Cloner
✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.
Script for Adobe Illustrator
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Overview
Cloner is a powerful Adobe Illustrator script that allows you to create multiple copies of selected objects in various patterns. Whether you need to create a line of objects, a grid, a circular arrangement, a spiral, random scattering, or wave patterns, Cloner simplifies this process with an intuitive interface.
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Installation
1. Download the Cloner.jsx script file.
2. Place the script in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:
⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
3. Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running.
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Using Cloner
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Getting Started
- Open your document in Adobe Illustrator.
- Select the object(s) you want to clone.
- Run the script by going to File > Scripts > Cloner.
- The Cloner dialog will appear with various pattern options.
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Common Controls
- Preview: Check this box to see a live preview of your pattern as you adjust settings.
- Hide/Show Edges: Toggle the visibility of object edges for better visualization.
- OK: Apply the pattern and close the dialog.
- Cancel: Close the dialog without applying changes.
- ✚ : Automatically zoom the document view to fit your selection.
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Pattern Types
The Cloner script offers six pattern types, each with its own set of parameters:
- Linear - Creates copies in a straight line with options for spacing, rotation, and scaling.
- Grid - Arranges copies in rows and columns with customizable spacing.
- Radial - Places copies in a circular pattern with control over radius and angle range.
- Spiral - Distributes copies in a spiral formation with adjustable distance and spread.
- Random - Scatters copies randomly within a defined area with optional rotation and scaling.
- Wave - Positions copies along various wave patterns (Sine, Cosine, Triangle, Square).
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➊ Linear Pattern
Creates copies in a straight line.
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- Count: Number of copies to create.
- Horizontal: Horizontal spacing between copies.
- Vertical: Vertical spacing between copies.
- Link Horizontal & Vertical: Keep horizontal and vertical spacing equal.
- Twist: Rotation angle applied gradually to copies.
- Scale: Size change increment for each copy.
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➋ Grid Pattern
Creates copies arranged in rows and columns.
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- Rows: Number of rows in the grid
- Columns: Number of columns in the grid.
- Link Rows & Columns: Keep rows and columns equal.
- Horizontal: Horizontal spacing between columns.
- Vertical: Vertical spacing between rows.
- Link Horizontal & Vertical: Keep horizontal and vertical spacing equal.
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➌ Radial Pattern
Creates copies arranged in a circle around the center point.
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- Count: Number of objects around the circle.
- Radius: Distance from center to objects.
- Start Angle: Beginning angle (in degrees, 0-360).
- End Angle: Ending angle (in degrees, 0-360).
- Orientation: How objects are rotated along the circular path:
- Keep original orientation: Objects maintain their original rotation.
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Rotate along path: Objects rotate to follow the circle (like text on a circle).
- Rotate along path (reversed): Objects rotate in the opposite direction.
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➍ Spiral Pattern
Creates copies arranged in a spiral pattern from the center.
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- Count: Number of objects along the spiral.
- Distance: Maximum distance from the center.
- Spread: Angular spread of the spiral (in degrees).
- Twist: Rotation angle applied progressively to the objects as they spiral outward.
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➎ Random Pattern
Creates copies with random positions within a defined area.
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- Count: Number of randomly positioned objects.
- Width: Width of the distribution area.
- Height: Height of the distribution area.
- Random Rotation: Apply random rotation to objects.
- Random Scale: Apply random scaling (50%-150%) to objects.
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➏ Wave Pattern
Creates copies arranged in a wave pattern.
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- Count: Number of objects along the wave.
- Distance: Horizontal spacing between objects.
- Amplitude: Height of the wave.
- Period: Number of complete wave cycles.
- Wave Type: Shape of the wave (Sine, Cosine, Triangle, Square).
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Tips and Tricks
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- Use the sliders for quick adjustments or enter precise values in the text fields.
- Use the arrow keys (↑/↓) to fine-tune values in text fields.
- Hold Shift while using arrow keys for larger increments (jumps of 5 instead of 1).
- The preview feature helps you see changes in real-time.
- For precise placement, start with fewer copies and adjust settings.
- The Zoom to Fit button (✚) helps you see your entire pattern.
- Use the Hide/Show Edges toggle to better visualize complex patterns.
- Link spacing options ensure consistent spacing in both directions.
- For more information, click the ⏼ Open User Guide icon.
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☻ Conclusion
The Cloner script puts advanced pattern creation at your fingertips, transforming what would be tedious, manual work into a streamlined, intuitive process. With its six versatile pattern types and extensive customization options, you can quickly create complex arrangements that would otherwise take hours to build manually.
Whether you're designing decorative borders, creating geometric patterns, arranging elements in a circular logo, or distributing objects in an organic layout, Cloner provides the flexibility and precision you need.
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