How to Rotate With Step and Repeat in Illustrator
You can use the step-and-repeat technique to create a series of objects, with different properties, with just a few keystrokes. You can make copies of a diamond and rotate them in place to make a any number of interesting patterns. Unlike many graphics programs, Illustrator doesn't have a step-and-repeat command, but you can come close.
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Instructions
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Create a design object. You can build it with multiple elements using many paths and layers as you want. Apply any effects and choose a blend mode to make the objects' colors blend when you rotate copies in place. Group them into a single object to keep the elements together.
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Check "Preview" to see the rotation live. Choose "Transform Each" from the "Objects" menu, "Transform" submenu (you can use the rotate command but "Transform Each" gives you more control over how and from what point the object rotates). Set the transformation reference point on the object grid (rotating from different points on the object results in a variety of effects) and enter the angle of rotation.
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Click "Copy." Illustrator will add a new copy of your design element rotated from the position you selected.
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Hold down the "Command" (Mac) or "Control" (PC) key along with the "D" key. A second copy of your design element will rotate into its new position. Repeat until your pattern looks exactly the way you like.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with other transformations in combination with the rotation setting. You can flip the object as you rotate it to create alternating angles as it rotates. You can make a series of repeating rotating elements by offsetting the object horizontally or vertically as it rotates. You can also scale the object as it rotates to create a three-dimensional tower effect.
