How to Copy Object Position in Adobe Illustrator

Okay, here are the common ways to copy an object's position or place an object at the same location as another in Adobe Illustrator.

Copying an object's position in Illustrator can be achieved through several methods, depending on whether you want to duplicate the object in place, apply exact coordinates, or align multiple objects.

Method 1: Duplicating an Object In Place

This is the most direct way to "copy" an object's position, as it creates a duplicate of the selected object precisely on top of the original. The reference mentions the general process of "First select the object you want to move" and the concept of "duplicate objects", which is fundamental to this method.

• Using Copy and Paste in Place:

  1. Select the object you want to copy the position of (and duplicate).
  2. Go to Edit > Copy (or press Ctrl+C on Windows, Cmd+C on macOS).
  3. Go to Edit > Paste in Place (or press Ctrl+Shift+V on Windows, Cmd+Shift+V on macOS).
     An exact duplicate of the object will be created at the identical position of the original.

• Using the Alt/Option Key:

  1. Select the object.
  2. Click and drag the object slightly.
  3. While dragging, hold down the Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) key to create a duplicate.
  4. To ensure it returns to the original position, hold Shift as well while dragging just a tiny bit, then release the mouse button first, then the keys. Note: This is less precise for exact in-place duplication than Paste in Place.

Method 2: Applying Specific Coordinates

If you want to move a different object to the exact position of another, you can use their coordinates.

• Using the Transform Panel:
  1. Select the object whose position you want to copy.
  2. Look at the Transform panel (Window > Transform). Note down the X and Y coordinates (these refer to the position of the object's reference point, typically the center or a corner).
  3. Select the object you want to move to this position.
  4. In the Transform panel for the second object, enter the noted X and Y coordinates. Ensure the reference point in the Transform panel (the 3x3 grid icon) is set correctly to match the point you noted coordinates for (e.g., center to center).

Method 3: Aligning Objects

You can also align objects precisely to match the position of a key object.

• Using the Align Panel:
  1. Select the objects you want to align (Window > Align).
  2. Click on the object whose position you want the others to match one more time. This designates it as the "Key Object" (it will have a thicker outline).
  3. In the Align panel, click on the Horizontal Align Center and Vertical Align Center buttons (or other alignment options like Left, Right, Top, Bottom, depending on which point you want to align).

Method 4: Using Smart Guides and Guides

While not copying exact numerical positions, Smart Guides (View > Smart Guides) and manual Guides (View > Guides) help align objects visually based on existing points and paths, making it easy to position one object relative to another's location.

By utilizing these methods, you can effectively copy an object's position or precisely place one object relative to another within Adobe Illustrator.