Patternodes is a tool for creating graphical vector patterns, animations or illustrations. This is done using a node-based interface where you define a sequence of connected nodes that describe the design, each representing graphical elements, changes or repetitions. You might call this a sort of parametric design or visual scripting for 2d applications.
The node sequence is completely non-destructive, so you can change any step in the sequence at any time without having to redo the rest. The parameters that control each node can also be connected to other nodes, establishing complex relationships, or animated to create animations.
Patternodes is designed from the start to stimulate playful use and experimentation. Therefore the result is always shown in the preview view, repeated for patterns and updating in real time.
Earlier versions of Patternodes 2, compatible with macOS 10.10 can be found here.
Inspiration
There is a collection of projects that could work as inspiration for what you could use Patternodes for here on Behance:
Inspiration on Behance
Features
- Flexible node-based interface for non-destructive transformations and repetitions.
- Real-time updated tiled preview of the result while adjusting parameters.
- Add animation any parameter to create animated patterns or designs.
- Built in nodes to create shapes, lines, curves or text to build your pattern with.
- Import or paste in bitmap graphics (JPEG, TIFF, PNG) or vector shapes (EPS, PDF or SVG) to use in your designs.
- Automates making seamless pattern tiles.
- Define complex relationships by making connections between nodes.
- Nondestructive randomisation functions to randomly scale, rotate, move or adjust the color of the individual elements of your patterns.
- Export the result as bitmap (JPEG, PNG, TIFF) or vector (SVG, EPS, PDF) graphics, or just copy it and paste it into some other application.
- Export animations as GIF, SVG, QuickTime MOV, MPEG4 or numbered PNG, JPEG or PDF files.
- Extensive manual, sample files, node reference guide and other inline help features to help you get started.
Reviews and sites
Links to reviews or features of Patternodes 2 on other sites.
Visuals ProducerReview
"... once you get the hang of it, Patternodes is much easier to create ever more complex patterns, even animated ones, than any other pattern-creating app or plug-in I've ever reviewed."
KelbyOne InsiderReview
"Hot: Guidance; ease-of-use; allows for complexity without adding much to the learning curve"
Creative ProReview (Patternodes 1)
"I can certainly see the value in PatterNodes for certain patterns because I don't know where I would even start in Illustrator..."
BittboxFeature (Patternodes 1)
"If there were a program to be deemed the paragon of pattern generation, PatterNodes would likely take home the blue ribbon."
ProducthuntRecommendations site
Patternodes product page on producthunt.com
Version historyRecent news and updates for Patternodes 2. Follow us on Twitter @lostminds_sw for more news and updates
Patternodes 2.4.0 update
A new version of the node based pattern and parametric design app Patternodes 2 has been released. This update brings a number of new improvements to the random repeater node, a new removal chance mode in the apply function/graphics nodes and improvemnts to SVG imports and exports. The app is now also a itel/apple silocone universal binary and of course there's a bunch of little bug fixes as well.
Patternodes 2.4.0 changes
- Improved Random repeater node with new radial mode and option to set a minimum distance between repeated elements.
- Gradual removal. Apply Function and Apply Graphics nodes can now be used to apply a gradual removal chance to elements.
- Improved SVG exports with greatly reduced file-size using svg-symbols for images and embedding of imported SVG elements.
- Improved SVG path importing, with support for matrix() group transforms often used by Affinity Designer.
- Apple Silicon native support.
- Fixes a bug where the little pivot point markers would not show correctly in the Change Pivot node previews.
- Fixes a bug with some invalid connections not being removed after replacing nodes.
- Fixes a bug where replacing a change nodes with group nodes could lead to an invalid apply-to mode in the group node.
- Update to Sparkle updating library.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
Purchase processing problems
Due to technical problems at our payment handling provider paddle.com it's currently not possible to purchase licenses for Vectoraster or Patternodes.
Paddle has acknowleged the problems and are saying that they are working on a solution, you can follow the status of this at their status page. Or you can simply come back a little later here and see if the purchase links have started working again. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope this will be resolved swiftly.
Update: The problems have now been resolved and purchasing should work as usual again.
Patternodes 2.3.7 update
A new version of the pattern and motion design app Patternodes 2 has been released. This update brings improvements to the export dialogues, primarily making it easier to export to a different size than the current artboard or preview size, along with a number of other little fixes and improvements.
Patternodes 2.3.7 changes
- New export size settings lets you easily export animations or graphics at a different size than the current artboard.
- Added item in Help menu for the new system for feedback and voting on future development.
- Fixes a bug with some export settings not being properly saved per document.
- Fixes a bug with the Group Select node preview sometimes not showing the mask element when it should.
- Fixes a bug where disconnected nodes didn't properly update their previews.
- The node replace/add context menus now include the node type level for clarity even if there's only one possible type.
- Added a new warning message to completely disconnected nodes explaining they won't do anything.
- New method for logging technical warnings without relying on system log.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
New development feature feedback system
We get a lot of feedback and great ideas from you users. This is always very useful, as it helps us understand how the software is used and how we can make it better.
To make it easier to send feedback we've now set up a new simple system for this to help guide the future development of our applications. Basically it's just a simple list, linked from each product page, with ideas for future features. In this list you can then just click to vote on the features you think would be most useful to you.
If you're interested you can also sign up with your e-mail, and if you do we'll notify you if any of the features you've voted for are implemented.
Check out the lists here:
Vectoraster future development
Patternodes future development
SketchFighter future development
Patternodes 2.3.6 update
A new version of the vector pattern and animation app Patternodes 2 has been released. This update expands and improves the Inside clipping functionality by adding this capability to the Group Apply function and Group Apply graphics nodes. Just like in the Transform nodes previously this lets you transform the content in clipped elements in an easy way.
Patternodes 2.3.6 changes
- Apply Function and Apply Graphics now also have an Inside clipping option.
- Fixes a bug where Inside clipping transform option would sometimes be hidden, even if the input graphics was clipped.
- Fixes a bug where the Apply to mode selector would sometimes be incorrectly disabled in Group: Apply function nodes.
- Stability improvements for changing connected node types using the Replace node menu.
- More helpful feedback messages when entering incorrect license information.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
Patternodes 2.3.5 update
Another update of the vector pattern and animation app Patternodes 2 has been released. This time with some usability improvements to make it easier to work with nodes and connections, some preview bug fixes and preparations for future updates.
Patternodes 2.3.5 changes
- Value field hover controls are now hidden while dragging connections.
- Added new Nodes menu item to toggle node grid snap on/off.
- Added new Display menu item to toggle selected node element outlines on/off.
- Fixes some pixel gap issues with the finder Quick Look previews of repeating pattern .pnds files.
- Fixes incorrect pivot location of elements after offsetting content inside of clipped element groups.
- Added deprecation warnings to the artboard node mirroring settings that will be removed in a future update. Please use the Repeat Mirror node instead.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
Patternodes 2.3.4 update
A new update of the vector pattern and animation app Patternodes 2 has been released. This time with some improvements making it easier to work with clipped elements, some value field improvements and some bug fixes.
Patternodes 2.3.4 changes
- New 'Inside clipping' transform mode for Transform and Randomize nodes makes it easy to transform the content elements with a clipping mask.
- Pressing Esc while editing value fields now reverts their value.
- Improvements to parsing math expressions in value fields.
- Fixed a crash when adding an unconnected Make seamless node.
- Some under the hood improvements to the node reference help window.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
Patternodes 2.3.3 update
A new maintenance update of the pattern creation and animation app Patternodes 2 has been released. This new version doesn't bring any big new features, but several smaller improvements and fixes.
Patternodes 2.3.3 changes
- Improved quality for exported h264 compressed video files.
- Some minor macOS 11 compatibility changes.
- Added a setting controlling if a new document should be opened at startup.
- Fixed some issues with exporting to filenames with spaces in them.
- Fixed Little Snitch internet access policy so it now properly describes the purpose of update and license check connections.
- Fixed incorrect error message when entering incorrect license details.
- Improved technical info and error logs for support and bug reports.
- Updated Sparkle updating framework.
You can find the full change log in the version history. Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
If you're interested in Patternodes and want to get started with some basics there's now a tutorial with an introduction to animation in Patternodes over at Generative Hut. Just click below!
Patternodes 2.3.2 update
A new version of the pattern creation and animation app Patternodes 2 has been released. This new update add support for encoding exported videos in h.264 codec for improved compression, and all export settings are now saved per file. The update also fixes a couple of interface bugs and layout issues in the built in node reference.
You can find the full change log in the version history. Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
Show all articles
Purchase process
The online purchase process is handled quickly and securely by Paddle.com.
After you complete your purchase you will immediately be given access to your license codes and information on how to unlock the full version of your software. You will also be sent two e-mails from Paddle to the address you've specified. One receipt for your records and one titled "Your <Product> Paddle.com Order" containing your license code and unlocking information.
