7 Replies Latest reply on Jul 30, 2009 11:38 PM by [scott]

more precise control over scatter pattern brush

gabbi Jul 30, 2009 1:28 PM

I am looking for a way to specify scaling of a symbol over a portion of a path. I was thinking that there might be a way throught the scatter brush but I just started using it and I'm not sure. I want the symbols to be aligned to the path otherwise I could use a symbol sprayer and then scale in the portions that need more scaling...But ideally there would be a way to use a another curve to describe (think law curve?) how the items get scales along the path. If they were the same length then the curve would resemble the profile of the items once scaled...

any ideas?

1. Re: more precise control over scatter pattern brush

Wade_Zimmerman Jul 30, 2009 1:41 PM (in response to gabbi)

Perhaps you are looking to do a blend then make the curve path then use the command to replace the spine.

That is One instance to the largest size then another at a distance to the smallest size you Object>Blend Blend Option to specify the number of steps
and then make the blend Object>Blend>Make Blend and then draw the curve you want it to follow path, select both the path and the blend and then go back to Object>Blend>Replace Spine.
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2. Re: more precise control over scatter pattern brush

gabbi Jul 30, 2009 2:27 PM (in response to Wade_Zimmerman)

yes, except that the blend is a non linear one, more of a gaussian easing in and out. - a bell shaped curve to control scaling. sounds like it might be easier to just do it manually.....
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3. Re: more precise control over scatter pattern brush

Wade_Zimmerman Jul 30, 2009 3:18 PM (in response to gabbi)

I think you can do it without any real problems but I am not certain I understand the way you are wording things to be honest.

http://mysite.verizon.net/wzphoto/Blend.mov
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4. Re: more precise control over scatter pattern brush

[scott] Jul 30, 2009 6:07 PM (in response to Wade_Zimmerman)

Envelopes....

If you want to scale a set of Symbols to a specific shape rather than path you can use and Envelope to control the scaling in conjunction with the Symbol tools.

Like so...

This was done quick and easy to show the basic premise of scaling to a shape rather than just along a path.

Here's a quick movie to show how....

Click here

Probably won't work for every need.. but may come in handy.
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5. Re: more precise control over scatter pattern brush

gabbi Jul 30, 2009 9:04 PM (in response to gabbi)

thanks to both of you for your attentive help.

I would say that the envelope strategy is more like what I'm after, the only missing piece is needing the symbols to be aligned at one edge along a path - think trees in profile or elevation along a orlling hillside - one curve defines the profile of the hill and another would decsribe the height of the trees relative to the ground...maybe i can fake it with the symbol sprayer by sifting enough so they look more or less aligned...or ...is there a way to go in and manually adjust symbol positions once sprayed - and without expanding its apparance?
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6. Re: more precise control over scatter pattern brush

Wade_Zimmerman Jul 30, 2009 9:30 PM (in response to gabbi)

Well that sounds like you can do it with a simple blend I see no ned
to use the sprayer why the great desire to use the spreader?

Wait a second you just want an envelope distort make with mesh that is all you need.

And you can edit the content as well.
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7. Re: more precise control over scatter pattern brush

[scott] Jul 30, 2009 11:38 PM (in response to Wade_Zimmerman)

I think Wade's correct, a simple blend would do it.

Small symbol - large symbol - small symbol.. select all three Object > Blend Make.

You could use the Envelope method as well.. but the end result is different.
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