Identifying geometric patterns in graphic design

The seamless repetition of shapes in geometric patterns can deliver memorable designs. You'll find geometric design patterns on a variety of items, such as cards, textiles, and website backgrounds.

Join us as we explore the world of geometric shape patterns in graphic design.

Geometric Patterns in Graphic Design — Simple Geometric Patterns from Envato.

What is a geometric pattern?

In graphic design, there are two forms: organic and geometric.

Organic forms represent irregular shapes that occur in the natural world. These are usually asymmetrical and freeform.
Geometric forms, on the other hand, are rooted in geometry and are mathematically consistent. Common geometric shapes include circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles.

In graphic design, a pattern is defined as a "repeated decorative design". A geometric pattern is one that uses mathematically consistent shapes repeatedly. Such shapes include circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles.

What Is Geometric Design?

Melody Nieves

19 Jul 2021

Most common shapes in geometric pattern design

There are six basic geometric shapes. From these, all simple and complex geometric patterns in graphic design can be built.

Square

Rectangle

Triangle

Circle

Oval

Pentagon

Principles of geometric pattern design

Geometric design is shaped by a few fundamental principles. These provide a pattern with structure, unity, and dynamism.

The grid. Whether you're creating simple or complex geometric patterns, grids provide a foundational structure. This allows designers to maintain both precision and consistency when building patterns.
Repetition. Repetition is at the heart of designing geometric shape patterns. Designers use the repetition of shape, colour, tone, texture, accents, and direction to create a unified whole.
Layering. Layering is an essential technique in graphic design because it enables designers to create interesting and engaging compositions. By layering shapes, colours, and textures, you can create a sense of depth and complexity in your work.
Rhythm. Rhythm is the sister of repetition. It refers to the way positive and negative space are used when repeating visual elements. As the visual rhythm of a geometric pattern design is predictable, it unites its disparate elements.
Symmetry. Symmetry is fundamental to geometric pattern design. It creates balance and harmony, two qualities on which the success of a pattern relies.

15 most popular geometric patterns in graphic design

Now you know what a geometric pattern is, which shapes go into creating a geometric pattern, and the basic principles of geometric design.

Let's move on and take a look at the most popular geometric patterns in graphic design.

All the designs we feature here can be found on Envato. For one low monthly fee, you get unlimited downloads of graphic design templates, fonts, add-ons, and more.

1. Geometric circle patterns

The circle is often regarded as a symbol of infinity as it has no beginning or end. It's also a symbol of unity.

Circles are one of the basic shapes used to create geometric patterns. When repeated and layered, circles of different sizes and colours create a wide variety of new and interesting patterns.

Geometric circle patterns can bring a playful, modern, or elegant touch to a project. It all depends on the pattern you choose.

2. Triangle geometric patterns

Depending on its orientation, a triangle can have two meanings.

When pointing up, it represents stability and power.
When pointing down, it can indicate instability.

There are six types of triangle shapes: isosceles, equilateral, scalene, obtuse, acute, and right.

With such variety, triangles as a design element offer high versatility. Take a look at the awesome geometric patterns below. Discover how a simple triangle can create interesting geometric patterns.

3. Rhombus patterns

A rhombus is a 2D shape with four straight and equal sides. Both pairs of opposite sides are parallel. This shape inspires sharing and exchange.

The rhombus shape is often identified as a diamond shape.

There's one great thing about using a rhombus repeatedly in geometric shape patterns. The positive space creates a negative space of the same shape.

Check out these interesting geometric patterns. They're good examples of what can be achieved with rhombus geometric shape designs.

4. Zig-zag patterns

Ah, the wonderful zig-zag geometric pattern design. It teaches us to appreciate the unexpected turns life can take. This dynamic geometric shape pattern comes to life by adding repeated zig-zags of different weights and/or colours.

5. Geometric square patterns

The square is another basic shape that takes on a life of its own when repeated and layered with other squares.

A popular example can be found in plaid patterns. Or see the wonderful geometric square patterns below for more ideas.

Vintage retro patterns with geometric shapes

6. Hexagon patterns

This six-sided wonder, the hexagon, brings designs of incredible complexity to life when repeated and thoughtfully layered.

Whether you're looking for a design for social media or wallpaper, hexagon patterns always deliver.

7. Stripe patterns

In stripe patterns, the simple shapes present infinite design possibilities.

Learn how to design your very own 70s striped geometric pattern.

You can vary the negative space between the stripes. Or you can take stripes of varying weights and colours and play with them. Arrange them horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to increase the complexity of the pattern.

Colour theory can help you design more eye-catching stripe patterns. You can see some good examples of these geometric shape designs below.

8. Chevron patterns

What is a chevron pattern, and how is it different from the zig-zag pattern? A chevron is an inverted V-shaped pattern that repeats to form a shape similar to the zig-zag.

The biggest difference between the two is that the individual pieces that make up the chevron are the same length. These create a perfectly straight line on both sides.

9. Honeycomb patterns

A honeycomb pattern is created with repeated hexagonal shapes. The pattern is so named because it resembles... you guessed it, a honeycomb.

Check out the variety in these awesome geometric patterns in black and white.

10. Arabic geometric patterns

Islamic art is known for its stunning geometric patterns. These are built by repeating, combining, and overlapping circles, squares, and multi-sided polygons.

The result is highly intricate, complex, and interesting geometric patterns.

Create your own stunning Arabic geometric patterns with this terrific tutorial:

How to Make a Moroccan Pattern in Illustrator

MissChatz

18 Aug 2022

11. Houndstooth patterns

Houndstooth is a two-colour pattern—usually black and white—made up of a broken check. This repeated pattern consists of an abstract four-sided shape reminiscent of a tooth.

Yes, that's how the pattern got its name.

Looking for cool black and white geometric patterns for an upcoming project? You can't go wrong with the houndstooth.

12. Low poly patterns

Low poly is short for low polygon. It's a form of digital design that uses a low number of polygons to create a distinctive, angular, often minimalistic effect.

13. Herringbone patterns

Zig-zag vs. chevron vs. herringbone patterns! What's the difference, and how do you choose?

Well, first, they are all in the same family. We've already covered the difference between zig-zag and chevron patterns. And, at first glance, herringbone patterns seem very similar to the chevron patterns.

Here's the difference: instead of the ends lining up with one another as they do in chevrons, in herringbone patterns one end overlaps the edge of the other. This results in a somewhat different pattern and effect.

Herringbone pattern tiles are a common example of this pattern.

14. Isometric patterns

An isometric view of a cube differs from the perspective view.

With isometric cubes, all the lines in the drawing are parallel. With a perspective cube, some of the lines appear to be converging towards a point on the horizon.

When isometric cubes are used repeatedly, the resulting pattern often creates optical illusions.

15. Kaleidoscope patterns

Who isn't completely charmed and hypnotised by the incredible patterns created by kaleidoscopes?

These dizzying patterns from our childhood memories resemble abstract geometric shapes. They also have inspired a major creative pattern trend.

Choose your favourite geometric design patterns

Now you know how to identify geometric design patterns. Find the best geometric patterns on Envato and download your favourites today.

Here are more top resources and tutorials to try from Envato Tuts+: