Placing objects along a path in Vectornation by Zaweba
Objects on path in Vectornation by Zaweba spaces artwork evenly or in sequence along a path, turns it to follow, and keeps it attached when the path changes.
Type on a path is familiar to most designers. Objects on a path is the same idea for artwork: beads on a necklace, lights along a string, stitches round a badge, footprints across a map, fence posts along a winding road. In Vectornation by Zaweba you reach it through Object, Other objects, Objects on path, Attach.
It places objects along a path and keeps them there.
Placing the objects
Attach places objects evenly or one after another along the path. Evenly spreads them out with equal spacing along its length, which suits beads, lights and stitches. One after another places them in sequence, which suits a row of different items, such as a series of icons along a timeline.
The objects are turned to follow the path, so they lean with its curves, the way a train follows a track. You can choose whether each object's centre or its bottom sits on the path, and set an offset to move them away from it.
Bottoms on the path is right for things that stand on a line, such as trees along a hill or houses along a road. Centres on the path suits things threaded on a line, such as beads or lights. The offset helps when objects should float a little above or below the line.
They follow the path
Once attached, the objects follow when the path is edited. Reshape the curve and they move with it, staying spaced and turned to match. That is the real strength of the feature. You can adjust the route of a garland or the curve of a timeline without having to reposition every item.
Sliding and releasing
The Path align tool slides objects along the path. Use it to shift the starting point or nudge items into a better position, while they stay attached.
When you no longer want the link, Release frees them. They then become ordinary objects you can move independently.
Jobs it suits
Decorative design is the obvious home: borders, garlands, bunting, necklaces and ornate frames. Maps use it for symbols along routes, such as arrows showing direction, footprints on a trail or markers along a railway. Infographics and timelines use it to set icons along a curved line. Embroidery style badges use it for stitches round the edge.
Tips for good results
Draw the path smoothly first. Bumps and kinks in the path become bumps and kinks in the row of objects. A path tidied with smooth or refit gives a nicer result.
Check the direction of the path. Objects run from the start of the path to the end, so if they appear backwards, reverse the path using the command in Object, Path.
Mind the corners. On tight bends, objects can crowd together on the inside of the curve. Gentler curves or smaller objects help.
Keep the objects simple. Lots of detailed objects along a long path can make the file heavy and busy to the eye.
How it fits with other tools
Repeater and Scatter place copies in rows, grids, circles or loose spreads, but not along a path you draw. Brushes can paint a pattern along a stroke, which suits continuous decoration. Objects on path sits between these, keeping separate, real objects that follow any curve you choose.
For artwork that has to follow a route and keep following it while you change your mind, Objects on path in Vectornation by Zaweba is the tool that saves you rebuilding the row each time.
