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FauxtoGuy
Inspiring
October 1, 2018
Answered

Live Symmetrical drawing?

  • October 1, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 2411 views

Is there still no symmetry tool in Illustrator, or have I just missed it?  I and others have requested this for years. Such basic necessity.

I see that using the Effects > Distort & Transform > Reflect creates a copy, that can be ADDED TO or altered in real time. But this seems to only work if the pen tool connects to the existing path. If I begin a NEW path, it is not automatically reflected -but I was informed that this should work. I suspect I'm missing something on this.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Monika Gause

    You can apply the effect to a layer and then it will work that way.

    Symmetrical pattern with default Illustrator functions on Vimeo

    1 reply

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    October 1, 2018

    You can apply the effect to a layer and then it will work that way.

    Symmetrical pattern with default Illustrator functions on Vimeo

    MarshyNav
    MarshyNav
    Known Participant
    April 29, 2021

    This doesn't show what settings or tool you're using.

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 29, 2021

    Most importantly: if you have version 2021.2, then symmetry is built-in.

     

    If you have a lower version:

    Draw a guide line in the exact center of your artboard.

    Draw a rectangle exactly to the left of it, that covers half the artboard

    Make this rectangle a clipping mask for the layer by using the "Make mask" button in the layers panel

    Draw a rectangle that is exactly the size of your whole artboard and make it invisible (no fill, no stroke)

    Target the layer and apply Effect > Distort & transform > Transform

    Make 1 copy and flip x

     

    Then you can draw on the left side of the layer and it will be mirrored.

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