What is a texture exactly, and what’s the difference between a texture and a pattern? And what are digital papers? Hold on tight, I’m gonna give you all the details.
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How people use digital textures
The definition of what a texture is can differ to some people. A texture can be put on a picture in Photoshop to give the photo a texture. It can make the picture look like it’s been curled into a ball and straightened again, or as though it was printed in a paper hundred years ago.
But not everyone uses textures for photo editing or mixed media arts. A digital texture is essentially a photo or image that you can use as a background for your designs. They add interest and visual flair to otherwise bland projects.
Textures can also be used in their own right, as a pretty background on almost any digital product as a visual asset. It can be used as a screensaver, as a background on your phone, or to make your Instagram posts and stories look pretty. Textures are perfect for the covers of digital planners (Check out this post if you want to know how to make a digital planner to sell on Etsy), or to spice up your website. You can also use textures to create digital stickers and text graphics!
The three first textures in this screenshot are from my store on Creative Fabrica
(there's a link on the bottom of this post to another blog post with lots of information about this marketplace)
The reason why it’s called a texture is because digital papers often imitate textures of things from the real world, like marble, wood, gold or different types of paper.
So call them backgrounds, textures or digital papers. They can usually also be used as wallpapers for your desktop, as long as they are big enough. It’s an asset that can be used just like décor paper from your local hobby shop, only digitally. And frankly, once you learn how to use them, it’s a lot easier than doing it by hand in real life.
What is the difference between a texture and a pattern?
A pattern is the repetition of a graphic motif, while a texture doesn't have this type of repetition, often because textures are either photographs of a natural surface, or intended to look like one. A texture could also be a digital abstract painting, for example. The process of making a pattern is also a bit more complicated, as you need to place elements in a specific way, especially if you're making a seamless pattern.
What is a seamless pattern?
A seamless pattern is a design that can be repeated infinitely without any visible seams or interruptions. It creates a continuous and consistent appearance when tiled horizontally or vertically. Seamless patterns are commonly used in for example textile design or gift wrapping paper, to create smooth and continuous visuals. Designers ensure that the pattern edges match seamlessly when repeated, providing a cohesive look.
How are digital textures made?
Textures can be made in various ways. A texture can simply be a photograph of a surface from the real world, for example a close up of abstract paint on paper, a brick wall or a marble kitchen counter. Textures can also be made from scratch in Photoshop using techniques that look like glitter or rust, or paint splatter on paper. The sky is the limit!
Accessing High-Quality Textures
In conclusion, digital textures are an invaluable resource for artists, designers, and anyone else creating graphics for online use (like Instagram posts and Pinterest pins) looking to add depth, realism, or uniqueness to their digital creations. Whether you're working on graphic design, web design, or any other digital project, textures can elevate your work to new heights. By exploring the vast array of textures available online, you'll discover a world of possibilities that can inspire and enhance your creative process.
If you're eager to dive into the world of digital textures and want to get started without breaking the bank, be sure to check out my blog post on how to obtain free high-quality digital papers for your creations. I also offer a library of 100 colorful textures for commercial use, called The Digital Paper Library (with lifetime usage rights!). It's a great product to get if you are a color lover and want your products to stand out (80% of the library is not available elsewhere), and you want to purchase something one time, and never worry about limits on commercial use rights.