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How to Duplicate and Rotate in Illustrator?

Published in Adobe Illustrator 3 mins read

To duplicate and rotate an object in Adobe Illustrator, use the Rotate tool in combination with the Alt/Option key. Here's how:

Steps for Duplication and Rotation:

  1. Select the Object: First, select the object you want to duplicate and rotate using the Selection tool (V).

  2. Choose the Rotate Tool: Select the Rotate tool (R) from the toolbar.

  3. Set the Rotation Point: This is the crucial step. Hold down the Alt/Option key and click on the artboard to define the rotation point. The position of this point dictates the center of your rotation. This action opens the Rotate dialog box.

  4. Enter the Rotation Angle: In the Rotate dialog box, enter the desired angle of rotation for the duplicate.

  5. Click "Copy": Instead of clicking "OK," click the "Copy" button. This will create a duplicate of your object, rotated by the specified angle around the rotation point.

  6. Repeat the Transformation (Optional): To create multiple duplicates evenly spaced around the rotation point, press Ctrl+D (Windows) or Cmd+D (Mac) to repeat the transformation. This applies the same rotation and duplication to the new duplicate relative to the previous one. This is Illustrator's "Transform Again" feature.

Example: Creating a Circular Pattern

Let's say you want to create a pattern of 12 petals evenly spaced in a circle:

  1. Draw a single petal shape.

  2. Select the petal.

  3. Select the Rotate tool (R).

  4. Hold Alt/Option and click at the center of where you want the circular pattern to be.

  5. In the Rotate dialog box, enter 360/12 = 30 degrees (since 360 degrees divided by 12 objects gives you the rotation needed for each petal).

  6. Click "Copy."

  7. Press Ctrl+D / Cmd+D ten more times to create the remaining petals.

Key Considerations:

  • Rotation Point: The placement of the rotation point is critical for achieving the desired effect. Experiment with different locations to see how they affect the rotation.

  • Alt/Option Key: Holding down the Alt/Option key while clicking to set the rotation point is what triggers the dialog box, allowing you to specify the rotation angle precisely and, most importantly, create a copy instead of simply rotating the original.

  • Transform Again (Ctrl/Cmd + D): Mastering the "Transform Again" feature is essential for quickly creating repetitive patterns and designs.

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