How to Step and Repeat in Illustrator
If you want to layout a repeating series of objects in a graphics program (bullets, stars or starbursts) the step and repeat command will simplify your task. Unfortunately for Illustrator users, Illustrator hasn't added a step-and-repeat feature even though other vector programs such as FreeHand did long ago. While this can be frustrating, Illustrator does offer a simple step and repeat work around.
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Instructions
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Launch your Illustrator document. Draw the first instance of the copy you want to duplicate or add a symbol from your symbols libraries.
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Move your original into position on the artboard. Make sure it is in the precise location you want or the pattern may be slightly off.
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Calculate the spacing for the duplicates in the pattern. Use the following formula: distance/copies (for example, 6 inches/6 copies equals 1 inch apart).
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Choose "Transform Each" from the Object menu's Transform submenu. A dialog will appear offering you a number of options. Type the horizontal and/or vertical distance in the Move fields (make sure to include the distance measurement, e.g., "in" for inches, "p" for picas or "px" for pixels). You can also rotate and scale the copy.
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Click the "Copy" button (not the "OK" button). A copy of your original will move the exact distance specified.
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Type "Command + D." A second copy will appear the exact distance away from the first copy. Repeat "Command + D" to duplicate the entire series.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also use the "Transform Each" dialog to scale or rotate the objects with each transformation. So a square could progressively grow smaller and rotate into a diamond shape then back to a square with the copies.
Make sure to click "Copy" in the Transform Each dialogue, not "OK." Otherwise you will simply reposition the original.
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Comments
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zebradzine
Aug 14, 2008
The strange thing is the slightly better way to do this is to select your object and then choose Effect > Distort & Transform > Transform. This screen actually allows you to put in the number of copies of that object you want. The other way you mentioned does not allow you to enter the number of copies but only gives you a "copy" button.
