I was so excited when I downloaded the 30-day trial version this morning because I couldn't wait to try the pattern tool. It is such a great tool until you realize you have no way of saving the pattern you just created. I hope there is a fix for this problem soon or i won't bother upgrading from my CS3.

I think you've missed what is needed. Any pattern - no matter what grid system used, needs a simple method to enable the user to save/export the tile (automaticaaly trimmed to its min dimension).

Ok here is the only way I have figured out a way to make it work. It's not very quick but it works for even the hex repeats. let me know if it works for you and PLEASE tell me if you come up with a quicker & easier way because that would rock.

1. make a pattern (or open one).

2. instead of clicking "show the tile edge" click "show swatch bounds" in the pattern options

3. Save your pattern

4. Go to a blank artboard (size doesnt matter at this point)

5. instead of making a shape filled with the pattern just drag the pattern directly to the board (You should see your pattern and the swatch bounds path as well)

6. select the swatch bounds & fill it with any color (no stroke)

7. right click on the swatch bounds and go to Arrange > Bring to Front

8. Select only the filled in swatch bounds & go to Object > Path > Offset Path. Then make the offset 1px (which will auto change to 0.0139in). You will see a new path appear on the outside of the original one.

9. delete the orginal path (the smaller one on the inside)

10. Now select your entire pattern plus the swatch bounds path & go to Object > Clipping Mask > Make

11. Now go to Object > Artboard> Fit to Selected Art. Here is how mine has turned out.

12. Save it

13. Open it in Photoshop or some simple photo editing software (its a pain, trust me i know, but its the only way I have found to avoid having lines running through your pattern)

14. In photoshop select your pattern 1px inside like i have done below & crop it.

15. Save your pattern and now you are done and it should be truely seamless. (you can test it in photoshop if you are using that).

I'm glad I at least figured out a way that works every time, even if it is way more work than it needs to be.

If you open the artboard tool and then double click the pattern swatch to open the pattern tool, you can then size the art board to the size of the box for the pattern. Then, save for web. Found this out just by accident.