Patterned paths?

I just unlocked terraforming and bought the custom design paths, is this just an easier way to place paths? (If you consider it easier). I thought it would at least show up on the map, and would have liked it to do so.

Also WHILE I'm asking there's no storage for patterns like in new leaf is there? I know we have more space ourselves but I've been making album covers and I'm already running out ^_^ .