How to Distribute Objects Around a Circle in Illustrator

Distributing objects evenly around a circle in Illustrator is typically achieved using the Rotate Tool, allowing precise placement based on the circle's center point.

The core method involves rotating a single object around the circle's center and creating copies at specific angles.

Using the Rotate Tool (R)

This technique utilizes Illustrator's built-in transformation tools to accurately place objects.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

1. Prepare Your Objects: Create the single object you want to distribute. Place it anywhere relative to the circle, but ideally positioned where you want the first instance to appear.
2. Select the Rotate Tool:
   • Select the object you want to rotate.
   • Access the Rotate Tool. You can select it from the toolbar or press the keyboard shortcut R.
3. Find the Center Point: This is crucial for the rotation.
   • Hover your cursor over the center of the circle you are distributing objects around.
   • Guide lines or smart guides should appear, and the text "center" may pop up, indicating you've found the exact middle point.
4. Set the Rotation Origin and Angle:
   • Hold down the Alt key (or Option on a Mac).
   • Click precisely on the circle's center point you just located. This action, while holding Alt/Option, opens the Rotate dialog box instead of just starting a free rotation.
5. Specify the Angle:
   • In the Rotate dialog box, enter the Angle. To distribute objects evenly, divide 360 degrees by the total number of objects (including the original one).
     • Example: If you want 12 objects, enter 360 / 12 = 30 degrees.
   • Do not click OK.
6. Create the First Copy:
   • Click the Copy button in the Rotate dialog box. This applies the rotation and creates a duplicate of your original object at the calculated angle, leaving the original in place.
7. Repeat the Transformation:
   • Now, you need to repeat the last rotation and copy action.
   • Press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Cmd + D (Mac) repeatedly until you have created the desired number of copies, completing the circle.

This process leverages the Rotate tool's ability to define a specific rotation point (the circle's center) and then apply that rotation multiple times with the "Transform Again" shortcut (Ctrl/Cmd + D).

Summary Table

Step	Action	Tool/Shortcut	Note
1. Select Object(s)	Choose the object(s) to distribute.	Selection Tool (V)	Start with one if rotating copies.
2. Select Rotate Tool	Activate the rotate function.	Rotate Tool (R)	Found in the Toolbar.
3. Find Center	Locate the center of the target circle.	Cursor Hover	Look for "center" smart guide.
4. Set Origin & Open Dialog	Hold Alt/Option and click on the circle's center.	Alt/Option + Click	Opens the Rotate dialog box.
5. Specify Angle	Enter 360 / number of objects.	Rotate Dialog	Calculate based on desired count.
6. Create Copy	Apply rotation and make a duplicate.	"Copy" Button	Do not click "OK".
7. Repeat	Duplicate the last transformation.	Ctrl/Cmd + D	Press repeatedly for more copies.

This method ensures your objects are precisely spaced around the central point of your circle.