3. How to get a repetition of shapes with a displacement and a rotation ?

How to get a repetition of shapes with a displacement and a rotation ?


  • Hi,
    I can do such scheme in a couple of minutes in AD (Ctrl + J)
    0_1648106443291_c7ee6d80-20da-4f36-871f-4407bec25d89-image.png

    but it is more tedious in VS:

    • first, Ctrl+J doesn't replicate the object, and
    • then, I get this
      0_1648106528369_c29a0558-0866-4945-aabb-12d0b62a2df8-image.png
      or nothing
      0_1648106631444_5f8d3c37-994f-495e-8418-0bb73e2e74b4-image.png
      or this
      0_1648106707028_a264b487-25f1-4f2b-8096-33940fc9c3aa-image.png

    and finally, with the rotation center at the right position and Ctrl+D
    0_1648106844647_95760e0a-9d12-4a84-91e9-21cd36a07641-image.png

    Would it be possible to get it as easier than in AD ? A displacement, a rotation and Ctrl + "whatever" to get the job done ? or to get this with the recent action panel ?
    thanks

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    @PatrickM

    just two thoughs

    couldnt this help you ?
    Menu > Object > Transform > Rotate
    and then choose "copy" in the dropdown menu

    an other way could may be a Blend
    and to bring the Blend Panel up
    Panels > Effects > Blend
    there is an option to make a blend to a path/curve
    and try it this way

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  • administrators

    @PatrickM Something similar in VS:

    • with the original object selected:
    • adjust the rotation pivot.
    • move with Alt+ to duplicate first.
    • rotate by some angle.
    • Control+D to duplicate and move.

    Not sure if you get the same effect as in AD.

    Another way (1) with align to path:

    • create a number of ellipses, position or rotation not important.
    • draw a path that has the shape needed (for example the red on the right bends leftward).
    • select the ellipses and then select the new path.
    • in the Alignment panel click on the first Align to Shape icon (first make sure that Rotate Objects is checked)

    Another way (2) with scatter brush:

    • create one ellipse, keep it selected.
    • open the Brushes panel.
    • create a new scatter brush style: "Create Scatter Brush Style" in the panel menu.
    • set the name of the brush in the Name field.
    • set the spacing to 60% (or some number for the spacing between ellipses).
    • confirm the scatter brush creation.
    • draw an open path along which the ellipses are placed.
    • apply the newly created scatter brush style (should be second in the list).
    • set the brush width to a suitable value.
    • or check proportional to keep the original ellipse size.

    In this case the path can be adjusted dynamically and the ellipse positions, rotations (and their number) is automatically updated.

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  • @Subpath thanks for the tips... blending can be a way indeed, I didn't think of it since it is lacking in AD that I use for a couple of years for my lectures diagrams.

    @vectoradmin thanks too for these useful informations. I will try all these (also blending) asap to get used to other workflows.

    Thanks ☺ 👍

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  • @vectoradmin I know that there are already video tutorials for some VS features and I know that you are extremely busy working on VS but I think it would be nice (important) to develop this aspect of educational training for beginners & intermediate users to illustrate and highlight all VS functions/features. I don't always want to compare with other companies but some have been quick to make this available and it has certainly increased the interest in using their software IMHO. I personally find the videos very helpful in learning how to use software.

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  • administrators

    @PatrickM said in How to get a repetition of shapes with a displacement and a rotation ?:

    I think it would be nice (important) to develop this aspect of educational training for beginners & intermediate users to illustrate and highlight all VS functions/features.

    yes, this is very much needed, and I will try to reserve more time for this.

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    @PatrickM

    " video tutorials for some VS features.... "

    Well, we users can also do something 🙂

    Already thought about a small series in tutorials
    where I show some things that might not be soo
    well known. Where anybody could also contribute
    his own tips.

    @Boldline also thought about publishing his tips.

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  • @Subpath Yes, I've been trying to decide the best approach - if it should be a videos for individual functions or groups of functions at a time. I don't want them to be too short or too long.

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    @Boldline

    I don't know if all this can always be regulated so precisely
    and I wouldn't regulate it too much, but I try to keep
    Videos and Picture Explanations for Tips rather short.
    Everything else I would rather see as a Tutorial.

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    @PatrickM

    Here a Video how Blend on Curve works.
    The Circles are already blended.
    (you could edit the steps with the Up/Down Arrow Keys
    by clicking in the Value field)

    Here the Video
    Blend on Curves

    Found yet another function of Blend on Curves
    Blend on Curves 2

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  • @Subpath said in How to get a repetition of shapes with a displacement and a rotation ?:

    @PatrickM

    Here a Video how Blend on Curve works.
    The Circles are already blended.

    @Subpath Amazing, thank you for your time ! 👍 ☺

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    @PatrickM

    Things seem to be a bit easier than I thought after all.
    As I found out in the meantime, every Blend is is already
    on Curve/Path    , dont know this before. All you have to do is
    select the blended shapes and switch to the "Shape Editor Tool"
    and you can bend your curve.

    Blend to Curve 3

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