The electrostatic fluid jet applicator of the present invention achieves patterning effects with an applicator designed to provide a uniform solid application of liquid onto substrates. The applicator requires no digital memory device to store extensive image data defining patterns to be printed and includes a single ganged charging electrode which is utilized to simultaneously charge (or not charge) droplets emanating from a linear array of orifices. The applicator generates patterning effects primarily by controlling the application of charging voltage to the single electrode and by controlling the print time.