..or how to create "speedometer" or "clock". Part 1.
Hi. This simple tutorial is about how to distribute objects around the circle. You may need this operation to create "speedometer" or "clock" in Illustrator.... Like this:
First of all let's create circle (this is not mandatory, but make clear what size we will get) ...
...and line. We will use it as "scale".
Align them.
Now select our future scale and then select the "Rotate tool".
Only line (scale) must be selected.
Press "Alt" (and hold it) and click right in the center of the circle.
Dialog window will appear. Enter the angle of the rotation and press "Copy" button.
One copy of your scale Illustrator will create automatically, other you can create by pressing "Ctrl+D".
Use "Ctrl+D" until you will get as much lines as you need.
There are situations, when you need exact quantity of lines arount the circle (we need 12 for clock for example). Simple trick will help us with this.
Now let's start from beginning.
- Create circle and line
- Align them
- Select only line
- Select "Rotate tool"
- Press "Alt" and hold it
- Click in the center of the circle
Dialog window will appear. Now we need some easy knowledge from geometry.
As is known, whole our circle has 360o. Now you need to divide your 360o to 12 (for clock).
Enter "360/12" into the "Angle" field and press "Copy" button.
Use "Ctrl+D" until you will get all 12 lines.
Done!
Now let's group objects.
Let's create intermediate lines for our scale. Create line (smaller then previous one). I made red one.
Repeat all steps again, but this time enter "360/48" into the "Angle" field and press "Copy" button. Then "Ctrl+D".
Delete unnecessary lines and ... finished!
I hope this tutorial was helpful.
Thenk you for reading this and good luck!