Chosing how many times to repeat actions instead of keeping clicking Ctrl+D ?

[Modhaffar]

When working with patterns I usually copy and paste the same object several times. I have no problem with doing this 2 or 10 times. But some patterns require 48 or more repetitions, this becomes a chore over time, plus possibly not counting right.

The transform window won't always give the disired result unfortunately, so I'm looking for another solution

[Mylenium]

You would/ could write a script for that.

Mylenium

[Modhaffar]

Can I do that in illustrator? Or do I need a 3rd-party software/ad-on?

[Jacob Bugge]

Modhaffar,

You may use the Transform under Effects, setting the move and number (and you can repeat it in another direction); and then you can Expand Appearance to have all instances instead of just one, or leave it at one if applicable for straightforward editing, or consider a Symbol.

All depending on further use.

[Jacob Bugge]

Modhaffar,

"Can I do that in illustrator?"

You can make the script in a simple text editor, or hope that someone has already made, or will make, such a script and that someone can link to it; and then you can call the script directly with no (other) application.

Any scripting friend?

Have you considered/tried the Effect suggestion?

[hubgobllin]

Here's some simple script. It needs single object to be selected and format of input followed.

Note that it won't work as expected with objects with opacity masks.

If any other issues I could help further

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Gj5AcM54gvcSA_iIk1-7arewbSBAFqt4

[Jacob Bugge]

hubgoblin,

I always wonder how (one of) yous can always come to the rescue so quickly after (some)one has asked for it.

[hubgobllin]

Thanks Jacob.

I don't know. I'm new here 🙂

[Jacob Bugge]

All the more wondrous, hubgoblin.

And welcome to these friendly forums.

[pixxxelschubser]

Hi @hubgobllin,

nice try. I like it.

😉

(Do you know that you can post code snippets directly here in the forum.)

eg

alert("Hello world");

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@Modhaffar,

an editable "non-scripting-solution" could be a simple transform effect.