Rotate object & keep original orientation

[Vectorgeek]

I was trying to rotate an object 360 degrees around a center point like a clock face yet keep the original object orientation.  I thought I had it figured out by grouping the object and resetting the bounding box. It worked on my workstation with a same version. After rotation I could click on the Transform panel and set the object angle to zero. When I tried tonight it just doesn't work. As soon as you rotate the object the bounding box resets to zero.

I am stumped.

[angie_taylor]

This is a case where expressions would help. We have them in After Effects. I’d love them in Illustrator too! 🙂

I was also wondering whether the Transform effect would be of any use in this situation? Could you apply two instances of it? Where one could override the other?

[jane-e]

theangietaylor  wrote

I was also wondering whether the Transform effect would be of any use in this situation? Could you apply two instances of it? Where one could override the other?

You can apply multiple Appearances, which include Transform effects, in the Appearance panel.

Override the other? I'm not sure what you are trying to do?

You can also put Appearances, including Transformations, on multiple fills and strokes.

[angie_taylor]

Yes, thank you. I’m aware that you can add multiple instances. I’m suggesting that a solution to the issue above could be to apply the Transform effect twice. One to Rotate the objects around the circle and the other to give each the opposite rotation. In essence, cancelling out the initial rotation. I’m not in front of Illustrator so can’t try it out.

[Ton Frederiks]

Yes, Angie. I think the Appearance Panel could use some improvement in that area.

Maybe borrow ideas from this 4 year old sneak peak:

Adobe MAX 2014 Sneaks: #ProjectPara | Adobe Creative Cloud - YouTube

[angie_taylor]

Thanks, I’ll check it out 🙂

[angie_taylor]

The other thing that occurred to me was that you could possibly do this by aligning the circles to a path? Would the blend tool allow you to do this? It has alignment options? What do you think Ton?

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

Hi Angie,

Look at answer #3. It's exactly what you're asking about. Including a video: http://www.jeffwitchel.net/2011/11/blend-tips/

Best,

Jeff

[angie_taylor]

Ah, thanks Jeff! 🙂 I missed that one! 🙂