What is Artlandia SymmetryWorks?

Artlandia SymmetryWorks is an Adobe Illustrator plug-in that instantly turns your artwork into a pattern by using the artwork as a motif. When you edit the motif, the plug-in automatically updates the entire pattern.

Do I need to know how to form a pattern?

No, the plug-in makes all the necessary transformations (rotations, reflections, and so on) for you. The seventeen symmetry controls in the SymmetryWorks palette allow you to choose a type of pattern and convert between different types with a click of the mouse.

Once a pattern is created, can I add other objects to it?

Yes, you can "paste inside" the SymmetryWorks pattern—either in front of or behind the selected element. Simply use the Paste Inside commands in the Edit menu (there are also the corresponding keyboard shortcuts).

Is there a way to change the repeat size?

Every SymmetryWorks pattern has a dedicated element, called the control path, that you can use to interactively change the repeat size of your patterns—without going through any intermediary dialog boxes.

Can I create interlocking patterns?

Yes, you can easily create patterns with interlocking units—just as you can stack repeating units together as simple blocks. For an example of interlocking patterns, see tessellations.

From which Illustrator objects can I create a pattern?

From just about any Illustrator object. You can use simple paths, compound paths, clipping masks, brushes, gradients, transparencies, mesh objects, all classes of type objects (point type, area type, and type on a path), and all types of imported raster (bitmap) images recognized by Illustrator (including Photoshop, TIFF, GIF, and JPEG images).

Can I make a pattern from a scanned image (raster image, Photoshop file)?

Yes, starting from Version 3, SymmetryWorks fully supports raster images. Use a part of the image or the entire image. Switch between separate and blended units of repetition with a single click. Or, if your image is relatively simple, convert it to vector art using the Illustrator auto-trace tool or a specialized program such as Adobe Streamline or FreeSoft's Silhouette plug-in.

Can I send my SymmetryWorks patterns to a client who does not have the plug-in?

Yes, your client will be able to see and print your SymmetryWorks patterns even without the SymmetryWorks plug-in.

Can I use SymmetryWorks to create quilt patterns?

Of course. Illustrator has long been used as a quilting software when designers wanted flexibility and precision combined with convenient filters for creating geometric shapes. Now SymmetryWorks adds the ability to automatically create repeats, which makes the Illustrator/SymmetryWorks combination ideal for quilt designers.

I have never thought of using Adobe Illustrator for textile design...

Indeed, it was rather impractical in the past. But now SymmetryWorks provides you with the most sophisticated, easy-to-use, and inexpensive computer-aided textile design system (CAD). There are many built-in features specifically for textile designers. See our solution pages for more information.

I am a textile designer. Will SymmetryWorks create the standard straight (block) repeats and the half-drop repeats for me?

Absolutely. SymmetryWorks has the built-in drop and brick repeats. You can easily make the half-drop, quarter-drop, and other fractional drop repeats. It is equally easy to create irregular (step or sliding) repeats with arbitrary drop values as well as all other repeats used in textile design.

I am new to pattern design. I don't know what all these repeats mean. Will SymmetryWorks teach me what I need to create nice patterns?

The plug-in comes with a detailed user guide, which introduces all the built-in layouts and teaches you to create your own repeat systems. Also, many pattern design terms are defined and illustrated in the Artlandia Glossary of Pattern Design. Feel free to browse.

How do repeats created with SymmetryWorks differ from ones created with high-end textile design CAD systems?

If you use vector elements, your SymmetryWorks repeats will also be vector-based and so you can easily scale them without loss of quality. When needed, you can import repeats produced by SymmetryWorks into raster-based programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, at any resolution.

Will SymmetryWorks create wallpaper designs for PC and background patterns for web pages?

Yes, starting from Version 2, you can easily crop a SymmetryWorks pattern down to exactly one rectangular tile. Then simply export the file from Illustrator in, say, JPEG format. Click here for an example.

Is there any way to make plaid and stripe patterns?

It is easy to create both traditional and original plaid and stripe designs. You can interactively change color and position of stripes, add or delete stripes, and change one type of pattern to another with a single click. To start, make a few straight lines and try the symmetry types Mirror & glide, Pinwheel, and others in the SymmetryWorks palette. Note also a special feature introduced in Version 4 that makes it very easy to create check patterns.

Can I create kaleidoscopic patterns?

Easily. Kaleidoscope is one of the available symmetry types.

Can I convert the SymmetryWorks pattern into the standard Illustrator pattern for further use in Illustrator?

Yes, drop a SymmetryWorks Pattern on the Swatches palette. See the User Guide for detailed instructions.

Does the plug-in work in Illustrator CS3?

Yes, the shipping version of SymmetryWorks is fully compatible with Illustrator CS3.

I have an earlier version of SymmetryWorks. Does it make sense to upgrade? What does the latest version offer for me?

SymmetryWorks is constantly growing. Chances are good that a new feature that you have always wanted is already there. See what's new in Version 2, Version 3, and Version 4.

How is SymmetryWorks different from LivePresets?

SymmetryWorks makes sophisticated patterns and lets you create a pattern swatch. LivePresets lets you edit a pattern swatch and interactively apply the swatch to your artworks. The plug-ins are not substitutes for each other, but really are complementary. Click here for a comparison chart.

Is there a user guide for SymmetryWorks?

You bet! Download a PDF file (6.4 MB) or purchase a printed copy.

Is there a try-out version of SymmetryWorks?

Yes, you can download the free demo version here.

OK, I have only ten minutes to create a certificate (an optical design, a geometric pattern, a camouflage...). Any help?

Take a look at the Artlandia Collection.

I prefer to work with Photoshop. Do you have a product for me?

You may want to check our Photoshop plug-in for pattern design: Artlandia SymmetryShop. Click here for a comparison chart.