Tool manual

How to use the Pattern Stamp tool

The Pattern Stamp tool paints with a repeating pattern instead of a colour. Each stroke reveals the pattern where the brush goes.

Where to find it

It is in the toolbar, in one slot with Clone Stamp. Right-click the slot, or press and hold it, to choose between them. Press Shift+S until it is selected (S on its own picks Clone Stamp).

How to use it

1. Choose the tool. Press Shift+S until it is selected, or right-click the stamp slot in the toolbar and pick Pattern Stamp.
2. Pick a pattern. Click Pattern in the options bar and choose one. To use part of your own picture, select it and choose Edit → Define Pattern… first.
3. Set the brush. Choose Size, Hardness and Opacity.
4. Paint. Drag over the area. Work on a new empty layer if you may want to change it later.

Options bar settings

• Size, Hardness, Opacity: The brush diameter, how soft its edge is, and how strongly the pattern covers.
• Pattern: The pattern to paint with: the built-in ones, your own from Define Pattern, or patterns loaded from a Photoshop .pat file.
• Aligned: On: the pattern stays lined up with the canvas, so separate strokes join seamlessly. Off: each stroke starts the pattern again from where you begin.

Tips and common mistakes

• A low Opacity lets the photo show through, for a texture rather than a solid pattern.
• For a whole area at once, use the Paint Bucket with Pattern instead.

Related

• How to use the Clone Stamp tool
• How to use the Paint Bucket tool
• How to use the Brush tool

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Checked 13 November 2026 in the current editor.

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