How to scatter objects along a path or randomly

Scattering objects, either along a path or at random, has several routes in Vectornation by Zaweba. Scatter brushes spread copies of artwork along any path you draw. The Symbol sprayer sprays symbols across the page like paint. The Scatter tool scatters copies, and the Repeater tool lays them out in a row, grid or circle. Which one you choose depends on how much order you want.

Scattering is how designers fill a sky with stars, put confetti on an invitation, line a border with leaves or cover a background with icons, without placing each copy by hand.

Along a path with a scatter brush

A scatter brush is a brush made from artwork. Paint or draw a path with it and copies of the artwork are spread along the path. Draw a gentle curve with a leaf scatter brush and you get a trailing vine. Draw a wavy line with a star brush and you get a shooting star trail.

Because the path stays a path, you can reshape it later and the scattered copies follow. Change the brush artwork and every copy changes.

Scatter brushes are one of the brush types in Vectornation, alongside calligraphic, art, pattern and bristle.

Spraying with the Symbol sprayer

For areas rather than lines, use symbols. A symbol is artwork stored once and placed many times. The Symbol sprayer sprays instances of a symbol over the page as you drag.

It has seven companion tools for adjusting the sprayed instances afterwards, working on groups of them at once rather than one by one, so a sprayed cluster can be pushed into shape. The Symbol libraries include 34 original symbols to start with, and your own artwork can become a symbol too. Replace symbol swaps the artwork in every instance for a different symbol.

Since every instance points to the same symbol, a file with hundreds of sprayed objects stays light, and editing the symbol updates them all.

The Scatter and Repeater tools

The Scatter tool scatters copies of a selected object. It suits quick random arrangements, such as dots on a background or particles round a heading.

The Repeater tool is the orderly option. It repeats artwork in a row, a grid or a circle. Use the circle mode for a ring of shapes around a logo, or a grid for regular icon backgrounds.

Which method for which job

Use a scatter brush when the objects should follow a line. Use the Symbol sprayer when you want a natural looking spread over an area and may need to adjust it by feel. Use the Scatter tool for a quick random spread of a single object. Use the Repeater, or Object > Repeat with its live Radial, Grid and Mirror repeats, when you want regular spacing.

Making it look natural

Random scattering often needs some help. Real scatters vary in size, angle and colour, so mix two or three versions of the object. Symbol options include dynamic symbols where fill, stroke and opacity can vary per instance, which helps sprayed objects look less uniform.

Keep a clear area for text. A scatter that runs behind words makes them hard to read. Delete or move instances away from the text, or put a solid shape behind it.

Leave margins. Objects cut off at the edge of a printed page look accidental unless the scatter clearly runs off the edge on purpose.

Placing fifty stars by hand is tedious. Vectornation by Zaweba gives you brushes, symbols and tools that put them where you want in a few strokes, and keeps them easy to change.