To create vector-based patterns in Affinity Designer and thus texture entire surfaces, TutKit.com provides you with patterns in the form of AFSTYLES and AFPALETTE files, for example with beautifully shaped ornaments.

The basic principle behind this: The files contain vector-based image structures that you can lay out over and over again on larger areas within a few clicks, creating a pattern. The patterns are often designed to create seamless transitions between the individual pattern elements.

Below we explain how to import the color palettes (AFPALETTE files) and styles (AFSTYLES files) into Affinity Designer and use them to apply patterns to your surfaces.

AFPALETTE: Importing palettes into Affinity Designer and creating vector-based patterns

The AFPALETTE file format is an Affinity color palette. To install these in Affinity Designer and use them to create patterns, proceed as follows:

1. Open the Swatches panel.
2. Open the corresponding dialog menu, where you will find the Import palette function.
3. Select one of the two import options (which you can use to organize your palette library): (a) As a program palette: If you import the palettes here, they will always be available to you in Affinity Designer after the import, regardless of the document. (b)As a document palette: The imported palettes are only available for this document, not for others.
4. Select the desired AFPALETTE files on your computer and click Open.
5. In your workspace, select the area to be filled with the pattern.
6. Click on a palette to fill the selected area with the pattern.

AFSTYLES: Importing styles into Affinity Designer and creating patterns

The AFSTYLES file format is an Affinity style. Here's how to install them in Affinity Designer and use them to create vector-based patterns:

1. Open the Styles panel.
2. Open the corresponding dialog menu, where you will find the Import style category function.
3. Select the desired AFSTYLES files on your computer and click on Open.
4. Now select the imported style category from the selection menu.
5. In your workspace, select the area to be filled with the pattern.
6. Click on a style to fill the selected area with the pattern.

Customize vector-based patterns

Then use the fill tool to scale and rotate the pattern if necessary. You can adjust the color via the Effects panel using the Overlay color function. You will also find many other effects under Effects that you can use to customize your patterns.