You can rotate a pattern overlay in Photoshop by using a Pattern Fill Adjustment Layer and adjusting the angle setting within its options.
To precisely control the orientation of a pattern applied to your image, the most effective method is to use a dedicated Pattern Fill adjustment layer. This non-destructive approach allows you to easily change the pattern, its scale, and importantly, its angle, at any time without affecting your original pixels.
As described in the referenced video segment discussing Pattern Rotation, you begin the process by "[j]ust clicking on to the new layer adjustment. And clicking on to pattern." This action adds a Pattern Fill layer above your current layer.
Steps to Rotate a Pattern Fill Layer
Once you've added the Pattern Fill adjustment layer, a dialog box will appear where you can select your pattern and customize its appearance.
- Add the Pattern Fill Layer: Go to
Layer > New Fill Layer > Pattern...or click the half-black/half-white circle icon at the bottom of the Layers panel and selectPattern.... This corresponds to "clicking on to the new layer adjustment. And clicking on to pattern." - Select Your Pattern: In the Pattern Fill dialog box that opens, click on the pattern thumbnail to choose the pattern you want to apply.
- Adjust the Angle: Look for the Angle option within the dialog box. This is where you control the pattern's rotation. Enter a numerical value in degrees (e.g.,
45for a 45-degree rotation) or drag the circular control to visually set the angle. - Set Scale (Optional): You can also change the Scale percentage to make the pattern larger or smaller.
- Link with Layer (Optional): Keep "Link with Layer" checked if you want the pattern to move along with the layer it's applied to. Uncheck it if you want the pattern to remain fixed relative to the canvas even if the underlying layer moves.
- Confirm: Click OK to apply the pattern with the specified rotation.
Understanding the Pattern Fill Options
The Pattern Fill dialog box offers several controls to customize how your pattern appears. The rotation is controlled specifically by the Angle setting.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Pattern | Thumbnail showing the selected pattern. Click to choose a different pattern from your loaded sets. |
| Scale | Percentage value to scale the pattern. 100% is the pattern's original size. |
| Angle | Allows you to rotate the pattern in degrees. Enter a value or drag the dial. |
| Link with Layer | When checked, the pattern moves and transforms with the layer it fills. When unchecked, it stays fixed. |
| Snap to Origin | Resets the pattern's origin (where it starts tiling) to the top-left corner of the document. |
By using the Angle setting within the Pattern Fill adjustment layer properties, you gain precise control over the orientation of your pattern overlay. You can always double-click the Pattern Fill layer thumbnail in the Layers panel to reopen these options and make further adjustments.
