Separate objects in the pattern without getting duplicates

[Reddhare_]

Hi!
I want to release objects from a pattern (swatch filled), and I have tried to follow recomended steps: See the image where I show how I proceeded.

The problem is that all the objects released from the pattern are layered multiple times on top of each other. This creates a lot of extra work for me. I need to create many patterns that will also need to be released as single objects, so I hope someone can help me with this!

[Monika Gause]

If you plan to release them I would probably not use patterns at all, because when expanding it will create excessive clipping masks as well and there will always be duplicates along the edges after releasing the masks. Use the repeat instead. To Expand it, go to Object > Expand. There will be one clipping mask after wards. Release that and then you are done.

https://youtu.be/H0h5mg7AG0E

[Reddhare_]

Thank you for taking the time to show me this, but I need to use the "Make Pattern" option to get enough flexibility with the patterns. I’ll be creating many patterns, and some will be a bit more complex. The reason I want to release the objects is to be able to create slightly different "endings" for the patterns.

[Monika Gause]

What kind of complexity are we talking about, because there is more complexita in the repeat than visible in my video?

You cannot solve the overlapping stuff in patterns and neither can you solve the clipping masks. It's inherent.

[Reddhare_]

I want free edges, not defined, cut-off ends with an endless pattern inside (see image below).  I might need to explore the Repeat function even more to see if it can do the job. I find that Make Pattern provides simpler and more options faster, which is why I wanted to solve it that way. I am gonna make a lot of patterns. 

I understand that it might be inherent, but it's really so close to working, so I had hope to figure it out 🙂

[Kurt Gold]

Does that mean that you are looking for a way to do a real crop based on the visible part of the pattern fill, probably retaining (or flattening) the transparent parts?

[Reddhare_]

Yes, I want the objects to be “loose” outside the frame of the fill, in a way, if that makes sense?