checkerboard

[calebm12]

I know there is probably an easy way to do this, i just dont know it. How can i make a checkerboard....exact aligned and sized squares of different colors. I am using illy.

cheers.
c

[sierng]

Use the pathfinder window to align everything? I think its called the pathfinder window/ align. I don't really use illy.

And there should be a define pattern button.

[PrintDriver]

You can do this with long horizontal and vertical rectangles evenly spaced with the Move command or with the Distribute palette (options under Align). then use Pathfinder palette to Divide the pieces. I'm purposely not giving too many details because it really depends on the checkerboard you are making and whether you want to apply colors or have it split automatically (more difficult)

[Cyan_Ide]

There's also a rectangular grid tool under the line segment tool. You can take that and live paint it the colours you want and then copy and paste depending on how big you want the checkerboard to be. I

[PrintDriver]

The grid tool only makes lines. It doesn't make 'blocks' unless you divide it.

[nyc_skater]

I would make a square, then duplicate, use the align tool to align them together then group. Duplicate that group to make a row or four. group. Duplicate that group etc etc...

I find that grouping aligning and duplicating can make quick and easy patterns.

[AlexNJ210]

ok, since you asked for exact alignement and sizes then you should begin by using the rectangle tool to create rectangles. Figure your dimensions and you can input them easily by selecting the tool and then clicking once. Input say a 1 by 10 inch rectangle. Copy this rectangle 9 times so you have 10. Select all of them and using the align palette with 'align to artboard' selected in the options menu, align them vertical and horizontal. Next select one at a time and move each one in 1 inch increments so they will be exactly spaced(should be edge to edge) and you have a 10 x 10 box. Once thats done select all of them group, copy, paste, rotate the new one 90 degrees, select both, align vertical and horizontal, use the pathfinder 'divide' option. Now you have all the correct sizes of squares and your checker board pattern is ready to be made. Using the white pointer or direct select tool, go through selecting and deleting the appropriate squares to create the checker board. Select all once again and group when done. Viola

[AlexNJ210]

you got me musing

[AlexNJ210]

i mused again:)

[sierng]

I wonder if some magic eye thing would happen if the white blocks were filled.