How to use a hidden pattern to accent a bento grid collection with attractive mockups!

Want to add eye-catching mockups to your Bento Grid collection without showing a public pattern or cluttering your main feed? Here's a clever trick: use a private (hidden) pattern as a mockup image vault—and then pull those images into any collection you want.

This approach lets you showcase beautiful lifestyle images or alternate colorways without publishing a visible pattern page.

Why This Trick Works

Patterned.com allows you to:

Upload additional images to any pattern (mockups, alt views, etc.)
Control visibility of each pattern via “Everywhere” or “Only in My Vault and Collections”
Curate collections with a mix of live and hidden content

By combining those features, you can build a private image library that powers your collections behind the scenes.

Step-by-Step: Create a Hidden Mockup Repository

Create a New Pattern

Go to Upload and create a basic pattern (it can be a placeholder or a real design)
Add a simple title like “Mockup Vault” or “Accent Images”

Set Visibility to Private

On the Edit screen, scroll to Pattern Visibility
Select “Only in My Vault and Collections”
This keeps the pattern off your public profile and out of the feed

Add Your Mockup Images

Scroll to Additional Images
Upload your lifestyle photos, alternate colorways, or styled mockups
(Optional) Add captions for clarity, like “Kitchen setting” or “Cool Tones”

Use Those Images in a Collection

Go to your Collection editor
Choose the Bento Grid layout
When adding images to blocks, select from the Additional Images in your hidden pattern
(They’ll be available even though the pattern isn’t public!)

Why This Is Useful

Keep your main pattern feed clean and focused
Avoid confusing users by attaching mockups to unrelated designs
Maintain a flexible image library you can update or swap out any time
Create more polished and visually engaging collections with full creative control

Quick Tips

Name your hidden pattern something like “Mockup Vault” to keep things organized
Use color-coded captions or label overlays on images for better presentation
Make separate hidden patterns for different themes (e.g. “Boho Mockups” / “Minimalist Scenes”)