What it does
Patternodes creates vector patterns and animations through connected nodes on a Mac. Shapes, transformations and repetitions remain editable as a sequence, and linked values can control several properties at once. It imports SVG or bitmap artwork and exports still designs or animated sequences.
Build a repeat as a sequence of decisions
A developer example starts with a rectangle Shape node, repeats it through a Grid node, rotates alternate elements with Transform and connects the result to an Artboard layer. Changing the original rectangle then updates every repeat.
A Value node can link grid spacing and rotation, making one adjustment affect both. Other nodes add randomness or use imported data. Keyframes animate node parameters over time.
Still designs can be exported as SVG, PDF or bitmap images. Animation choices include GIF, animated SVG, video and numbered image files.
Licence and platform
A personal licence can be used on several computers by the same person. It is a one-time purchase with updates within that major version; later major releases require an upgrade purchase. Patternodes needs macOS 10.15 or newer. Examples, the manual and node reference are available through the app’s Help menu.
Strengths
- Earlier steps remain editable after building the repeat
- Connected parameters coordinate multiple changes
- Any node parameter can be keyframed
Watch out for
- There is no Windows edition
- Future major-version upgrades are separate purchases
Best for
- Designers building adjustable repeating motifs
- Generative vector patterns and motion studies
Sources
- Patternodes inputs, animation and output formats (Oct 27, 2026)
- Developer explanation of Patternodes node connections (Oct 27, 2026)
- Patternodes personal licences and version upgrades (Oct 27, 2026)
- Patternodes platform availability and in-app manuals (Oct 27, 2026)