Introduced in 2001, SymmetryWorks has found acceptance from those creating surface designs for such applications as wallpaper, fabrics, quilting, tiling and Web page creation. SymmetryShop is similarly designed to speed the creation of repeat patterns, a traditionally time-consuming task that can require a large number of precise geometric transformations. One of the advantages of bringing this approach to Photoshop via the SymmetryShop plugin is the ability to work with larger raster images, such as complex, scanned hand-painted compositions or high-resolution photographs.

SymmetryShop supports all seventeen standard symmetry types as well as built-in layouts that produce the most popular repeats with a single click, such as drop, brick and diamond. Patterns can be exported as Photoshop presets that are available to the paint bucket, pattern stamp and other tools. The patterns remain fully editable through multiple Photoshop sessions, by editing the source image in Photoshop and rebuilding the pattern with a mouse click.

SymmetryShop 2 adds support for smart objects and provides new ways to design patterns. For example, users can now create all-over, tossed, composite and other repeats, and nest patterns by using one as a source for another, to generate an essentially unlimited variety of other pattern types. The new version also supports text and other vector shapes, fill layers, as well as layer and vector masks applied to all types of layers. Productivity enhancements include autorun, an automatic canvas extension, an automatic selection of non-transparent pixels and the ability to lock (fully or partially) the seed layer.

Artlandia SymmetryShop 2 for Macintosh and Windows works with Photoshop 7 or later, and can be purchased on the Artlandia site for $295.