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# How to Create Repeating Patterns in Xara Designer Pro X
- URL: https://cotovan.com/post/how-to-create-repeating-patterns-in-xara-designer-pro-x/
- Published: 2020-10-17T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-02-25T18:10:03.000Z
- Author: Cristi Cotovan
- Tags: Xara

Xara Designer Pro X can create seamless repeating patterns by combining bitmap copies with the Fill Tool's repeating tile mode. Here's the workflow for turning any design element into a tiled pattern.

## Step 1: Design the Pattern Base

Create the basic unit of your pattern. For a checkerboard, draw two small black squares positioned diagonally. Use **Ctrl+Alt+D** (smart duplication) to repeat the last move precisely.

## Step 2: Create a Bitmap Copy

Select all pattern elements, right-click → **Create Bitmap Copy**. In the dialog, choose **PNG** format with **True colour + Alpha** — the alpha channel preserves transparent gaps between elements.

![Create Bitmap Copy dialog in Xara](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/xara-pattern-bitmap-copy-dialog.jpg)

Create a bitmap copy of your pattern with True colour + Alpha to preserve transparent gaps

## Step 3: Apply as Bitmap Fill

Draw a target shape (rectangle, circle, etc.). Select the Fill Tool (**G**), change the type to **Bitmap**, and choose your pattern from the bitmap selector.

![Bitmap fill selector in Xara](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/xara-pattern-bitmap-fill-selector.jpg)

Apply your custom bitmap as a fill — the selector lets you choose which pattern to use

## Step 4: Enable Repeating Tile

Switch from "Single tile" to **Repeating tile** in the toolbar. The pattern seamlessly tiles across the entire shape. Adjust the DPI or drag the fill control points to scale the pattern larger or smaller.

![Repeating checkered pattern in Xara](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/xara-pattern-repeating-tile.jpg)

Switch to Repeating tile mode and the pattern seamlessly tiles across the entire object