patterns

[datswhutsup]

hi every1.

just curious if there is an easier way in illustrator to create a bunch of circles or stars in a row evenly spaced and maybe that increase in size as the circles or whatever the shape is duplicated on new rows.

i found this image from a previous thread, it shows a bunch of the same size stars....to kinda show you guys what i am looking for.
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3043&stc=1&d=1159469828(from dangermouse i believe)

you guys see how there are a bunch of stars altogether.

the way i create the shape i want to make a bunch evenly apart is i create one shape, duplicate it over and over and over again, then i use the distribute space tool to space them evenly. is this the only way?

or is there a shortcut to create one shape, and then somehow make it into a pattern.

and secondly is there way to get the shape to evenly decrease in size as more rows are added?

thank you guys.

[urstwile]

There was a thread that went into a couple of methods for doing this. Let me see if I can dig it up.

[Alan G]

With your basic shape selected, go to Effect > Distort and Transform > Transform. Create your horizontal line using the number of copies you want in the "Copies" field (duh), and establish the offset and any scaling. This will give you your first row. Click OK.

With the object still selected, go back to Transform again. You'll get a warning dialog. Select the option to create a new effect. This time, dial in your vertical copies and offsets.

If you need the whole thing as vector objects, then when you have things looking the way you want, expand the appearance, and you're all set.

[datswhutsup]

thanks alan g!

[urstwile]

This thread has some great techniques, and is the one I was looking for.

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18149

[Alan G]

Sure thing, dat! That particular dialog box can keep you amused for hours, with all the outrageous thing it can do. Look through the thread usrtwile just posted and you'll see a variation on the theme. Best thing of all is the whole effect stays live until you decide to expand appearance and lock it in. (I recommend duplicating it first, then hiding the original in case you ever need to revisit it.)