Grid pattern fill squares different colors to create artwork

[theoriginalmel]

hello,

i would like to autogenerate a grid (rectangular grid tool maybe?) with about 20x20 squares and then use the grid as a template to create artwork, kind of like a checkerboard. i would like to be able to fill each square with different colors and then delete the grid to be left with just the squares of color. is this possible? 

thank you for your support!

m

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

You can create a rectangle of 200 X 200

Select Object > Path > Split Into Grid and use 20 horizontal Rows and 20 vertical Columns and start coloring

[theoriginalmel]

thank you!!!! 😄 

lifesaver

[Mike_Gondek · Accepted solution]

Option-click the rectangular grid tool.

Use Pathfinder Palette >> Divide

You can use the random fill script if you like.

[theoriginalmel]

thank you!!!

always appreciative of this support!

[theoriginalmel]

so, using your suggestion i've got a grid. i used ton's way as well.

in either case, i'd like to now try to create outlined boxes, so instead of fill different boxes, only have some outlined with a stroke. so i have this pattern but id like to try it with each square only outlined, not filled. (attached)

paint bucket is a fill and so i think it can only be used in this way.

and the grid doesnt seem to let me select each square.

any ideas?

ya'll are amazing!

[theoriginalmel]

so, using your suggestion i've got a grid. i used ton's way as well.

in either case, i'd like to now try to create outlined boxes, so instead of fill different boxes, only have some outlined with a stroke. so i have this pattern but id like to try it with each square only outlined, not filled. (attached)

paint bucket is a fill and so i think it can only be used in this way.

and the grid doesnt seem to let me select each square.

any ideas?

ya'll are amazing!

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

The Paint Bucket can also color strokes. Just double click the Paint Bucket in the Tools panel for options.

[tromboniator · Accepted solution]

If you want to do this procedure multiple times you can make either Ton or Mike's procedure into an action (Window menu > Actions opens the panel) that can produce the desired grid quickly. With the grid selected, click inside it with the Live Paint Bucket Tool to color a square and establish a Live Paint Group. You may want to have the Swatches panel open to quickly select colors as you proceed. When you are finished coloring, go to Object menu > Live Paint > Expand, then ungroup. Select the remaining uncolored grid and delete.

Peter

[theoriginalmel]

great idea!!!

thank you!!

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear you found the suggestions helpful.