Creating a custom halftone pattern.

[Nig...@adobeforums.com]

I'm trying to create a halftone pattern using a custom pattern. I have tried the bitmap route, i.e BITMAP/CUSTOM PATTERN but this just tiles the pattern at a fixed size varying the thickness depending on the shade. I need a halftone pattern that scales.

Does anyone know how to do this?

[Nig...@adobeforums.com]

Sorry version is CS3.

[christoph_pf...@adobeforums.com]

James Talmadge has an impressive Script, that does this, albeit in Adobe Illustrator, named »Faux Halftone«.
See the first entry:
<http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3c05cfab/0>

[PECour...@adobeforums.com]

What pattern do you want to use?

[Nig...@adobeforums.com]

Thanks Christoph, how do you install the script though?

I don't need any particular symbol, I would like to know how to do it so I could apply any simple symbol as a halftone. I saw an example on spin.co.uk. On the studio projects page under posters and it's page 4.

[christoph_pf...@adobeforums.com]

Put the .js- or .jsx-file into Adobe Illustrator CS3 – Presets – Scripts, after starting Illustrator anew it should be available under File – Scripts.
JET also provides a tutorial as a pdf, without which You will probably not get anywhere with the Script, so read that please.
I’ve looked at the example You mentioned and I think »Faux Halftone« will help You there.

[Nig...@adobeforums.com]

Yeah I saw the tutorial on how to use it but couldn't work out what to do with the script. What you have said certainly clears that up. Thanks for your help!

I would be keen to know if there are any plugins for illustrator or photoshop (mac) that do a similar thing but in a less time consuming manner. I know there is one on the PC called Halftone 2.0 that allows you to use custom symbols as the basis of your halftone pattern.

[christoph_pf...@adobeforums.com]

Sorry, but I don’t know of any such plugins.

Allow me to point out an additional advantage of doing it in Illustrator though: One can easily change the form and size of the dots by editing the Symbol.
Unfortunately the grid itself cannot be edited that conveniently …