Transforming and Distorting Objects > Distorting objects > Creating patterns |
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Creating patterns
You can create simple or complex patterns using Xtra operations or tools. The Fractalize command creates intricate, square-like patterns. The Mirror Xtra tool reflects an existing path to create a pattern.
To create a square pattern using the Fractalize command:
1 |
Select an object. |
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Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Operations. |
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Click the Fractalize button.
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Each application of Fractalize almost doubles the number of points on the selected object. This can increase file size. |
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To set Mirror tool options:
1 |
Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools. |
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Double-click the Mirror button in the Xtra Tools toolbar.
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In the Mirror dialog box, choose the axis around which the objects should reflect: |
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Horizontal reflects from top to bottom. |
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Vertical reflects from left to right. |
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Horizontal and Vertical reflects both ways at once. |
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Multiple reflects around multiple axes.
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If you chose Multiple, select these additional options: |
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Enter the number of axes the object reflects around (1 to 50 using the slider or 1 to 100 entering a value). |
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Choose Reflect to multiply the path and its reflection or choose Rotate to multiply only the path. |
5 |
Select Close Paths to close any open paths whose end points are within the Snap distance set in general preferences; deselect the option to leave the paths open. |
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Click OK. |
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To create a pattern by specifying Mirror Xtra tool options:
1 |
Select a path, text container, or image. |
Note: You must select the entire path, text container, or image. The entire path will be selected for mirroring, even if you've selected only some points on a path. |
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2 |
Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools. |
3 |
Click the Mirror button in the Xtra Tools toolbar. |
4 |
Specify the reflection by dragging the pointer to specify the halfway point between the selected path and its reflection or the center point of a group of reflections. Keylines show the position of each reflection upon release. |
As you drag, you can use modifier keys to control the reflection, as follows: |
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To rotate keylines around the cursor, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh). |
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To constrain the rotation to 45° increments, hold down Alt+Shift (Windows) or Option+Shift (Macintosh). |
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To toggle between reflect and rotate when setting Multiple mirrors, press the Up or Down arrow keys. |
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To increase or decrease the number of axes when setting multiple mirrors, press the Right or Left arrow keys. |
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