To copy a pattern swatch in Illustrator, you typically copy an object that has the pattern applied. This allows you to duplicate the visual application of the pattern.
Steps to Copy a Patterned Object
Follow these simple steps to copy a shape filled with your desired pattern swatch:
- Create a shape: Begin by drawing a rectangle, circle, or any other shape using Illustrator's shape tools.
- Apply the pattern: Select your shape and apply the desired pattern swatch as a fill from the Swatches panel. Scale or transform the pattern within the shape as needed to achieve the desired appearance.
- Select and Copy: With the shape containing the pattern fill selected, go to the Edit menu and choose Copy, or use the keyboard shortcut (
Ctrl+Con Windows,Cmd+Con Mac).
As described in the reference: "Create a rectangle (or another shape) in Illustrator and apply the pattern fill swatch at the scale you need to create a field of pattern. Select the pattern rectangle and choose Edit Copy."
What This Method Copies
This process copies the selected object, including its size, shape, and applied attributes like the pattern fill. You can then paste this copied object (Edit > Paste or Ctrl/Cmd+V) elsewhere in your current document, into another Illustrator document, or even into other applications. When you paste the object into the same or another Illustrator document, the pattern swatch definition used for that object will typically become available in the Swatches panel of the destination document if it wasn't already present.
This method effectively copies the application of the pattern, allowing you to replicate areas filled with your pattern.
