Geometric shapes are made out of precise points, curves, and lines that come together to create common figures like squares, circles, triangles, and rectangles. Each geometric shape has a specific number of points and lines that are joined up that give it its unique shape. There are a variety of different geometric shapes, including ones that are two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and even four-dimensional. Polygons are flat, two-dimensional shapes with straight lines that are fully connected and have no curves. A parallelogram, rhombus, trapezoid, octagon, and decagon are all examples of more complex polygons, where the shape consists of straight, connecting lines.
Geometric shapes are very often used in designs either as standalone shapes or combined into geometric patterns. A geometric pattern is a collection of shapes that are typically repeated or altered, most commonly seen in wallpaper or tile design. From ancient civilization cave drawings to the Memphis Design style of the 1980s to modern art, geometric patterns have truly stood the test of time and continue to be building blocks of many designs today.
If you’re looking to create a geometric pattern design, but not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up the best geometric shapes and patterns and how to combine them in a design.
How To Combine Geometric Patterns
There are countless ways to combine geometric patterns with other design elements. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite ways you can create a geometric pattern masterpiece:
- Use Overlapping Shapes: A simple technique of overlapping two shapes can create just the right complexity and contrast to your image. Try overlapping different shapes and see what pattern works best for your design.
- Create a Geometric Background: You can create a bold geometric background by using different shapes, sizes, and colors or go for something more subtle by using one shape and/or color. For example, you can simply use different shaped triangles of different sizes and colors to create a beautifully balanced geometric background. Or go bold and futuristic with our neon shapes.
via PicsArt- Combine Cutouts of Different Images: Create a collage using several different images of the same theme. You can stick to one cutout shape or experiment with multiple shapes to see what works best. For example, using diamond and triangle shapes for cutouts might blend well together.
- Create a Portrait or Character Mosaic: We’ve all seen stunning portraits from a distance, only to get closer and find that it’s an incredible mosaic made of different shapes and colors. Start by picking your subject and experiment with different patterns and shapes until your portrait or character comes together perfectly.
- Keep It Basic: There is always beauty in simplicity. Sometimes it’s better to keep it simple with basic shapes and color combinations. A simple swirl pattern is an underrated way to add a bold, 3-D design element.
via PicsArt- Pattern Inception: Use a pattern within a pattern or a pattern within a pattern within a pattern. You get the picture! This makes for an eye-catching and hypnotizing design.
- Mirror Effect: Once you come up with a geometric pattern, simply mirror to create a perfectly symmetrical and elegant design. You can even go as far as to mirror all four sides for a really cool pattern.
- Isometric illusion: Isometric patterns look three-dimensional and can create an intense illusion. You can emphasize specific items or words by strategically placing them on your isometric pattern design.
- Use Shadows and Highlights: Playing with lighting and shadows can really enhance the geometric shapes in your design. Try adding a gradient color to make your shapes look completely multi-dimensional.
- Photo-Pattern Combination: Jazz up an ordinary photograph by adding some geometric shapes to the mix. You can play around with the opacity of the overlay shapes to allow just enough of your picture to come through while creating an intricate visual.
via PicsArt- Symmetry Is Not Key: While we are ordinarily drawn to symmetrical lines and figures of equal length, sometimes you need the element of shock to catch the eye of your audience. Try overlaying mismatched shapes and lines for a completely abstract effect.
- Combine Different Patterns To Create a New Image: Similar to creating a mosaic character, you can use a variety of shapes and colors to create a brand new image from scratch. The larger your geometric shapes, the more abstract your design will look.
- Play Around With Lines: Whether it’s horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, strategic geometric line art can yield beautiful results. Start out with a picture and create white diagonal lines down the image in both directions, making sure they intersect at the same points down your image. You can experiment with the thickness of the lines and see what looks best. In the end, you’re left with amazing diamond cutouts on top of your image.
- Create an Effect With Geometric Shapes: The most common effect emulated by shapes is the shattered glass effect. For this, you can use triangles of different sizes and shapes and arrange them in a way that replicates shattered glass.
- A Play on Shapes and Subjects: Try using patterns that directly relate to the theme or subject of your design. For example, you can use a star pattern to emphasize a night sky theme or patterned snowflakes to emphasize seasonality.
via PicsArt- Use Patterns in Letters and Numbers: This is a fun way to make an otherwise ordinary piece of text stand out. Replace one side of letters or numbers with small geometric line art. Add a different splash of color for an extra cool effect.
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- Venn Diagram: We’ve all seen a Venn diagram in school where different shapes are used to separate and categorize information. Why not use this technique in your design? You can make it as simple as diagonal lines separating information on a website or as complicated as a hexagon honeycomb.
- Combine Geometric Patterns With Vibrant Colors: Combine vibrant pops of color overlaid with sharp black geometric patterns. You can use a variety of colors for a really intense design or stick to one or two complementary colors. Either way, this technique is dazzling.
15 Top Geometric Pattern Design Examples
What we’ve covered is only the tip of the geometric iceberg! You’ll discover that there are hundreds of ways to implement geometric patterns in your designs. It can be an overwhelming process to narrow down a design, but it might be helpful to select a geometric pattern first. Let’s zero in on the actual geometric shapes and patterns you can use in your next design.
1. Borders
Adding a border to your design is likely the most simple yet effective geometric pattern you can implement. Borders can segment elements in your design while adding structure. Be daring and add a double border of differing colors.
via PicsArt2. Stripes
Another simple and highly popular geometric pattern, stripes can be more versatile than you think. Use them horizontally, vertically, diagonally. Intersect them or use them haphazardly for a more abstract look. The possibilities are endless!
3. Chevron
A chevron pattern is an inverted V pattern that repeats, resulting in a continuous zig-zag. This popular design is often seen in clothing and interior decorating.
4. Houndstooth
This classic pattern consists of a repeating four-point shape that resembles a dog’s tooth – hence the name. Houndstooth is most commonly seen in black and white, although other colors can be used.
5. Spirals
Spirals can be quite hypnotizing and bold in a design. Traditional spirals consist of swirly lines, but you can go abstract with spiral dots. Start with bigger dots on the outside of the spiral and gradually decrease the dot size until you get to the center.
via PicsArt6. Waves
A wave pattern instantly invokes calming and serene emotions. Mimicking ocean waves or sand dunes, this pattern can be expressed in virtually any color and line width, depending on your design.
7. Dots
Polka dots are forever an iconic geometric pattern. This playful pattern can be used anywhere including clothing and accessories, interior designs, stationeries, and digital art. You can adjust the dot size and color to your liking. For a bold, eye-catching design, try pairing two vibrant colors, such as a yellow background with red dots.
8. Plaid
Plaid was a highly trending pattern in the 1970s that eventually made a comeback in recent years. Although It has a rich history as a heritage pattern seen on Scottish kilts, it’s still highly used in modern fashion like in Burberry’s famous plaid pattern. Plaid usually consists of criss-cross lines of different widths in two or more colors.
9. Gingham
Gingham pattern, often used in clothing and tablecloths, consists of a two-color checkered pattern. A red and white gingham design instantly gives you a nostalgic picnic vibe.
10. Honeycomb
A honeycomb design consists of repeating hexagonal shapes either stuck together or with spacing in between. Mimicking a literal honeycomb, this geometric pattern is highly trending for interior and website design projects. Keep it simple with a black and white honeycomb pattern, or go bold with a yellow gradient for an authentic honeycomb feel.
11. Triangles
Patterns of triangles are dynamic and strong in a design. Triangles remain diverse and versatile due to their varying types. Whether an isosceles, obtuse, or equilateral triangle, triangles are a classic, must-use geometric shape for virtually any medium or project. Combine several different types of triangles for a beautifully abstract geometric pattern.
12. Nature Pattern
Whether a raindrop, cloud, bubbles, sun, or moon, pick any element in nature and turn it into a cool geometric pattern with a consistent repetition throughout your design. This type of geometric pattern can add just the right touch of reality to your theme.
via PicsArt13. Floral
Although an element of nature, floral patterns deserve a category of their own. With so many different types of flowers, the geometric pattern options are endless. Choose a classic rose pattern for an elegant and romantic vibe.
14. Fruits
Want to create a mouth-watering visual? Imagine an endless row of pineapples that you can almost taste. Try cherries, strawberries, or sliced watermelon patterns for a delicious tropical vibe. Go for lemons and oranges for a refreshing, bright feel.
15. Monogram
A monogram pattern is a direct and powerful design. There’s no mystery behind what you are trying to imply when the initials are laid out. Louis Vuitton’s unmistakable monogram is globally recognized and widely used on their luxury products. You can play around with typography and make your monogram pattern extremely unique.
Include a Cool Pattern in Your Design Using PicsArt
We’ve covered a ton about geometric shapes and patterns. You’ve learned that geometric patterns can be as simple as circles and lines or as complex as mosaics and optical illusions. Now that you have the geometric basics down, let’s put it to use in a real-life design.
- Open the PicsArt app and tap on the plus sign at the bottom of your screen.
- Select the foundation of your geometric pattern project. You can select from Backgrounds or upload a photo you’d like to use.
- Scroll through the tools at the bottom of your screen and select the Shape Mask tool.
- Scroll through the impressive selection of geometric patterns and select one. You can adjust the pattern size and location by using two fingers to pinch and expand on your screen.
- You can also adjust the opacity, and other settings down below. Once you’ve adjusted the settings to your liking, tap Apply on the upper right-hand corner of your screen.
- Want a really cool pattern tip? Upload a photo, select Shape Mask, select a pattern and adjust accordingly.
- Then, select the Bg pattern box underneath your image. Select your desired pattern from the Gallery and wow! How much more impressive did your design just get?
- Instead of a pattern, you can choose a color by selecting the Bg color icon. This will shade in the background of your pattern with a solid color.
- Pro tip: you can layer on as many shape masks as you’d like! Simply tap Apply on the top right to save all your changes, and go back and repeat the instructions above.
- Done with your geometric pattern masterpiece? Click the Download button or Next to share!
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