Adobe Illustrator/marque and copy

Advertisement


Question
I have marqueed an object that I have drawn with the pen tool and am trying to
copy and paste it in a line to form a border. My instructions to say (on mac) to
option/shift/click/drag to desired position and unclick before letting off the
other keys. All that happens is I create another marque box! How do I duplicate
my image in line with the other one?

Answer
Hi Sue,

Use the black arrow tool to select everything you want (group it if you find it easier) and then use that key combo to drag/move/copy. It does take a bit getting used to the pattern of click/keys/drag that's required.

An easier way is to use the Move command.

Select your object or group of objects, then hit Enter. Enter the vertical or horizontal distance you require for the new object's placement and hit the COPY button.

If it's looking good, making sure the new copy of the object is still selected, immediately start hitting Ctrl/Cmd + D to repeat the copy/move over and over again until you've created one side of your border.

I hope this helps!
Amy

Adobe Illustrator

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Amy

Expertise

I can help troubleshoot your Illustrator 9 through CS3 (and most CS4) problems and suggest the best way to get the results you need. Although I can help with some installation issues, my forte is prepress and how to use the tools and functions in the application itself.

Experience

I've been a graphic artist for over 20 years. Oh my God, 20 years.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Fine Arts

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.