How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut

Copying and pasting an object in Adobe Illustrator does not create a new layer. This is because the duplicated object only remains on the same layer where you are copying from. In this article, learn how to easily duplicate a layer in Adobe Illustrator.

How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut

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How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut
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How to Duplicate a Layer in Adobe Illustrator

Duplicating a layer in your artwork or design is an efficient way to keep your work organized and avoid mistakes. Below are simple steps that you can follow if you to duplicate a layer to your design or illustration.

  • Step 1: Make a Layer

    How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut

    Open a document of your design or illustration. Then, make the first layer where the objects of your work are placed together.

  • Step 2: Drag, Hold and Release the Layer

    How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut

    If you want to iterate your design, keep it semi-organized, and duplicate layers to avoid crossing over each other and to give you a little more customization in your work, click the layer you want to duplicate and hold it. Drag it to the gray space and you will notice a plus icon with the hand, and release it in the area.

  • Step 3: Drag the Layer to the New Layer Button

    How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut

    There is another way to duplicate the layer for your work. So, drag the layer you want to duplicate to the New Layer Button located at the bottom right of the Layers panel, and then, you will have a duplicate layer.

FAQs

What is the shortcut to duplicate a layer in Adobe Illustrator?

If you need to duplicate a selected layer in Illustrator, use either of two keyboard shortcuts: ‘Ctrl+J’ or ‘Alt+(any up/down/left/right arrow)’.

What is a duplicate layer in Illustrator?

A duplicate layer is a new layer with an identical copy of the active layer to the image or design.

How to repeat and duplicate in Illustrator?

Type Ctrl + D until you have a line of duplicates across your canvas or you can repeatedly select Object – Transform – Transform Again.

Why is Ctrl + D not working in Illustrator?

Check if the Ctrl + D is the default shortcut on your computer located in the Keyboard Shortcuts in the Product Area > File Menu.

Duplicating objects in Illustrator makes it easy create patterns, build complex designs, and save endless hours by not creating the same shapes and graphics over and over again.

As you use Illustrator more and more, you will find yourself copying objects within your projects so often, that the shortcuts will become second nature to you.

You can duplicate objects and layers inside Illustrator several different ways, by using simple drag-and-drop techniques or one of several other features inside the platform.

In this Illustrator tutorial, you are going to learn a super quick and easy way to duplicate any object. This shortcut will speed up your workflow as well as keep consistent spacing between objects. It is perfect for designing absolutely anything! We will use this technique by designing a ‘to do’ list in Illustrator.

Step 1 - Create the Objects you want Duplicated

Start by drawing up your design, We created a title at the top of our list using the Black Pearl font duo. If you need further information we have a very helpful tutorial onusing fonts in Illustrator.

How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut

Then add the elements that you will want to duplicate. We used the Rectangle Tool to draw a tick box and the pen tool in Illustrator to draw a straight line.

How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut

Step 2 - Quickly Duplicate your Objects

Select all the objects you want to duplicate. In this case we wanted to duplicate the check box and line.

How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut

Then click and drag your objects to where you can want while holding down Shift + Alt.

Alt will create the duplication while Shift will keep the alignment of your shapes.

How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut

You can quickly create multiple duplications of your object by pressing Cmd + D. Illustrator will space out your duplicated objects according to your previous duplication. This means no more worrying about correctly spacing your objects.

Carry on to create as many duplicates as needed. We created duplicates to fill our To do list.

How to duplicate an object in Illustrator shortcut

As quick as that your objects have been duplicated. This technique works great for personalized projects, important lists and even creating designs.




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How to duplicate in Adobe Illustrator?

Duplicate is one of the most common commands in Illustrator, and it’s especially useful for creating copies of objects or elements. To duplicate an object or element in Illustrator, follow these steps: 1. Select the object or element you want to duplicate. 2. Click the Copy button (C) in the Illustrator toolbar. 3. Go to Website Builders

How do I copy and paste in illustrator?

The easiest way to copy and paste in Illustrator is to first select the objects you want to duplicate. Next, navigate to Edit > Copy and then Edit > Paste. The shortcut key to copy in Illustrator is Command + C on Mac and Ctrl + C on Windows. The shortcut key to paste in Illustrator is Command + V on Mac and Ctrl + V on Windows.

How to duplicate an object in AutoCAD?

Duplicate objects by using the Layers panel. You can quickly duplicate objects, groups, and entire layers by using the Layers panel. Select the items you want to duplicate in the Layers panel.

How do I create multiple copies of an object in illustrator?

You can quickly create multiple duplications of your object by pressing Cmd + D. Illustrator will space out your duplicated objects according to your previous duplication. This means no more worrying about correctly spacing your objects. Carry on to create as many duplicates as needed.

How do I quickly duplicate in Illustrator?

You can also use the keyboard shortcut for Duplicate, CMD+D (Mac), or CTRL+D (Windows), to quickly duplicate objects or elements in Illustrator. PRO TIP: There is no shortcut for Duplicating in Illustrator. To duplicate an object, select the object and choose Edit > Duplicate.

How do you duplicate and repeat in Illustrator?

First, select the object, path, or shape you want to repeat. Then, use the keyboard shortcut ( Command + R ) to duplicate the object, path, or shape. You can also right-click ( Control + click ) the object, path, or shape and select Duplicate from the shortcut menu.