Expert: Ran - 3/5/2009

Question
I want to auto-fill an outline obtect with 2mm whole circles spaced equally (not touching each other).The outermost circles need to follow the outline.Is this possible???


Answer
Coincidentally I answered a similar question earlier today. I don't think CorelDraw can do what you want automatically so I will suggest a similar solution:

When I am drawing a row of objects I draw the first, then move it to the second location but click the right-button before dropping it. This leaves the original behind, making a copy. Then press Ctrl+R to repeat that. In fact you can hold Ctrl+R down and make a lot of repeat copies quickly, but it only works in a line or a curve, depending on where you dropped the first copy.

Note that Ctrl+R repeats the complete previous action, so drop your second object in the correct place to begin with!

The Distribute panel in the Align & Distribute box can be very helpful sometimes, when you want to adjust the spacing between many objects at a time.

I hope this helps, but please let me know if you find a better way through your own research.

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REVISED ANSWER - 16/03/09
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Hi Julie

One of our colleagues called Alice has provided a better solution to this matter. I will quote (ahem, "paste") her words below:

You have to utilize the object sprayer on the artistic media tool by first creating a custom object to spray.
First create your motif or object that is to follow the desired outline, group it as one object if made of multiple parts - then- make sure nothing is selected on the desktop area or drawing window. Select the 'artistic media tool' from toolbox sidebar then select the object 'sprayer' from the property bar.  Go to the 'spraylist file list' on the property bar and select 'new spray list'. Click on your object with the artistic media tool and make sure its selected (check the status bar and see that your object appears there). Go back to the property bar, click the 'add to spraylist' button.  Your motif (object) will now appear in the spraylist file window and be added to the object sprayer list.
NOW go create your outline if not done already. I chose a simple circle for this explanation. Ensure your shape/outline has no fill. Now again ensure nothing is selected on the desktop area or drawing window.  
Again, choose the object sprayer artistic media tool.  Your motif should still be the active object.  If not, scroll down the sprayerlist file and select it. Now select your outline with the artistic media tool and ensure its selection by checking the status bar. Now click the 'choice of sprayer order' drop-down menu and select the order of your choosing (I chose 'Sequentially'). Your motif (object) should now appear in place of your outline.  You can fine tune their spatial distribution and rotation with other options on the object sprayer property bar to achieve the desired effect. Mess around with the options to see what they really do.

This was a new one for me and I think it might be what you want too! Thanks again for the excellent answer, Alice.