A seamless pattern is an image or texture that can be duplicated and placed side-by-side without distinct borders or separations. You can infinitely repeat the image to create a unique background for your designs.
In this tutorial, we’ll apply seamless patterns in Shutterstock Create to make a stylish ad for Instagram.
Step 1: Set Canvas Size
In Create, click File > Create new > Blank Canvas and scroll or CTRL + F (or Command + F) “Instagram” to select the Instagram Post option, at 1080 x 1080 px.
Step 2: Search for Seamless Pattern
Click Textures and scroll our countless options for your favorite. We chose one from the Paint category. Once your click Apply, it’ll set to the whole canvas.
As you can see, you can also adjust Blend Mode, Saturation, Fade, and Size.
Step 3: Duplicate Layers for Texture
While this texture is already seamless, you can make it your own in a different way. For a bit more dimension, you can play with layers. Select the stacked pancakes icon in the bottom corner, then unlock each layer.
Then, highlight the layer, right-click > Duplicate layer as many times as you want. As you go, drag and place each wherever you desire on the canvas.
We kinda dig the trippy effect of duplicated layers, but if you want a true seamless texture, play around with your alignment to make sure the lines don’t show by dragging each into each other a bit.
You can also play with the Effects tab and select Fade & blend to ensure they mesh well together.
To use it, click each layer, select Fade & blend and adjust the Blend mode to Lighten, or whatever else you like best.
Step 4: Add Shapes and Text
To add a background square, click Shapes and select the filled-in square. Click to apply, then drag to size and position.
To get the exact teal as what’s in the background color, use the Eyedropper Tool by clicking the square layer and selecting Change color. Then, click the Eyedropper Tool, drag over the background teal, and click to set!
To get the internal border line, simply return to Shapes, find the outlined thin square, and drag to size within the square. Click Change color to make it white, or whatever color you choose.
Add text by clicking Text > Add text or choosing a designated layout. Scroll through our fonts to find your favorites. We selected Cutive.
To add a subheadline, follow the same instructions: Text > Add text. Of course, customize the font properties such as size, color, and even play with features like Curved text, or Shadow & Outline if it makes sense.
Drag the subheadline below your main title. We chose Brushability for this one. For some assistance picking complementary fonts, check out this font pairing guide next.
Pro Tip: As you drag your components, you’ll notice a red alignment line gearing you towards the center. You can ensure more cohesive designs this way by lining up each element with the others.
Step 5: License and Download
To download, hit the big red Download button and select your format—JPEG, PNG, or PDF. Select high quality and click Download again to save to desktop. Or, upload straight to social, email, or your website.
That’s all it takes! Your finished design should look something like this; you’re now free to upload to any platform you desire.
And, if you can’t get enough, don’t worry. Your designs remain immortal in our cloud storage for you to come back and revisit anytime.
See you soon!
License this cover image via Dean Drobot, Anton Kustsinski, and Linefab Portfolio.
