Workflow Question: Mirror/Duplicate certain sections of an artboard on another artboard?

Question

Project: I'm developing a web based sports jersey designer that uses SVG textures on a 3D model to show customers different jersey designs.Problem: I need to create a user facing 2D SVG that looks like a jersey that is based on my 3D model's awkward looking 2D texture. Customer taps on the 2D thumbnail to load the texture on the 3D model.Illustrator Question: What functions in Illustrator do I need to get to understand that would allow me to mirror/copy certain parts of my 3D model's texture artboard onto another artboard that creates a 2D jersey thumbnail? Can you mirror/duplicate certain portions of an artboard and arrange them on a second art board somehow?Any tutorial videos or simple feature shout outs would help me start digging into this! Thanks!Attached is an example of my 3D model texture and a sample of the 2D thumbnail that I would like to be automatically create from the 3D texture.

sharp_hands16B8 · Accepted Answer

If I'm understanding you correctly here's what I would try.

1) If you have two artboards created make sure you put them edge to edge, as if they have a spine between two pages. You can use the artboard selection tool and look at the X/Y position values to make sure they are mathematically aligned.

2) Select the layer, which effects both artboards, and apply a Effect > Transform appearance property. Set it to Reflect (X or Y) and how many copies you need. Presumably 1. When selecting it, use the cursor in the right edge of the layer panel to the right of the layer name to select it. This isn't highlighting the layer, this is actually selecting the layer objects and everyone on that layer.

3) Draw an outer frame around both artboards (this is the important part) and make sure it is centered both vertically and horizontally around both artboards. In my screenshot it's bright red. Leave this frame here, it can be bigger than the artboards if you are worried about it getting in the way of print, etc. But it must be centered over both.

4) Anytime you draw on the left page, it will now automatically reflect on the right page.

I'm attaching an Illustrator file for you to play with, download it here: reflective-artboard.ai.zip - Google Drive

See the screenshot below. You can see I have the layer selected, it's properties are being shown with a transform value, and the transform settings are up for you to see.

I hope that helps.

@lifebypixels

angie_taylor · Answer

I also recommend the Transform effect. The great thing about it is that all changes remain “live” meaning you can tweak the settings by going to the Apperance panel and double-clicking it to edit it. I use it a lot to reflect artwork or to make any repeating shapes Or patterns. One thing that frustrates me is that the Preview checkbox is off when you open it though, make sure to check this to get live feedback on changes.

here’s a tutorial on the Transform effect;

Using the Transform effect to repeat shapes

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