What is a repeat pattern?

In graphic design, a repeat pattern is a software-generated pattern that can be tiled and does not repeat or overlap itself. Repeat patterns can be generated in Illustrator or Photoshop.

Repeat patterns can be geometric designs, fractal simulations or simple seamless graphics. They are often used as background graphics, either for a desktop wallpaper on a personal computer or as a wallpaper on a website. In Illustrator, the function is found at Object > Pattern > Make tiles selections of a graphic to generate a repeat pattern. In Photoshop, fractals can be generated using the Ellipse and Gradient tools to create a repeat pattern.