Duplicate with Transform 1

[JustWakinUp]

Hey guys,

This duplicate with transform is a command with some 3d programs such as Maya. I am working in illustrator and trying to achieve the same thing.
Let me explain with an example.

Lets say I have create a circle, now i want to create beams of light comming from that circle. I create a
rectangle (used for beam of light) and shape it to my liking. I I place the object (Beam of Light) where I like
it around the circle and move its ratational point to the center of my circle. Now I want to create 7 duplicates of my Beam of Light that are rotated around the circle at evenly spaced intervals? HOW?

I hope that made sense

 

[thombathe]

Hi Justwakinup
I like your handle, I think I know what you want so try this.
Create the shape then double click on the rotate tool a box will popup, input the angle then click copy this will rotate one time, then hold down the control key (comand for mac) and hit the letter D for as many times you want it to rotate.
hope this is what your looking for.
Thom

Life without challenges can be very boring

http://www.thombathe.com

 

[JustWakinUp]

Yes Thombathe that is almost exactly what I was looking for.
I am sorry it has taken so long for me to get back to you I actually forgot about this thread until I found the MY THREADS link. Anyway that does do what i want it to do but I would also like it to lay down a copy everytime I hit ctrl+D. I also would like to change the rotational point or center point...thanks

 

[Triska]

Along the lines of what Tom is describing, a method I like to use is this:

1. Draw and group the object(s) you wish to transform.
2. Move the origin, and Perform a transform while holding Alt. This adds the 'copy' modifier. (Shift to constrain to 'constrain angles' in Preferences) (Turning Smart Guides 'on' may help'
3. Use the keyboard shortcut for Transform Again (Ctrl+D by default I think... each press repeats the first transform.

Whenever you want to change the center for a new set of identical transforms, perform ONE manually, and then use the Transform to repeat it (N) times. You can speed up the process, by selecting 2-3 'rays' together (esp. if they are thin) and transforming them en masse.

p.s. Note what happens to the grid (turn on) when you change the constrain angle in Prefs. Very Handy.
Note: Angles are negative CCW from 12 o'clock, and postive CW from 12, this is a mathematics convention, and is source for much artistic consternation!

Sef.

It is alright to decorate construction, but never construct decoration. - Pugin, on Arch.

http://www.elucidesign.com

 

[JustWakinUp]

So this will only transform at the angle you have rotated it will not transform around the actual cneter point you have moved and make a copy. Like a clock , say i put the center point or pivot point at the center of the clock and i want to put hash marks at 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Can I put the pivot point in the center than use this CTRL-D to put the hash marks at their respected spot on the clock? I think im confusing everyone and I do apologize if my questions are not making sense...

 

[dimoj]

Hi JustWakinUp here is what you do (for the clock example). Draw your circle for the clock. Now draw your first hash mark at, say, the 12:00 position. Now, select the hash mark with the selection tool to select it then while it's selected SINGLE click the rotate tool in the main toolbox. Now, very carefully you have to ALT-click the center of the clock face to set that as the rotational pivot point. The dialogue box will open. Type in 30 degrees and hit the copy button. You can now use your CTRL-D which will repeat and copy the 30 degree rotation pivoted from the center of the clock.

 

[dimoj]

NOTE TO TRISKA: You method does work, I just dont think 'Wakin understood what you meant. The only difference between my method and yours is with mine you can type in the actual number of degrees and with yours you are moving the object with the mouse and have to keep an eye on the info palette if you want to know the amount of degrees!!! "SIX OF ONE, HALF DOZEN OF THE OTHER"

 

[Triska]

True dimoj...I didn't fill in all the blanks either... If I want a specific angle, I used to create 2 lines at the angle I desire to snap to since I had previously thought to 'Shift set' the origin, and Alt+drag the object was the only way to allow the origin to be repositioned and get a copy as well. However, you have demonstrated a better way, that I like very much.

Here is the reasoning in terms of shortcuts/limitations:

1. R switches to the Rotate Tool, the following 3 methods start with an object selected and 'R' pressed once on the keyboard. (Rotate Mode)
2. Method___1, chosen center, No angle specified)
In this mode Shift sets a new origin center, and allows freeform transforms.
3. Method___2, around normal center, w/ Angle, copy.
R then Enter brings up the Rotate Dialog (angle, copy, etc.) but CLEARS a previously set origin center, and sets it back to the OBJECTS true center, therefore one cannot not simply hit enter.

4. Method___3 (dimoj) INSTEAD of Enter or Shift/Enter, ALT sets the new origin, AND brings up the Rotate dialogue WITHOUT clearing the recently set origin center. Allowing a chosen center AND a specified angle, with the checkbox option of 'copy.' in addition.

Very slick... Since before I would usually create an angle to snap to, see:

http://www.elucidesign.com/TEK_examples/RotationalCopy.svgz

This does away with that step., (in the .svgz, the red 'snap to' lines I used to create are no longer necessary.

As always, there's 16 ways to skin a cat in Illustrator, its a matter of discovering the correct order that nails it.

Thanks, dimoj.
Sef.

It is alright to decorate construction, but never construct decoration. - Pugin, on Arch.

http://www.elucidesign.com

 

[JustWakinUp]

dimoj, that was the quik and painless way.
Triska I really did try to follow your steps
but was unable to make it happen. I really
do appreciate you guys taking the time to answer
my posts, I'm sure i will have plenty of other
questions pop up and I couldn't think of a better
place to get answers...thanks guys