The quickest way to duplicate an object in Adobe Illustrator using keyboard shortcuts is by copying and pasting: Copy (Command/Ctrl + C) then Paste in Front (Command/Ctrl + F) or Paste in Back (Command/Ctrl + B).
Here's a breakdown of the methods:
Duplicating Objects in Illustrator Using Shortcuts
Illustrator provides several keyboard shortcuts to help you quickly duplicate objects. Here are the most common and efficient methods:
1. Copy and Paste (In Front or Back)
This is the standard method and offers precise control over the duplicated object's placement.
- Copy:
Command + C(macOS) orCtrl + C(Windows) - Copies the selected object to the clipboard. - Paste in Front:
Command + F(macOS) orCtrl + F(Windows) - Pastes the copied object directly on top of the original object. This is useful if you want the duplicate to perfectly overlap. - Paste in Back:
Command + B(macOS) orCtrl + B(Windows) - Pastes the copied object directly behind the original object. This is useful for creating shadows or layering effects.
2. Option/Alt Drag
This is a fast way to duplicate and reposition objects at the same time.
- Select the object you want to duplicate.
- Hold down the Option (macOS) or Alt (Windows) key. The cursor will change to indicate duplication mode.
- Click and drag the object. A copy of the object will be created and moved along with your cursor.
- Release the mouse button to place the duplicate.
You can constrain the movement to horizontal, vertical, or 45-degree angles by holding down the Shift key while dragging.
3. Transform Effect (Copies)
The Transform effect lets you create multiple copies of an object and transform each copy (scale, rotate, move). This method is non-destructive and can be adjusted later.
- Select the object.
- Go to Effect > Distort & Transform > Transform...
- In the Transform Effect dialog box:
- Specify the number of copies you want in the "Copies" field.
- Set horizontal and vertical "Move" values to offset the copies.
- Optionally, adjust Scale, Rotate, and Reflect values for each copy.
- Click OK.
Summary Table
| Method | Shortcut (macOS) | Shortcut (Windows) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy & Paste in Front | Command + C, Command + F | Ctrl + C, Ctrl + F | Copies the object and pastes the duplicate directly on top of the original. |
| Copy & Paste in Back | Command + C, Command + B | Ctrl + C, Ctrl + B | Copies the object and pastes the duplicate directly behind the original. |
| Option/Alt Drag | Option + Drag | Alt + Drag | Duplicates the object and allows you to reposition it simultaneously. |
| Transform Effect (Copies) | N/A (Menu Option) | N/A (Menu Option) | Creates multiple copies of an object with adjustable transformations applied to each copy; Non-destructive. |
The best method depends on the specific task and desired result. For precise placement, Copy and Paste are ideal. For quick duplication and repositioning, Option/Alt Drag is very efficient. The Transform Effect offers more advanced control over multiple copies.
