How to Step and Repeat in Illustrator
- 1). Launch your Illustrator document. Draw the first instance of the copy you want to duplicate or add a symbol from your symbols libraries.
- 2). Move your original into position on the artboard. Make sure it is in the precise location you want or the pattern may be slightly off.
- 3). Calculate the spacing for the duplicates in the pattern. Use the following formula: distance/copies (for example, 6 inches/6 copies equals 1 inch apart).
- 4). Choose "Transform Each" from the Object menu's Transform submenu. A dialog will appear offering you a number of options. Type the horizontal and/or vertical distance in the Move fields (make sure to include the distance measurement, e.g., "in" for inches, "p" for picas or "px" for pixels). You can also rotate and scale the copy.
- 5). Click the "Copy" button (not the "OK" button). A copy of your original will move the exact distance specified.
- 6). Type "Command + D." A second copy will appear the exact distance away from the first copy. Repeat "Command + D" to duplicate the entire series.
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