The processes occurring in early development that direct morphogenesis. They specify the body plan ensuring that cells will proceed to differentiate, grow, and diversify in size and shape at the correct relative positions. Included are axial patterning, segmentation, compartment specification, limb position, organ boundary patterning, blood vessel patterning, etc.

Synonyms: Axial Patterning (Embryology), Specification, Body Pattern, Pattern Specification, Body, Development Polarity, Specification, Embryonic Pattern, Patterning, Axial (Embryology), Pattern Specification, Embryonic, Embryonic Pattern Formation, Pattern Formation, Body, Body Patterning, Patterning, Body, Body Pattern Formation, Embryonic Pattern Specification, Formation, Embryonic Pattern, Polarity of Development, Body Pattern Specification, Pattern Formation, Embryonic, Embryonic Pattern Formations