# Pattern Layer (/materials-shading/color-and-texture/pattern-layer)
The Pattern layer can be used to generate and achieve different types of patterns to texture your 3D objects.
## How to create a Pattern Layer [#how-to-create-a-pattern-layer]
To add a pattern layer, you’ll need to:
1. Select an object and add a new layer on the Material Panel.
2. Change the layer to **“Pattern”** by clicking on the dropdown on the newly created layer.
3. Open the **Pattern Layer** settings by clicking on the layer thumbnail.
## Pattern Layer Settings [#pattern-layer-settings]
### Mode [#mode]
Some layers, including Pattern Layer, have the ability to be used as masks, which you can do by selecting Mask on the layer mode. Learn more here: [Layer Masking](/materials-shading/basics/layer-masking).
### Settings [#settings]
**Style** → The type of pattern (Circle, Ring, Polygon, Cross, Diamond, Checkerboard, Line, and Wave)
**Parameters for each style** → Each style has its own settings that you can adjust. We encourage you to experiment to find your desired pattern.
Some of these common parameters of the Pattern styles are:
* Projection (UV, Spherical, Triplanar
* Offset (X, Y)
* Colors
* Frequency / Size / Variation / Rotation, etc…
* Vertical (Top, Bottom) /Horizontal (Left, Right)
*Pattern styles in action: Circle, Ring, Polygon, Cross, Diamond, Checkerboard, Line, and Wave.*
## Pattern Combinations [#pattern-combinations]
By stacking multiple Pattern Layers you can achieve a lot of different combinations and create truly unique patterns.