GIMP Version: 2.8.10
Operating System: Linux
GIMP Experience: Beginner Level

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I am making some polka dot patterns and can't get them seamless without distorting them. I have been using Map > Make seamless. Is there a better way? Thanks

you either need to crop to the exact centre of the dot
http://i.imgur.com/A8xpxA2.jpg
or
half way between the dots http://i.imgur.com/Rm9vRRh.jpg

Thanks Rich, I will give that a try right away.

EDIT: It worked and thank you. I couldn't make it completely square though to make a sphere out of but at least it is seamless.

Sufficient, but not necessary. You have to crop to any rectangle which is the size of the repeating pattern (or a multiple thereof). For a pattern such as polka dots, cutting between dot centers is an easy way to determine the spatial frequency but there are patterns with less obvious dimensions.

A good way to determine the minimum pattern size:

• duplicate the layer
• put the top layer in "difference" mode: everything goes black
• Use the Move tool to shift the top layer to the right and down, this makes the pattern appear then disappear completely again (if it's really periodic).
• Measure the move, either:
  
  • Move with the cursor keys and count the keystrokes
  • Check the layer boundaries against the side rulers
  • In the python console (assuming only one image loaded):
    
    Code: Select all

    print gimp.image_list()[0].layers[0].offsets


Thank you ofnuts, I will try that too.
I tried it but the polka dots aren't lined up so I guess that pattern can't be made seamless. I didn't know what you meant by that code. I didn't know what to do with it.

Hay Moolly, lylejk would be a good guy to ask about this. He's great at making seamless textures. Maybe he can shed more light on this for you.

To be made seamless with a small tile, the dots should be exactly at 45° and they are a bit off. Technically you can also make that seamless but the tile will be 20000x199999 or some other silly value.

wow, I guess I will forget about that then. I will just look for some that are lined up. Thanks.

Thanks Wallace, as long as I can get those edge ones centered.

Symmetry is not rocket science. Mollys pattern has an offset so takes a little more thought.

Always best to start off with a pattern in mind rather than make something than try and adapt it.

It can be done in a minute. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph429_vY7K4&hd=1

but symmetry in nature is much more wonderful

This little chap turned up on my footpath Tuesday afternoon, got a shot before it flew off. Common in the UK a Peacock butterfly but I am Urban and 55 deg north and it is April

Yes you can do it that way or make it transparent.
You can also do it like this... (White dots on Purple)

Thank you Rich, You have a very nice voice for giving tutes. No it wasn't hard.
BTW, beautiful shot of the butterfly, you must carry your camera around with you.

Molly, I find much more original shape your pattern, no round exactly.

I can't understand that. I used the same brush size for them all and I see where some of them aren't quite round.

For quick fills with lots of options there is, G'MIC /Patterns / Polka dots.

I tried that Odin, but couldn't make them seamless.

I mentioned G'MIC Polka dots for "quick fills" not seamless patterns. Even when it's used for quick fills, depending on canvas size you may need to adjust size and density.
By default Polka dots seems to work best if you don't use powers of 2 for canvas size.
For example, use 1000x800px or 500x500px rather than 1024x768px or 512x512px.

Thanks odin