Fast, easy Patterns

Creating quick, easy patterns without using the Pattern panel. This uses a few Effects and the Appearance Panel to quickly change the look of these patterns. 

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Start with any object or shape. It can be an open line or a closed shape. 

Select the shape and choose Effect>Distort & Transform> Transform.

Set the Move section - Horizontal to 20 mm to offset the shape. Set the number of copies at the bottom of the Transform Panel. Click OK. This will create a set of duplicate shapes. 

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Duplicate the first shape using COMMAND + D. Create several duplicates. 

Select all the shapes, add a Pucker & Bloat filter from the Effect menu. Effect>Distort & Transform>Bloat at 50%.

This creates a quick pattern.

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Edit the Pucker & Bloat to make quick changes to the shapes. 

This is a Pucker added to the circle. 

To edit the effect easily, edit the Effect in the Appearance Panel. 

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Try different Pucker & Bloat effects.

Try adding a Zig Zag. 

This is the Zig Zag with rounded corners. 

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Try a staggered set of circles. 

Add a Warp Effect, in this case with a Fish Warp

This creates a scale pattern like a fish.

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Try some triangle shapes. 

Apply a Pucker Effect.

This makes some nice integrated patterns. 

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Set the Align Stroke to the inside of the shape. 

This will create a very cool flying triangle pattern. 

When all the shapes are created, you can Expand the shapes into actual shapes (not a shape with an effect on it). Select the shapes and choose Object>Expand Appearance.