help](https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/patterns.html) - good pattern info dircetly from Adobe - [Mastering Vector Design: How to Create Illustrator Patterns from Adobe Press](http://www.adobepress.com/articles/article.asp?p=1160237&seqNum=2) - how to scale and modify a pattern that has been applied. It isn't as easy as it should be **download patterns** - [google search for Free Adobe Illustrator Patterns](https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=free%20adobe%20illustrator%20patterns) - you can make your own or find one someone else has already made. There are some really good patterns you can download for free - [google search for Free Adobe Illustrator Textures](https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=free%20adobe%20illustrator%20patterns) - vector patterns to add textures to your work ## RASTER TEXTURES Illustrator is good for flat solid colors and gradients. That aethetic has some value, but sometimes you want a texture that is more grungy or artistic. You can add vector patterns and textures, however another option is to add some raster textures to your designs. This is how you to do it. - [Import artwork files from Adobe Help](https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/importing-artwork-files.html) - adding additional files to your master file - [How to add detail and grit to vector graphics? on graphic design stack exchange](https://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/questions/45518/how-to-add-detail-and-grit-to-vector-graphics) - how to use a raster transparency mask **download textures** - [google search for Free Textures for Commercial Use](https://www.google.com/search?q=free+textures+for+commercial+use&safe=active&hl=en&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi5y8PRgOrkAhXFnuAKHVXaC0AQ_AUIDSgA&biw=1396&bih=697&dpr=1.38) - there are literally millions of texture images out there that you can use to rough up your flat colors ## CLIPPING MASKS & DRAW INSIDE MODE Sometimes you want to contain your visual work inside a shape, such as a circle or even text. This is called **Clipping** and it is fairly easy to set up. There are two different approaches you can use. I will show you both. - [Edit clipping masks from Adobe Help](https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/clipping-masks.html) - good basic walkthrough of the tools - [How to Create Clipping Masks Inside Adobe Illustrator from Elias Sarantopoulos](https://youtu.be/ED9aV0vg9QA) - youtube tutorial - [Create artwork behind and inside with drawing modes from Adobe Help](https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/how-to/draw-content-behind-and-inside.html) - video tutorial with project files - [How to Draw Inside an Object/Text in Adobe Illustrator from hikeart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCVZYc5RRj8) - youtube video tutorial - [How to Use Draw Inside Mode from Webucator](https://www.webucator.com/how-to/how-use-draw-inside-mode-adobe-illustrator.cfm) - simple breakdown of the tools --- tags: #vector #resources home: [[! vector drawing resources]]