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Dave_Draws
Inspiring
November 10, 2022
Answered

Can I copy a set of objects to a new background as an instance that changes with the original?

  • November 10, 2022
  • 5 replies
  • 417 views

I am designing a logo that has to look good against both a black and white background.

 

The simplest way to do this is to simply work on a white background, and put a black rectangle behind my artwork. I can then turn the black rectangle on and off to check out the logo looks against white or black.

 

However, if possible, I'd like to be able to see changes against both color backgrounds simultaneously.

 

I'm not sure of the exact terms, but I'd like to be able to create an instance copy of my artwork, where the copy will update to match any changes to the original. Then I can put that instance on a different background and see them both at the same time. Like this:

 

Is it possible to do anything like this in Illustrator?

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Kurt Gold

Another way is to set up two windows of the same file (see Window menu > New Window), arrange them side by side, draw a black (background) rectangle on a separate layer and hide that layer in just one of the two windows.

 

Now you can see any changes simultaneously, no matter what window is the active one.

 

5 replies

Mylenium
Legend
November 10, 2022

Oh yes, another cool solution. I always forget that you can have multiple document views because I never use them... 🙂

 

Mylenium

Kurt Gold
Community Expert
Kurt GoldCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
November 10, 2022

Another way is to set up two windows of the same file (see Window menu > New Window), arrange them side by side, draw a black (background) rectangle on a separate layer and hide that layer in just one of the two windows.

 

Now you can see any changes simultaneously, no matter what window is the active one.

 

Doug A Roberts
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 10, 2022

I love how useful doubling up on windows can be.

Mylenium
Legend
November 10, 2022

That's a neat trick! 🙂

 

Mylenium

Doug A Roberts
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 10, 2022

I don't see why a symbol wouldn't work (it will update after you exit isolation mode). But perhaps a Transform effect if you want it to update live?

 

Mylenium
Legend
November 10, 2022

You could create symbols and replace their usage, but even they don't update interactively, so more or less the answer to your question is a big fat "No".

 

Mylenium