Okay, let's break down how to duplicate objects in Adobe Illustrator, addressing the nuances of duplicating in the "same place" or repeating a duplication action based on standard Illustrator techniques and the provided reference.
Duplicating objects in Illustrator can refer to either creating a copy directly on top of the original object (in the "same place") or creating a copy at a new location and potentially repeating that duplication and movement to create a series of objects with consistent spacing. The provided reference highlights the latter method as a fast way to duplicate.
Here are the primary methods:
Method 1: Duplicate and Repeat Movement (Fast Method Highlighted in Reference)
This method is excellent for creating patterns, grids, or series of objects with consistent spacing. The provided reference focuses on this technique, describing it as a "FASTEST Way".
Steps:
- Select the object(s) you want to duplicate.
- Duplicate and Move:
- Click and drag the selected object(s) to the desired new position.
- While dragging, hold down the Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) key. You will see a second arrow appear next to your cursor, indicating you are creating a duplicate.
- Release the mouse button first, then release the Alt/Option key. You now have a duplicate moved to a new spot.
- Tip: To constrain the movement horizontally, vertically, or at 45-degree angles while dragging, hold down both Alt (or Option) and Shift together. The reference mentions, "Select both of these. Hold alt and shift to keep it in line".
- Repeat the Duplication and Movement:
- With the duplicate object(s) still selected (or even if not, as long as it was the last action), press Control + D (Windows) or Command + D (Mac).
- As stated in the reference, "Come on to control D to repeat". This command repeats the last transformation applied, which in this case was the duplicate-and-move action.
- Keep pressing Control+D/Command+D to create more duplicates with the exact same spacing and direction as the first one.
Key Shortcuts for Repeating Movement:
| Action | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duplicate while dragging | Hold Alt + Drag | Hold Option + Drag | Creates a duplicate at the drag destination |
| Constrained Duplicate+Move | Hold Alt+Shift + Drag | Hold Option+Shift + Drag | Creates a duplicate and constrains its movement |
| Repeat Last Transformation | Control + D | Command + D | Repeats the last move, scale, rotate, or duplicate action |
Using holding alt (or Option) while dragging is the initial step to create the first duplicate at a new location. Following this with Control D to repeat quickly generates subsequent duplicates, embodying the method described in the reference.
Method 2: Duplicate Directly On Top (In Place)
If "duplicate the same place" means creating a copy precisely stacked on top of the original object, this is the standard method.
Steps:
- Select the object(s) you want to duplicate.
- Copy: Go to
Edit > Copyor press Control + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac). - Paste in Place: Go to
Edit > Paste in Placeor press Control + Shift + V (Windows) or Command + Shift + V (Mac).
This creates an exact duplicate of your selected object(s) pasted directly onto the same layer and position as the original(s). You won't see a visual change until you select the top object and move it.
Why Use These Duplication Methods?
- Method 1 (Alt+Drag & Ctrl+D): Ideal for efficiently creating patterns, rows, columns, or radial designs with consistent spacing. It saves time compared to manually duplicating and positioning each copy.
- Method 2 (Copy & Paste in Place): Useful when you need to apply different effects, strokes, fills, or transformations to a copy of an object while keeping it perfectly aligned with the original. For example, creating an outline around text or an object.
Understanding both techniques allows you to duplicate objects in Illustrator precisely where you need them, whether stacked on the original or in a sequence.
