Patternodes is a tool for creating graphical vector patterns, animations or illustrations. This is done using a node-based interface where you define a sequence of connected nodes that describe the design, each representing graphical elements, changes or repetitions. You might call this a sort of parametric design or visual scripting for 2d applications.
The node sequence is completely non-destructive, so you can change any step in the sequence at any time without having to redo the rest. The parameters that control each node can also be connected to other nodes, establishing complex relationships, or animated to create animations.
Patternodes is designed from the start to stimulate playful use and experimentation. Therefore the result is always shown in the preview view, repeated for patterns and updating in real time.
Earlier versions of Patternodes 2, compatible with macOS 10.10 can be found here.
Inspiration
There is a collection of projects that could work as inspiration for what you could use Patternodes for here on Behance:
"... once you get the hang of it, Patternodes is much easier to create ever more complex patterns, even animated ones, than any other pattern-creating app or plug-in I've ever reviewed."
"All in all, once you climb the initial learning curve, creating patterns with Patternodes will surely become much easier than with any other illustration application"
Now there's a new update to Patternodes, this update is a hotfix of the 2.4.9 update that had some problems with the new group pivot point calculations and was therefore rolled back.
Fixes a bug fram 2.4.8 that prevented adding new nodes by dragging and dropping a new connection.
Fixed inner diameter parameter in Element Shape node arc pie wedge shapes.
Fixed issues with loading older version files with pie wedge shapes.
Some performance improvements.
2021-09-06
Patternodes 2.4.9 update
Another small update of Patternodes 2 has been released with a couple of fixes and improvements.
Patternodes 2.4.9 changes
Fixes a bug in 2.4.8 that prevented adding new nodes by dragging and dropping a new connection.
Fixes an issue where offsetting selected elements in a group with the Change Transform node might cause the entire group to also move unexpectedly.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
UPDATE: We've discovered a problem with this update, so we're rolling it back for now and hopefully a new update will be released shortly fixing these issues.
2021-08-09
Patternodes 2.4.8 update
Today as a result another small update of Patternodes 2 has been released with a couple of fixes and improvements.
Patternodes 2.4.8 changes
Preview view scroll position is now saved in pnds documents.
Some fixes related to saving/loading files with broken connections.
Fix the Element Shape node Arc pie wedge toggle being inverted.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
2021-07-28
Patternodes 2.4.7 update
As development of the next major update Patternodes 3 continues, Patternodes 2 has also gotten some attention this week. And today as a result another small update of Patternodes 2 has been released with a number of bug fixes.
Patternodes 2.4.7 changes
Fixes Change Pivot alignment presets not aligning the pivot point correctly.
Fixes a crash related to selection rendering while drag editing some offset parameters.
Fixes bug in the Group Arrange node that prevented arranging just selected elements in some cases.
Fixes an issue with incorrect value function graph axis scales in the Apply Function node.
Fixes a node UI bug where the apply to mode would appear to change when disabling a node.
Fixes an issue where exported SVGs with imported svg elements could get problems with double id for some svg tags.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
2021-04-19
Patternodes 2.4.6 update
A small update of Patternodes 2 has been released. This updates mainly improves the Element Import node, with better support for importing EPS and SVG files generated by Affinity software and improved handling of various problems.
Patternodes 2.4.6 changes
Improved support for imported SVG and EPS of custom point shapes exported from Affinity software.
Added support for even-odd fill mode in imported of custom point shapes.
Better handling of problems when importing vector graphics from EPS/PDF/SVG files.
Changes to make Color, Value and Element list nodes more consistent in appearance and function.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
2021-03-23
Patternodes 2.4.5 update
A new update of Patternodes 2 has been released. This time with the usual batch of fixes, but also some small additions and improvements to the Group Apply Function node, Value nodes and a refresh of the Sample files library included in the application. If you haven't checked them out in a while it might be worth a look!
Patternodes 2.4.5 changes
Improved Group Apply Function graph to be more responsive during animations and better show period offsets.
Improved Group Apply Function node, making it easier to apply exact multi-period functions.
Added an input socket to the basic Value node.
Repeater nodes now correctly show the Dynamic input settings when connected directly to Element list nodes.
Fixed an issue with Group Randomize nodes sometimes not loading correctly when opening older files.
Updated Sparkle version checking library.
Updated Sample files library available from Help menu.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
2021-02-23
Patternodes 2.4.4 update
A new maintenance update of Patternodes 2 has been released. This fixes a couple of different issues, and will hopefully resolve some long standing issues that prevented the software from running on macOS 10.11. There aren't that many users who are still on macOS 10.11, but it's been a shame that they haven't been able to update since 2.3.0 and hopefully this will mean they get access to the latest imprevements and fixes as well.
Patternodes 2.4.4 changes
Fixed some stability issues drag-moving complex font character elements.
Restored support for legacy macOS 10.11 (a bit experimental).
Fixed incorrectly offset node preview of elements with offset pivot points.
Fixed Repeat Random node not hiding/showing some parameter fields correctly when using artboard size and no minimum spacing.
Apply Graphics node now has a random seed field when applyin to removal chance.
Download the new version and try it out today, or update in the app.
Purchase process
The online purchase process is handled quickly and securely by Paddle.com.
After you complete your purchase you will immediately be given access to your license codes and information on how to unlock the full version of your software. You will also be sent two e-mails from Paddle to the address you've specified. One receipt for your records and one titled "Your <Product> Paddle.com Order" containing your license code and unlocking information.
