A Kaleider Pattern serves as a work window into which source images can be displayed and effects can be rendered.  When the program is started an empty Pattern is automatically created so that work can begin immediately.  The Patterns Menu provides options for creating and switching between Patterns, and the same options are also conveniently available through the Patt X button on Kaleid Tools (X indicates the currently active Pattern).  Each Pattern can have its own source image and its own rendered effect, and each Pattern maintains its own Undo/Redo history.  The currently active Pattern can be duplicated into a new Pattern with the same source image and rendered effect.  This essentially makes it possible to preserve a rendered effect at its current state, while you proceed on with further manipulations to the copied Pattern, perhaps shifting Tiles, rendering different effects, choosing another source image, etc.

The Combine Patterns screen provides functions for designing composite images called Pattern Combos.  A Pattern Combo always begins with a Background that covers the entire image.  Additional Areas can then be created in several predefined shapes (rectangle, square, circle, oval, diamond and hexagon), or a custom shape can be defined by mouse clicks.  The Background and each Area can be filled with a solid Color or a selected Pattern.  If a selected Pattern currently shows a source image rather than a rendered effect, then the Area will be filled with that image (optionally scaled to fit), thus making it possible to include non-patterned pictures within Pattern Combos.  Also, if Rooms is activated for a selected Pattern, then the Area can be filled with the 3D Room scene (again optionally scaled).  Stencil images can be used to create silhouetted patterns or colors according to light and dark areas in the picture.

The Pattern Combos feature might be useful for applications such as designing rugs, quilts, and other fabrics, and for creating picture frames, stationery borders, etc.  The simple sample images below illustrate some of the capabilities of Pattern Combos, and might prompt ideas for your own creations: