How to Move a Pattern Along a Circle in Illustrator

There are three ways to create a circlular pattern in Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator contains three different ways to create a pattern that follows a circle depending on your goal for the pattern. The Rotate tool can copy and rotate objects and patterns around a central point that specify. The Blend tool is a popular tool for creating patterns. The pattern follows a path, called the spline, to connect the two objects used to create the pattern. This path is usually a straight line; however, you can replace the spline with a circle. Using the Brush panel you can create a pattern brush that can quickly be applied to a circle path.

Instructions

Rotate tool

1. Select the objects that compose the pattern.

2. Select the “Rotate” tool.

3. Click inside the artboard where you want the location of the circle’s center point.

4. Hold down the “Alt” key as you drag a copy of the pattern to the first rotation position.

5. Press “Control” and “D” repeatedly to duplicate the pattern around the center point.

Blend Tool

1. Double-click on the “Blend” tool. Select “Specified Steps” or “Specified Distance” from the “Spacing” drop-down menu. Enter the desired pattern.

2. Click on the first element in the pattern with the Blend tool selected, then click the second element to create a blend pattern.

3. Select the “Ellipse” tool. Click and drag inside the artboard to create the desired circle.

4. Select the blend pattern and the circle.

5. Click on the “Object” menu, hover over “Blend” and select “Replace Spline.” Illustrator will move the pattern around the circle.

Pattern Brush

1. Click on the “Window” menu and select “Brushes.”

2. Select the objects that compose the pattern.

3. Click on the flyout menu and select “New Brush.” Click on the “Pattern Brush” radial button and press “OK.”

4. Design the pattern as desired. Since the pattern is going to be applied to a circle you only need to have a pattern in the first box. Name the pattern and press “OK.”

5. Select the “Ellipse” tool. Click and drag inside the artboard to create the desired circle.

6. Select the pattern from the “Brushes” panel to apply it the circle.

References

• Shapeshed.com: Circular Shapes and Patterns in Illustrator
• Web Design Library: Intricate Patterns in Illustrator
• Layers Magazine: Circle of Stars in Adobe Illustrator