ADDING BACKGROUND COLOUR TO PATTERN SWATCH

[charlotten86139972]

Hi,

I have been giving my patterns backgrounds by filling a bounding box and placing it behind the objects in pattern editing mode. The pattern i am working on is about four flower png shapes I've arranged over the edges to create seamless repeat. I prefer to make patterns on illustrator as I struggle to use Photoshops offset method (and photoshop in general :s)

However I have just realised that this background box is breaking up the patterns seamless repeat ... As if the background object is being treated as a clipping mask...

Selecting size tile to art doesn't make a difference.

Is there anyway to add a background colour to a pattern swatch without this happening?

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

You can add a background fill by adding a new fill below the pattern in the Appearance panel, you don't need to change the pattern.

If you want to create a variation of the pattern with an added fill, you can try this:

Drag the pattern swatch from the Swatches panel to the Artboard.

In the Layers panel look for a path at the bottom of the pattern group and select it.

Copy the path.

Fill it with a color.

Choose Edit > Paste in Back.

Select the entire pattern group and drag it back to the Swatches panel.

[Debbie5E38]

Thanks! I didn't know you could add an extra fill layer so that was a helpful tip to learn and an easy way to solve this problem I was having too!