Blend distance relative to object size

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
June 16, 2022
5 replies
1285 views

I am trying to get a blend out of objects that fluently increase in size, however I would like to keep the distance in between the same. Currently when selecting " Blend Options/Specified Ditance" it takes the center of each object as a reference, when de objects increase in size this ditance stays the same.
The only way to create the same ditance from the edges of each object is to expand the blend and use the "Align/ Distribute spacing" action which doiesn't allow me to specify the distance.
is there a way to specify the distance in between blending objects?

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Correct answer Mario Arizmendi

As Ton suggested, you can:

Expand the blend
Ungroup
Keep all selected and then click over the first element to set the key object
Set align to key object preference
Enter the desired value
Click Horizontal distribute space
Done

Met1

Brainiac

A blend has a start point and an end point - a specific length - a specific gap between objects requires a fluid length.

I can't see how you can do both, unless the math is exactly right for a specific situation.

T

tone39979954Author

Participating Frequently

I have worked with other programs (I believe it was Rhino) that had a option like a blend, it recognised the shape and size of the blend objects in between and allowed to specified the distance in between these objects without expanding the blend.
If the distances of objects did not match the total distance of the start point and end point it just changed the start and end points distance by moving these.

Mario ArizmendiCorrect answer

Brainiac

As Ton suggested, you can:

Expand the blend
Ungroup
Keep all selected and then click over the first element to set the key object
Set align to key object preference
Enter the desired value
Click Horizontal distribute space
Done

Monika Gause

Community Expert

That's what he's doing already.

Met1

Brainiac

And it works, I'm not understanding what the problem is. Unless this is a precursor to a more elaborate blend on a curve for example.

Jacob Bugge

Community Expert

tone,

Until the requested feature is implemented, or till the end of time, whichever occurs first, you can:

1) Start out with a more widely spaced Blend of dereasing circle size (enough to ensure alternating circles in the following, you can deselect and ShiftClickDrag one of original circles with the Direct Selection Tool to adjust);

2) Add a corresponding Blend with a constant circle size equalling the desired Spacing and with one less Step;

3) Centre Align the two Blends, Release both and Ungroup both;

4) Distribute Spacing with 0 distance;

5) Delete the Spacing size circles.

Click Here to see in Chrome

This must be doable with a script or an action.

Scripting friends?

Action friends?

Kurt Gold

Community Expert

Probably one could hammer some actions together, Jacob, but at the moment I think that Ton's suggestion is just a straightforward way to go.

I'm not quite sure why tone claims that Horizontal Distribute Spacing wouldn't allow to specify the distance. It actually does allow it, unless I miss some special requirements.