Step-and-repeat printing is a method used for reproducing images over large areas, typically grid patterns. This technique is frequently employed in wallpaper, fabric printing, and other regions that need repeating patterns to remain visually appealing.
The first step of creating a step and repeat is designing the motif, which will be repeated repeatedly. This can be accomplished with any image editing software such as Photoshop or Illustrator; save as a separate image file once complete.
Step two of creating a repeating pattern involves determining its size. To do this, measure and divide its width and height values by your desired repeat size (e.g., 10 inches wide by 8 inches tall design; 2-inch repeat size selected); width and height values would then be divided by 2, leading to a 5-inch by 4-inch repeat size pattern.
Step-and-repeat printing allows multiple copies of an image on one sheet of paper using its unique step-and-repeat process. This involves printing one image in its upper left corner before moving it to the right to place another copy in any available space. This process continues until copies of that image have covered all open areas on a sheet.
Step-and-repeat printing offers two primary benefits. One is its efficiency: only requiring one printing of each image at once to save both time and resources in printing multiple copies. Two is its accuracy: each copy printed is guaranteed identical.