How To Find, Add, and Use Patterns in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch & Switch 2)

If you’ve ever visited someone else’s island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons and wondered how everything looks so polished and put together, custom patterns are usually the secret behind it. From soft aesthetic paths to tiny decorative details and even outfits, patterns completely change how your island feels!

I’ve put together this simple guide to walk you through everything step by step. I also created a one-page visual guide that you can refer to while playing, especially if you prefer something quick and easy to follow.

Step 1: Finding Patterns Online

Finding patterns is kind of like being on a really fun treasure hunt. There are so many talented creators sharing their designs, and once you start browsing, it’s very easy to fall into a rabbit hole of saving your favourites.

Method	What It Means
MA Codes	Creator IDs that show all designs from one creator
MO Codes	Individual pattern codes for specific designs
QR Codes	Scannable codes used with the Nintendo Switch Online app

You’ll usually come across three types of pattern sharing methods: creator codes, design codes, and QR codes. Each works slightly differently, but they all lead to the same result, bringing beautiful designs into your island.

Step 2: Adding Patterns To Your Game

Once you’ve found a pattern you like, adding it into your game is quite straightforward.

If you’re using pattern codes, head over to the Able Sisters shop and interact with the Custom Designs Portal kiosk at the back. From there, you can enter either a Creator ID (MA) to browse all designs from one creator, or a Design ID (MO) to get a specific pattern. Once you find what you like, just save it to your Custom Designs app.

If you’re using QR codes, you’ll need the Nintendo Switch Online app. Open the Animal Crossing: New Horizons section, scan the QR code, then download it into your game through the Custom Designs app.

Step 3: Using Patterns In Your Island

This is where everything comes to life. Once your patterns are saved, you can start experimenting and placing them around your island.

Use Case	What You Can Do
Wear It	Turn patterns into outfits and accessories
Place It Outdoors	Create paths, picnic spots, and decorative areas
Indoor Decor	Use patterns for walls, floors, or accents

You can wear them as outfits, place them on the ground to create paths or decorative areas, or even use them indoors as part of your home design. It’s a simple feature, but it adds so much personality and creativity to any space.

Step 4: Switch & Switch 2 Compatibility

It does not matter if you’re playing on either the Nintendo Switch or the newer Switch 2, everything works the same. Custom patterns, creator IDs, and downloads are fully compatible across both versions, so you don’t need to worry about missing out on any designs.

Step 5: A Few Cozy Tips Before You Go

Before you start downloading everything you see, here are a few small tips that will help:

Always save new patterns into an empty slot so you don’t accidentally overwrite something you love.
Clear out designs you’re no longer using to free up space.
If you find a creator you like, use their Creator ID to explore more of their designs.

Who are some of your favorite creators, and/or what do you use the patterns mostly for? Do share in the comments below!