How do you create a rectangle from its Centre point in Illustrator?

To create a rectangle from its center point in Adobe Illustrator, you use the Rectangle Tool and hold down a specific modifier key while you drag. This allows the shape to expand outwards symmetrically from where you initially clicked.

Here's how to do it:

Steps to Draw a Rectangle from the Center

Creating a rectangle from its center is a quick process using the Rectangle Tool (M) and the Alt/Option key.

1. Select the Rectangle Tool: Choose the Rectangle Tool (M) from the Tools panel.
2. Locate Your Center Point: Position your cursor exactly where you want the center of your rectangle to be. As shown in the reference video clip (around 1:25), you might start by placing your cursor precisely on a specific point, such as the very center of the artboard.
3. Start Drawing from the Center:
   • Click once at your desired center point.
   • Hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Mac).
   • While holding Alt/Option, drag outwards from the center point.
4. Adjust Dimensions (Optional):
   • If you also hold down the Shift key in addition to Alt/Option while dragging, you will constrain the shape to a perfect square, still drawing from the center.
   • You can see the dimensions change in the Control panel or Info panel as you drag.
5. Release Mouse and Key: Release the mouse button first, then release the Alt/Option (and Shift, if used) key.

Alternatively, you can achieve precise dimensions starting from the center:

1. Select the Rectangle Tool (M).
2. Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and click once at the desired center point.
3. A dialog box will appear asking for the Width and Height.
4. Enter the desired dimensions and click OK. The rectangle will be created with the clicked point as its center.

This method ensures that the shape grows symmetrically from the origin point you designate, which is ideal for aligning objects precisely on a canvas or relative to other elements.