Rotation Precision

[leandro.b]

Is there any way to increase rotation accuracy in Illustrator?
It rounds off after the first decimal place.

Imput value:

Result:

[Bill Silbert]

I don't believe that there is but given that the human eye can't even register the minute difference in rotational angle you're talking about I am wondering why you have the need for this? Or is this purely an academic exercise?

[leandro.b]

Hi Bill,

I'm working with some accurate instrument dials.
I agree that a single step doesn't make much difference for the human eye. But when you duplicate the angle, you duplicate the error. At the end of the scale you have a considerable difference.

[Jacob Bugge]

Leandro,

To see that Illy (job description Adobe Illustrator) gives you the full accuracy that you give her, you can do this, Smart Guides being your friends:

1) Create a square, then apply Object>Transform>Rotate and insert 7.1875, and press Enter;

2) Hold Ctrl/Cmd and press D thrice, this will give a total of 4 rotations;

3) With the Line Segment Tool ClickDrag left to right along the lower side from Anchor Point to Anchor Point, snapping to both;

4) DoubleClick somewhere on the Artboard with the Line Segment Tool, and enjoy the 28.75 degrees = 4 * 7.185 degrees; 4*7.19 = 28.76.

And remember to never insert the rounded value, always use the fullest possible value, or even better if applicable, the exact value.

How did you arrive at 7.185? I believe you may be able to get closer still.

[Jacob Bugge]

Leandro,

Looking at your dial, to elaborate on my other post, you can simply insert the following value for each rotation step:

[Angle covered]/[number of marks/ticks/tick marks/whatever you call them, not counting the original one (much as when you make a blend or a grid)].

Or maybe more conveniently, just make the rotation as an effect with the same number of copies, then expand.

From your dial it looks like something close to 360/50, but that is 7.2, so I believe your dial is a certain fraction of a full circle.

[leandro.b]

Hi Jacob, thanks for your support!

This specific dial has 230 degrees with 32 subdivisions (7,1875 each).
It's just an example. I have other versions with the same issue.
But I believe I can achieve the results I need with the workarounds you shared. Thanks!

Anyway, I think would be very useful if Adobe could add more precision to the rotation tool.
I suspect it is not an isolated case.

[Jacob Bugge]

You are welcome, Leandro.

I can see that the numbers give an exact value in this case, but even in such a case I find it easier (and safer) to let Illy do the calculation (and she is always eager to help); in other words, just insert 230/32 instead of using a calculator or dividing in your head/by hand (with the danger of mishitting the right number keys).

"I think would be very useful if Adobe could add more precision to the rotation tool."

I have no recollection of any case where Illy has failed with regard to rotation precision when the calculation has been left to her.

We have had a great number of cases concerning accurate instrument dials with all sorts of different challenges (including adatation to replicate/improve old existing dials and similar, including amazingly different shapes).

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Check out CADtools from HotDoor.com. I'm not sure if it will do exactly what you want, but it would be worth checking out.