Offset Path - How do I repeat?

[junglist]

I want to create many evenly spaced concentric circles (like a target - but with lots more lines)

I find that when I do offset path, followed by "Command D" (transform again), the transform again function does not seem to work.

I have had to go to the menu at the top of the screen for each consecutive circle and do "offset path" for each and every circle.This is very slow.

Is there a faster way to do this?

Thanks in advance.

Also, any tips on creating deliberate moire patterns would be appreciated.

 

[dimoj]

Hmmm, I wasn't gonna answer this because there is probably a better way than I know of, but noone has answered for 5 days so....

The reason what you did is not working is because Offset Path is not a Transform...so hence Repeat Transform doesnt work.

Instead try selecting your object then go to Object>Transform>Scale. Choose something like 110% (or wnatever suits) and hit COPY. With that done your Repeat Transform will work and you will get concentric (sp?) circles.

The only problem with this is you are getting 110% increases..not a set amount like say, 50 pixels, so that's why I hesitated to answer. Someone else will know better..but maybe this answer will suit you!

 

[dimoj]

Uuuuugh, I'm an idiot.

You can do what you wanted to... repeat your offset path. Just go Effect>Apply Offset Path (or Shift+Ctrl+E by default Windows) to keep repeating the command.

D'Oh!

 

[tperkins]

You can also Make 2 circles, one large and one small directly in the middle, then go to your blend options and set it for 'specific steps" set how many steps you want then while both circles are selected click on "make blend".

 

[junglist]

Thanks for your replys guys!

However, neither method does exactly what I want. Sorry!

The first method (object Transform scale > copy > repeat tranform) actually increases the distance between each line as you make each successive copy. I actually want each line to be evenly spaced.

The second method (effect>apply offset path> repeat) is good. However, I want to be able to select each individual circle, and when you use effects you are unable to do so.

The third method also works, but has the same problem: you cant select individual lines within a blend.

Can anyone come up with a solution? Sorry to be a pain in the ass.

By the way, is that Tex Perkins?

 

[tperkins]

On the third option, the Blend, after you have got your lines blended go back and select "Expand" in your blend dialog window, the you can select each line individually.

Tony Perkins

 

[junglist]

Thanks Tony!

I didn't know you could do that. Thanks alot. I think I'll be using the blend feature a fair bit more in the future, now that I know how to do that.

 

[moabut]

The third method also works, but has the same problem: you cant select individual lines within a blend.

After doing the blend go to object>blend>expand and then you can use the direct selection tool to select each individual circle. Select stroke/ fill etc.