/ How to

How To Use Illustrator Step and Repeat

The Step and Repeat feature in Adobe Illustrator allows you to easily duplicate objects in a pattern. This can be useful for creating borders, patterns, labels, and more. Here is a step-by-step guide to using the Step and Repeat feature in Illustrator:

What is Step and Repeat

The Step and Repeat feature creates copies of selected objects and arranges them in a specified pattern. You can control the number of copies, spacing between objects, rotation, color, and more.

When to Use Step and Repeat

Here are some examples of when the Step and Repeat feature is useful:

  • Creating borders – easily create repetitive borders around documents like business cards, letterhead, brochures, etc.
  • Patterns – quickly build seamless patterns by repeating shapes.
  • Labels – duplicate text or images for labels on packaging, name tags, stickers, etc.
  • Icons – repeat icons evenly spaced for diagrams.
  • Ornamental design – use Step and Repeat to create intricate ornamental designs with shapes and symbols.

How to Access Step and Repeat

There are a few ways to access the Step and Repeat dialog box:

  • Select an object and go to Object > Transform > Transform Each. Then select Step and Repeat from the menu.
  • Click the Transform panel menu and choose Step and Repeat.
  • Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + # with an object selected.

Step and Repeat Settings

Here are the settings available in the Step and Repeat dialog box:

  • Number – Specifies how many copies you want.
  • Move – Sets the spacing between objects. Enter horizontal and vertical spacing.
  • Rotate – Rotates each copy by the specified angle.
  • Colors – Changes the color of each object. Select a color rule like “Cycle” or “Rainbow.”
  • Random – Adds variability by randomizing the size, position, rotation etc.
  • Preview – Shows how your pattern will look before applying changes.

How to Use Step and Repeat

Follow these simple steps to use Step and Repeat in Illustrator:

  1. Create the object to repeat. This can be any shape, text, image, etc.
  2. Select the object with the Selection tool.
  3. Access the Step and Repeat dialog box using one of the methods described above.
  4. Enter settings – Specify the number of copies, spacing, rotation, color, etc. Enable preview.
  5. Adjust settings as needed until you get the desired arrangement.
  6. Click OK when finished to apply the step and repeat effect.

Tips

  • Use grouping to apply Step and Repeat to multiple objects at once
  • Overlap the objects slightly for seamless patterns
  • Try different color rules like Rainbow or Cycle
  • Check Align to Pixel Grid for sharp repeating patterns
  • Use Randomness for unique variations
  • Combine with transformations like Rotate and Scale

Related Posts