Contents
In this post we will show you how to copy a shape in illustrator, so that you can use it again and again in your designs.
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Introduction
In this guide, we’ll show you how to copy a shape in Adobe Illustrator. We’ll cover three different methods: using the Selection tool, using the Shape Builder tool, and using the Rotate tool.
Selecting the Shape
To copy a shape in Illustrator, first select the shape by clicking on it. The selected shape will be highlighted. You can also select multiple shapes by holding the Shift key and clicking on each shape you want to copy.
Duplicating the Shape
There are a few ways to duplicate a shape in Illustrator. The simplest way is to select the shape you want to duplicate and press Ctrl/Cmd+C. Then press Ctrl/Cmd+V to paste the copy. You can also use the Duplicate command by selecting the shape, going to Edit > Duplicate, or by pressing Ctrl/Cmd+D. Another way is to drag the shape while holding down the Alt/Opt key.
Moving the Shape
There are several ways to move a shape in Illustrator. The most common way is to click on the Selection Tool (V) in the Toolbar and then click on the shape you want to move. Once you’ve selected the shape, you can click on it and drag it to a new location.
Resizing the Shape
There are a few ways to resize the shape. The first is to hit ⌘+T (Mac) or Ctrl+T (PC). This will bring up the Free Transform box and handles around your shape. You can then click and drag one of the handles to resize the entire shape. If you want to constrain the proportions of the shape as you’re resizing, hold down Shift as you click and drag a handle.
Rotating the Shape
In order to rotate the shape, you need to select the Rotate tool from the Toolbox. With the Rotate tool selected, click on the edge of the shape that you want to rotate. A blue line will appear, with a small arrow at one end. This is the axis of rotation. To rotate the shape, click and drag the arrowhead in the direction that you want to rotate the shape.
Flipping the Shape
If you want to copy a shape in Illustrator, you can use the Flip function. First, select the shape you want to copy. Next, go to the Edit menu and choose Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical. This will create a copy of your shape that is flipped either horizontally or vertically.
Aligning the Shape
First, select the shape that you want to copy by clicking on it. Once the shape is selected, press and hold down the “Shift” key on your keyboard. While still holding down the “Shift” key, click on the second shape. This will align the two shapes perfectly.
Arranging the Shape
Open the Layers panel. You can find it in Window > Layers.
Click and drag the shape layer you want to copy below the layer you’re working on.
Select the layer you’re working on, and press Cmd+Shift+G (Mac) / Ctrl+Shift+G (Win) to ungroup the objects on that layer.
Click and drag the shape you want to copy into position.
Conclusion
To make an exact copy of a shape in Illustrator, simply hold down the Alt (Option on Mac) key while you drag the shape with your mouse. This will create an exact duplicate of the original shape.
