Working with patterns in Ilustrator

[c_h_b]

Hi, I am trying to figure out if there is a tool that can remove the white background of a downloaded .eps pattern to use only the pattern part and not the white background. Is there a way to do this in illustrator or can it only be done in photoshop?

thanks

[c_h_b · Accepted solution]

never mind, i figured it out using pattern>make and then using the direct selection, i selected the blue, then i did select>same>fill>inverse and deleted the white. Wondering though, if this was the best way to do this and in general what is the easiest way to remove a white background from a vector in illustrator. thanks

[Doug A Roberts]

never mind, i figured it out using pattern>make and then using the direct selection, i selected the blue, then i did select>same>fill>inverse and deleted the white. Wondering though, if this was the best way to do this and in general what is the easiest way to remove a white background from a vector in illustrator. thanks

By @c_h_b

Well, the simpler way might be to do it the other way round (Select a white object, then use Select > Same > Fill Color).