SVGeneration (This Tool)
SVGeneration provides 600+ curated SVG background patterns with an interactive editor. Key advantages: zero dependencies, pure CSS output, base64 data URIs for portability, a customization interface for colours and scale, and a permissive modified MIT license requiring no attribution. Best for: web designers, CSS developers, and anyone who wants production-ready patterns without code.
Hero Patterns (heropatterns.com)
Hero Patterns offers approximately 80 patterns with a simple colour picker. Patterns are delivered as inline CSS (not base64), which has slightly better performance for complex patterns. The pattern set focuses on subtle geometric repeats. License is MIT. Best for: quick, production-ready subtle background textures with clean, minimal aesthetic.
Pattern Monster (pattern.monster)
Pattern Monster offers 100+ SVG patterns with an interactive colour editor and CSS/SVG code output. Unique feature: animated pattern variants. Patterns can be downloaded as SVG files or used via embed code. The aesthetic leans bold and graphic. Best for: landing page designers looking for statement patterns.
Doodad (doodad.dev)
Doodad focuses on CSS-only patterns (using gradients, not SVG), which gives it a unique aesthetic and works in very old browsers. Patterns include lines, plaid, and crosshatch styles. The CSS-only approach means no SVG file size, but patterns are less flexible and harder to customise. Best for: pure CSS enthusiasts and legacy browser support.
MagicPattern & Coolbackgrounds
These tools focus on generating unique, non-repeating gradient mesh backgrounds and abstract art rather than tileable patterns. They export as PNG or SVG files suitable for hero backgrounds. Not appropriate for repeating tile patterns. Best for: unique one-off hero section backgrounds where uniqueness matters more than filesize.
Inkscape & Figma (DIY)
Design tools like Inkscape (free, open source) and Figma support full SVG pattern creation. Inkscape has a "Tile Clones" extension for previewing seamless tiling. Figma plugins like "SVG Export" and "Background Generator" streamline the workflow. Best for: designers who need total creative control and custom motifs not available in any library.
Build vs Buy Decision
The decision framework: (1) Need a standard geometric pattern quickly → use SVGeneration or Hero Patterns. (2) Need a custom branded pattern → start with a tool for the geometry, then customise in code. (3) Need photographic texture → use a texture library (Textures.js, Subtle Patterns). (4) Need animated or interactive patterns → build custom with CSS/SMIL. (5) Need maximum creative differentiation → design from scratch in Inkscape or Figma.