Transforming and Distorting Objects > Distorting objects > Creating patterns

 

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.

2

Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Operations.

3

Click the Fractalize button.

Each application of Fractalize almost doubles the number of points on the selected object. This can increase file size.

To set Mirror tool options:

1

Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools.

2

Double-click the Mirror button in the Xtra Tools toolbar.

3

In the Mirror dialog box, choose the axis around which the objects should reflect:

Horizontal reflects from top to bottom.

Vertical reflects from left to right.

Horizontal and Vertical reflects both ways at once.

Multiple reflects around multiple axes.

4

If you chose Multiple, select these additional options:

Enter the number of axes the object reflects around (1 to 50 using the slider or 1 to 100 entering a value).

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.

6

Click OK.

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.

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:

To rotate keylines around the cursor, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh).

To constrain the rotation to 45° increments, hold down Alt+Shift (Windows) or Option+Shift (Macintosh).

To toggle between reflect and rotate when setting Multiple mirrors, press the Up or Down arrow keys.

To increase or decrease the number of axes when setting multiple mirrors, press the Right or Left arrow keys.