Artlandia SymmetryWorks vs Tiler

Artlandia SymmetryWorks is an Adobe Illustrator plug-in for building repeat patterns on Windows and macOS. Editing a motif updates its linked pattern immediately. Pattern tools include one-click creation, interactive editing, replicas, multi-replicas, repeat systems, and templates. It works with Illustrator symbols, compound shapes, blends, and raster images, and patterns can be saved as Illustrator swatches. Version 6 adds counterchange symmetry operations and editable color reversal. The LP edition adds LivePresets, which update objects filled with SymmetryWorks patterns. Supported repeat styles include shift, drop, brick, half-drop, rotational, spiral, mosaic, check, and kaleidoscope among others. Version 6.5 supports Illustrator CS6 through CC 2025; the store lists 6.5 for CC 2023 and later, with versions 6 and 5 for older releases. Prices range from $124.50, paid once for the student download to $399, paid once for the LP shipped version.

Tiler creates seamless repeating patterns from artwork you supply. Set a field in millimeters, add SVG artwork, then place motifs by hand or scatter them using controls for count, size, size variation, rotation, mirroring, and spacing. Choose straight, half-drop, half-brick, or mirror repeats. Individual placements can retain their colors or use one ink, with separate opacity controls; backgrounds can be a ground or transparent. Export a true-size SVG tile, a PNG at 72–600 dpi, or a PDF sheet in several page sizes. The SVG stays vector, while the PDF sheet is rasterized at the selected resolution. SVG is the only supported input, so photographs and scans need tracing before import. Tiler runs in a web browser and requires no account. BoxLab says artwork is read, drawn, and written in the browser, not uploaded, and script-capable content is stripped from imported SVGs. It presents the tool for gift wrap, textiles, packaging, stationery, print, prepress, and screen backgrounds.