A Parade of Polka Dots

There are two solutions for drawing a repetitive pattern on an image: the tedious method, which involves messing around with selections, and the clever way, by using filters and merge masks. You are naturally the clever type and intend to go for the second option.

First of all, create a new image measuring 100 pixels per side, then:

1. Transform your image background into a layer by double clicking on it.
   
   
2. Select a foreground colour and a background colour.
   
   
The background colour should be the same as the polka dots, while the foreground colour should be that of your image background.


3. Fill Layer 1 with the background color.
   
   
4. Create a new layer (Layer2) and fill it with the foreground colour.
   
   
5. Select Layer > Add Layer Mask to Layer 2.
   
   
6. Select Edit > Fill, applying 50% Gray for Use, Opacity 100% and Mode set to Normal.
   
   


Figure 9: The different layers used.

Now all the elements are in place, all you have to do is apply a small filter to create your polka dots.

1. Make sure that Layer 2's layer mask is still active.
   
   
2. Select Filter > Pixelate > Color Halftone.
   
   
If you are creating a mosaic background for your pages, set the Max. Radius to the size of your image divided by 5 or 10. In this case we have used a value of 20. The value is of little importance if you plan to use this texture for something other than a mosaic without joints. At all events, choose 0 as the Screen Angle for all the channels.


3. Create a new layer above Layer 2.
   
   
4. Select Layer > Merge Visible, while keeping the Alt key pressed.
   
   
This lets you merge a copy of the visible layers to create a composite layer, while keeping the individual layers intact for future modifications.

The texture is finished. You are free to customize it, to use it on text or to decorate the details of your choice.



Figure 10: The finished texture.