andrew's vector plugins volume 4 manual

Andrew's (Vector) Plug-ins Volume 4 - Multi Toolbox / PointsPlug-ins

Introduction

Thanks for your interest in the multitool plug-in toolboxplug-in and the plug-in bonus tool (points tool), I hopeyou find them of use and interest. There are also manyother plugins available on the graphicxtras.com site: inparticular, the vector wand works well in combinationwith this toolset. Any questions, please let me know

NOTE: They are toolbox plugins, they appear in thetoolbox of Illustrator and NOT the filters or objects oreffects menu or any other menu.

Select the plug-ins via the plug-in toolbox and expand outall the plug-ins in the toolbox (CS3 CS2 CS 10)

Select the plug-ins via the plug-in toolbox dropdown atthe bottom of the dialog (CS4)

Andrew

Plug-ins notes for Volume 4 file:///C:/Users/Basic/Products/Documentation%20NOT%20FOR%2...

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Install location for the toolbox plug-ins

Please install the two plug-ins (AIP files) into the plug-insfolder of the host application. To remove, simply removethe plug-ins. The files to install vary from platform andversion. Please use the following examples (alternativelocations exist and you can find more via the Illustratordocumentation)

PC CS4 C:\program files\adobe\adobe illustrator CS4\plug-ins\graphicxtrasPC CS3 C:\program files\adobe\adobe illustrator CS3\plug-ins\graphicxtrasPC CS2/12 c:\programfiles\adobe\adobe illustratorCS2\plug-ins\graphicxtrasPC CS/11 c:\programfiles\adobe\illustrator CS\plug-ins\graphicxtrasPC 10 c:\program files\adobe\illustrator 10\plug-ins\graphicxtras

OS X CS4HD:applications:adobe illustratorCS4:plug-ins:graphicxtrasOS X CS3HD:applications:adobe illustratorCS3:plug-ins:graphicxtrasOS X CS2HD:applications:adobe illustratorCS2:plug-ins:graphicxtrasOS X CS HD:applications:adobe illustrator CS:plug-ins:graphicxtrasOS X 10 HD:applications:adobe illustrator 10:plug-ins:graphicxtras

NOTE If the 'graphicxtras' folder does not exist, simplycreate it in the plug-ins folder or use another foldername. You can also just place the file in the top levelplug-ins folder if you wish but by putting it in a sub foldermakes it easier to find the plugins tools at a later date forupdates / removal / moving to another machine)

NOTE for MAC OS X CS2: please install the entire set offiles / folders in the plug-ins for Illustrator CS2 and notjust individual files etc, the entire set of contents arerequired for the plug-in to work

NOTE for DEMO: If you are using the demo, please notethe plug-in toolkit will only display while you are selectingthe path and dragging the mouse / pen and will vanish onrelease, the full version doesn't do this and keeps thepaths


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Alternate plug-in installation location

Because of recent improvements in security, you maywish to install the plug-in sets in an alternate locationsuch as an user account and not the default plug-in folder.If you are using a basic level account and one withoutadmin features, you might not be able to save the AIPplug-in files to the usual folder. Set up an alternate orsecondary plug-in folder in your user account and thencopy the files there.

1) Go to the edit > preferences > plug-ins

2) Check the additional plug-ins folder option

3) Specify / browse for your required file in your useraccount (such as 'third party plug-ins' etc)


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Trademarks

Illustrator is registered trademark of Adobe. Photoshop isregistered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.We have no connection whatsoever with Adobe SystemsIncorporated. Adobe product screen shot(s) reprintedwith permission from Adobe Systems Incorporated.


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Copyright

The plugins are copyright of 1999-2010, Abneil SoftwareLtd (Andrew Buckle). This product was released by AbneilSoftware ltd (UK based company)

Future updates

Please use the link you were sent (or if not, please storethe serial number or purchase details associated with thisorder) to get future updates

Plug-in page on graphicxtras.com

For more up to date information about the plugin set,http://www.graphicxtras.com/products/aiplugin4.htm

Any questions, please e-mail support [email protected]

The latest copy of the manuals can all be found via thefollowing page, http://www.graphicxtras.com/manuals.htm


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Toolbox

The plug-ins are toolbox plug-ins. As mentioned earlier inthe introduction, they do not appear in the filters or theeffects menu or any menu, they will appear in the lastfew slots of the toolbox.

Tools

CS3 CS2 CS1 10: The plug-in is split across multipleplug-Ins, simply expand the plug-in tool to see all theplugins (CS3 CS2 CS 10)

With CS 4: the multi toolbox plug-in is now a singleplug-in (it was originally 13 sub plug-ins but now toaccess the different plug-in effects, use the plug-in effectsdropdown to swap between tools) (CS4)

The points toolbox plug-in comes as a single plug-in also,again a dropdown sets the various plug-in functionality


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Options

To access all the options for eachtool, double click the icon orpress return (CS3 CS2 CS1 10)

To access the options for eachtool, select the tool and thepalette will appear. If you deleteor close the palette, double clickthe tool to re-display the tool. Tochange between tools, simplyselect the tool from the plug-indropdown (listing all the toolssuch as the paint and spiral andrandom etc) (CS4)

Modifiers (Shift SpaceCommand Ctrl) forMulti-tool

All the tools have variousmodifications (while in use)where you can modify thenumber of copies etc while usingthe tool by holding the shift orthe ctrl / shift or command / shiftkeys down during use. Forexample, the duplication / rowsand columns tool

1) Shift key and ctrl / command combination modifies thehorizontal copies

2) Shift key held down modifies the vertical copies

3) Space key modifies the rotate value

4) Ctrl / command key to stop the trail / trace option

Each tool modifies a copies or rotation etc value and thiscan be useful to interactively change the settings (withouthaving to go to the dialog by double clicking the icon).The interactive setting can be a blessing as well as acurse as if you accidentally hold down the shift key, theplug-in will update the setting and instead of 10 copiesyou might find that you are dealing with 100 copies. Holdthe shift etc down generally also returns the value to alower value but if the shift etc is still held down the valuewill still keep on increasing or decreasing.


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General use / issues

The plug-ins both work in the samebasic way, select an object ormultiple objects and then drag whileholding the mouse or art pen downand then the end shapes will appearon releasing the mouse / lifting thepen. The toolbox plug-in can beused with a path or multiple pathsor symbols or images or mesh ortext included in a symbol (you canalso include an entire page of textas a symbol and then use thetoolbox plugins to manipulate textthat way).

WARNING: The plug-in can also beused with (non symbol) text in AI 10but the plugin toolbox can no longeruse text in CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4 as thetext features changed with CS1. Thismay change in future releases of theplugin but at present, any attemptto select text and apply the tool willresult in an error or no change.

WARNING: Some toolboxfunctionality will not work withimages or symbols or meshes orgradients such as the manipulationof points or colors or stroke etc asthese Illustrator elements do notinclude points or fill / stroke etc andtherefore any attempt to changethem are ignored. Again, this maychange with future releases of the plugin. Future releasesof the plugin set also might include additional types ofpath.


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Buttons

OK : Sets the values (CS3 CS2 CS1 10). This is no longerincluded in the plugin set (CS4) as the tool options arenow floating / tabbed dialogs

Cancel : Ignores any changes to the dialog (CS3 CS2 CS110) This is no longer included on the dialog (CS4) as thetool options are now floating / tabbed dialogs.

Reset : Resets all the values for all the dialogs, global aswell as local settings. This button remains on the plugindialog. An alternative is to re-start Illustrator as this willset all the values back to the default settings.


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Pen / art pad and pressure modification of settings

The plug-ins also can be used with a pen. To apply theplugin tool with pressure, set the pressure setting to ON.The pressure is a global setting and all the plug-in dialogswill be updated. Please note, not to be used with a mouse(which has no specific pressure setting). The only factormodifiable by pressure at the moment is opacity. This ismore useful in combination with the trail / trace settings


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Global settings

The dialogs all have their settings split between local andglobal. The global settings can be updated from anydialog and update all the dialogs. The end result of thesetting depends on the functionality of the plug-in.

Fill color dropdown

The fill option requires there to be a fill in thefirst place as well as a fill the same as thedocument color model (i.e. no mixing CMYKwith RGB etc). The fill dropdown will apply thecolor to the generated paths in order ofcreation. If the option is set to fill colorignore, the color of the path is not changed. Ifset to a [To white ] or [ to black ] etc then thecolor is applied as a fraction of the differencebetween the current color and the end colorsuch as white or black, the last generatedcolor being the color listed. The 'to swatch'option colors the paths to the current selectedswatch color. By default this is 2 (white if the swatchpalette has not been changed). It is not a visual swatchdisplay so it is a little bit of trial and error to match thecolor and depends on the setup of your swatch palette.The first swatch is [none] (0) and the second swatch isregistration (1). Say you want to use Mars Red, you willhave to enter 12 (if this is the default RGB swatchpalette). Some of the fill options are random options andthese generate the paths with random colors or randomcolors based on the swatches and these can includegradients as well as patterns (which co-exist with thecolors in the swatch palette). Some of the fill options arelisted as [ Alternate white ] etc and they alternate thegenerated paths color white color white etc.


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Fill color swatch

If you selectthe [ toswatch ] or [alternateswatch ] theswatch settingwill beactivated andyou can entera swatchnumber suchas 12 (marsred in thedefault or 2which is whiteetc). A littletrial and error.You can at any time change the order of the swatches andthe numbers as well as altering the swatches included inthe swatches palette (such as making the entire paletteblues or reds). All the other color options will have theswatches field de-activated and ignored.

Fill color process

Instead of even distribution of the [to white ] or [ to black] etc the fill end result can be set to beyond the actualnumber of paths or set to end before the end ofgenerated paths. If the the initial color is blue and 10paths are to be generated and the setting is 5 and the [ to] option is white then only the first half of the items willhave a blue color before turning white, the remaining willbe all generated white. Alternatively, if the setting is 40then all the generated paths will be blue and the [ towhite] will never reach a white fill.


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Stroke color dropdown

As above but for the stroke. If there is no stroke, this isignored. The stroke setting is only relvant if the path hasa stroke, if the path selected is an image etc then thestroke is also ignored.

Stroke color swatch

As above but for stroke. The stroke can only be selectedto a standard color or a pattern, gradients are ignored.

Stroke color process

As above but for stroke.


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Pattern tile dropdown

By default, the plug-in generates onlythe number of copies selected andbetween the ranges limited by the startand end of the cursor drag (pattern / tileignore). If the pattern option is set to [document center ] , the paths aregenerated as before but also repeated(color opacity etc) as a reflection basedaround the document center, creating atile (this can be then used by the definepattern to save the pattern for futureuse). Other options include the patternbased around the [ end of the cursor ](the current mouse position) as well asthe [ start cursor position ] (where youfirst click) and the position of the originalpath as well as many other variantpattern designs such as pattern based ona mirror and not a tile.

The tile options can be used as a close equivalent to theFreehand's Mirror Xtra tool. With the latest version of theplugin, there are no many more than the earlier 4patterns. Each of the pattern options can be used indifferent ways with different tools as well as repeating theapplication of the pattern / apply to create very complexpatterns (or snowflakes).

The pattern feature can also be used in combination withdifferent tools as well as different settings (such asopacity or color options or scaling or jitter) as well asused with the trail cursor and also the modifiers to modifythe start and end position during operation. The patternfeature can be used to create truly stunning designs. Italso can generate a lot of additional paths, please takenote.

Some of the tools are more or lesseffective with different pattern positionssuch as the paint tool and the patternabout end position has little effect andthe windmill and the [ original path ]option just generates paths over the topof the other, this is even more so withthe current list of patterns. The patternslist is the same for each plugin tool,some of the plugin patterns will appearto do the same thing but the result oftenalso depends on the start and endposition and this may just result in asimilar design as others (even thoughthe underlying algorithm is different).

The pattern feature can also be useful in combinations ofmultiple paths, especially using the original path optionwhere different pattern center (s) can be used to createextremely complex pattern designs.


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The pattern feature also works well with the trace / trailoption and the windmill tool / rotate factor. Combinethese to create truly unique and weird and wonderfuldesigns.

As with all these tools, you can use symbols + symbols(text) and many others than basic paths. Use to createbasic designs as well as extreme distressed and grungeddesigns and more.


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Scaling line width dropdown

If the path is re-sized / scaled then by default the strokewidth is unaffected and you end up with the same sizestroke width for a small path as the original bigger path.Set the stroke scaling to standard scaling stroke width toreduce (or increase) the stroke width in line with the newsize of the path. Other options are also available such asalternate stroke width.

NOTE Not all the plug-ins use scaling at present (thoughthey will in future versions)

NOTE: The scalingis not relevant tosome of theplugins such aswindmill. Thescaling is moreuseful relating toplugins such asscaledown tool


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Slowdown

Not really a visual feature it is not possible to show anexample of the slowdown. The slowdown setting bydefault is set to 0, this means that the plugin generatesthe paths as quickly as it can depending on the processingby Illustrator / plugin / your machine - this mightgenerate 100s and 100s of paths in a short period whichmight overwhelm your machine or slow down futureresponses from Illustrator. You might like to set theslowdown setting to something like 5 or 6 and this willgenerate paths only each 5 or 6 times the plugin routineis called by the movement of your tool drag. If you setthe value to a very large figure, you might end up with noresponse from the tool. The slowdown is really only ofuse with the trace / trail feature as 1000s of paths mightbe generated (as well as in the paint tool). If yousuddenly find a situation where no paths are beingcreated by the plugin then the slowdown setting might bethe reason. As with all the tools in Illustrator, you canmodify the slowdown value directly by entering a valueinto the field or you can click the up and down control(though the values can only be 0 upwards)

Blend [R]

The plug-in generates the paths in normal blend mode. Ifset to randomized then each path generated will be set toa new blending mode so the path might be applied usinglighten or difference etc, the next one might be set tomultiply and so on. This might result in an interestingresult or a mismash of color effects. The paths can alwaysbe re-selected on completion of the plugin tool and thenthe blending modes can be re-set to normal or perhapsdifference or another single blending mode. If you selectthe paths and then use the pathfinder tool to the paths,the paths will end up with the same blending mode. Theblending mode can be used with paths as well as otherpath types

Opacity [R]

The plug-in applies a random opacity between 0and 100 to the paths. Subsequent generatedpaths maybe set to 10% 50% then 12% and soon. This can result in a more painted effect ofgenerated paths. The opacity feature is alsouseful combined with the trail / trace set to ON.If you wish to re-set all the opacity settings backto 100% then simply select all the paths and goto the opacity field on the top bar of Illustratorand set the paths back to 100%. The opacityoption also works fine with images and symbolsand symbols text etc


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Place dropdown

By default the new paths are generated above theexisting path or original path. The plugin includes optionsto place the generated paths beneath the previous path.Other options include alternating the layering of pathsbeneath / above in a variety of steps. Example beinglayer path above, then below and then below and thenabove and then below and then below and then aboveand so on. This is useful for creating unusual weavingdesigns with the selected paths. Also useful combinedwith blurring effects using opacity

NOTE: The placement works well with some types of pathand not others. If the paths are all the same design, youmight not notice any difference in the placement of thepaths (unless you check the layers palette).

NOTE: If the layers is set to ON, the placement settingsare ignored as the layers override the place beneath

Layer

Generates the paths for an entire actiononto a single layer. More useful perhaps incombination with the trail cursor feature (asthat generates repeated paths and repeatednew layers and is useful for animations etc)

Pressure

This modifies the opacity based on penpressure. Works with a mouse as well but itis much much more effective with a pen andpad.

NOTE: If set to ON and you are using a mouse then thepaths will be set to a default opacity of 50%

Width


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If no stroke applied or width available, this is ignored.This randomizes the stroke width between 0 and thecurrent path value. This functionality is not applied toimages or symbols etc as these do not contain strokeinformation.


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Multi toolbox plug-in sections

Access now via the plug-in dropdown (CS4)

Access each of the tools by expanding the tools out fromthe base grid tool (CS3 CS2 CS 10)

Rows and columns / grid tool

Creates a grid of selectedpaths or images or symbols

Touch: The plug-inattempts to re-size thepaths to touch the boundingbox

Box: Useful for creatingpattern, defines a squareborder / box and use thisfor the define patterncommand. Works bestwhen the outline box isgreater than the range ofpaths.

Rotation [R]: Requires therotation to be set to greaterthan 0. The rotation isbased around the documentzero position. Set therotation to ON willrandomize the rotationbetween 0 and the currentsetting.

Checkerboard options: Offers a selection of loosecheckerboard styles for the duplication. Some of theoptions error with the bottom left initial item and youmay wish to remove item manually. The checkerboardfeature removes alternate paths (or different patterns)from alternate rows. Useful combined with the apply andturn options.

Apply options: The first dropdown is for the horizontaldirection, the second dropdown for the vertical. Thedropdown modifies the scaling of paths and their adjacentitems. Use to create unusual patterns and designs withthe grid.

Turn options: Turn options dropdown applies a uniformrotation to alternate paths (such as first path 0, secondpath 90 degrees, third path 0 degrees). A number of turnoptions are available. They work well in combination with


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the apply and the checkerboard settings. Use the turnoptions to create many interesting grid designs.

Locked golden (h) and (v): The locked option overridesthe locked golden (h) and (v). Instead of locking thehorizontal and vertical using horizontal = vertical, thelocked golden applies a factor of 1.61 to create therows and columns based on the golden ratio / rule.


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Drag tool

Create a zoom or row of paths. To use the plug-in selecta symbol or path or multiple paths or images and thendrag from the start position of those paths to an endposition and then release the mouse. Upon releasing themouse, repeat copies will be generated of the selectedpaths. As with all the plugins, the various factors such asplacement, layers, fill color etc can be applied. The dragtool is particularly useful on repeat applies so select apath and then drag and then repeat that drag with thenewly generated paths and so on to create complexdesigns. The drag tool also is useful combined with thevarious key modifiers (especially when used with the trail/ trace checkbox ON)

If you set the locked to ON then you will be able to dragonly in 90 degrees, basically across or down.

There are no additional tool settings for the drag tool soif you wish to learn about the jitter and rotation etc fields,please check out the local settings fields (the localsettings can be modified and not affect the other dialogs).The other settings such as the fill options will be reflectedthroughout all the other dialogs.


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Soft Center tool

Variant of the drag tool butbased around the selectioncenter. More useful if youselect multiple paths. Thepaths are then basicallyconnected to each other inthe drag.

Initial gap: Controls theinitial distance from thecenter of the soft centertool. If the gap is set to 0(default) then the pathswill meet at the center (theend point of your mousedrag), this means that thepaths will be overlapping atthe center and perhaps isnot the most elegant ofsolutions, though if the opacity is randomized or set tosay 50% then you will be able to see the other pathsbeneath or above. Set the initial gap to say 20px (thoughthis depends on the sizes of the paths being used) andthere will be a gap at the center and no overlap. If youset the initial gap is too big the paths will be pushedoutwards instead of inwards to the end point. This can beuseful for zoom effects.

Initial gap dropdown: Modifies the measurements used bythe plugin and instead of using the default points, the gapcan be set to cm or inches.


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Framed tool

The plug-in to create a basic frame based on selectedpaths (the frame is only a square frame, if you wish tocreate a circular frame then I would suggest you checkout the features of the windmill tool). The type of edgecan be controlled by the edge dropdown. The stroke aswell as fill can be manipulated in this plug-in. The scaleoption is useful for additional frames created using thetool. The number of elements on each side arecontrolled by the copies field, this is split into width(across) and height (up).

Edge options: Changes the direction of the paths fromedge to edge (there are four edges to the frame - topleft right and bottom) Other options includerandomization of the selected paths as they aregenerated around the frame.


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Rim Random tool

Plug-in for creating random jittered paths,This tool is useful for creating a localizedarea of randomized paths; it is also useful forcreating brushes as the generated paths canbe copied to the brushes palette and savedas a brush in Illustrator (or you can copy thebrushes and then export the brush designs toother applications such as Photoshop. Thescale settings control the size of generatedpaths between a minimum and maximumsize, the scaling can be locked horizontal andvertically as with the other plugins. Theplugin also works well with opacity setting tocreate softer randomized designs confetti. The size of thearea generated is based on the original source positionstretching out to approximately half of the distance to theend point of the rim random tool

Scale (minimum): The minimum scaling appliedhorizontally and vertically. If you want smaller fragmentsof paths set the value to 5%. If you want the paths to bethe same size, set the minimum and maximum to thesame value.

Scale (maximum) : The maximum size / scaling of thepath. To have more paths of a bigger size than theoriginal path, set the scaling to 105% etc

Rotation [R]: By default, on. Rotates the paths randomlyabout the path center. If off, no rotation is applied and allthe paths are generated at the same angle as the sourcedesign.


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Windmill tool

For circular path creation. The plug-in can modify therotation or angle of the paths aligning them to thedirection or the angle can match the position / angle ofthe cursor to the original (use this to try out manydesigns very quickly). The plug-in comes with a numberof modifiers. Use the modifiers (to the values) during thecursor drag

Shift + ctrl (command) : rotate value is updatedShift : copies updatedSpace bar + ctrl (command) : alternate shift updatedSpace bar : Rotate factor (gap) updatedCtrl (command) : Trail / trace suspended (only usefulduring the trace / trail operation)

Circles (CS4): Generates additional circles based on thefirst inner circle. By default the circles entry is set to 1and just generates one circle. If set to 5 then it will create5 circles. The more circles generated, the slower theresponse time to re-generate all the paths and designs.The circles uses the circle radius setting to space thecircles. If the circles is set to 2 and the circles radius is setto 100 then the gap between the inner circle and theouter circle will be 100; if the circles are set to 5 then thegaps between each circle will be 100 100 100 100 (inaddition to the initial value).

Circles Radius (CS4): Ignored if the circles is set to 1(default) but if circles is set to 5 then 5 circles will becreated with the gap between them will be 100 each.Please note that the distance might not reflect thedisplayed distance as other factors are also applied suchas the rotate factor, the alt shift, apply mode, turn settingetc, and the value displayed might be more or less thanthe 100 set: the 100 set is only based on the default stateof the plugin. The 100 also might be in cms or points orinches depending on the measurements option dropdown.

Alt shift : Shifts (radial) alternate paths of the windmill

Turn (CS4): The turn value creates an elliptical effect onthe windmill. If set to 0 then no effect will be noticed. Ifset to greater than 0 then the circle will be modified. Theactual modification depends on the turn optionsdropdown. The defautl elliptical design is vertical but thedropdown can modify this and the design will be sheared/ slanted or horizontal or a variety of other styles. Theturn setting works well in combination with the matchcheckbox and also the rotate factor which turns it into atwisting fan design.

Turn options (CS4): Modifies the application of the turnvalue, the default being vertical elliptical modification.

Initial : Only of real use if the trail feature has been set toON, this stops any processing of the windmill until the


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initial gap is reached

Scale : More useful used in combo with the trail feature.Re-sizes the paths as you drag the cursor, reducing orincreasing the size of the windmill paths

Rotate factor : Instead of using the vertical and horizontalcursor position (and start point) to define the area of therotated paths, the plug-in applies a factor to the distanceused between generated paths. The plug-in works bestwith multiple paths, such as re-applying a windmill designto another windmill design or perhaps multiple paths suchas expanded text. The rotate factor also works very wellwith the match option (set to ON). Use the rotate factorto create waved and distorted path and curved sets,distressed designs and much more. The rotate factor isalso interactively updated by holding down the space bar.Even more extreme designs can be created combiningthe rotate factor with the match option and the coloroptions and the trail / trace functionality (though the endresult may be many 1000s of paths). Also of interest iscombining the rotate factor and the match option and thepattern functionality: use this to create truly extreme anddynamic pattern designs with selected paths (again, bestwith multiple paths) or symbols or converted symbol /text.

The rotate factor can be used to create some truly wowdesigns with even basic path sets.

Measurements dropdown : Apply the distance settings inpoints etc (default)

Apply dropdown: Apply different scaling to newlygenerated paths. Instead of applying the path at 100%alternate paths are reduced or increased in size. A widevariety of different apply re-scaling are available. Use tocreate stunning different pattern designs.

Match: Match the angle of paths to the cursor position

Align: If off, the path is not rotated and remains as initialpath. If on, the path is aligned to the center

Object - copies: Apply the processing of the windmillbased on the object (as a group) or apply to the path andrepeat for the group. Useful in combination with some ofthe apply modes.


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Scaledown tool

A variant of the drag tool but offers twists to thepaths as well as reduction or increase in the sizing ofthe paths generated relative to original

Twists: Turns the paths through a number of cycles

Opacity fade: Fades the path

Apply dropdown: Apply different scaling to newlygenerated paths. Instead of applying the path at 100%alternate paths are reduced or increased in size. A widevariety of different apply re-scaling are available. Use tocreate stunning different pattern designs.

Turn: Rotate each path in turn. Use to create unusualturning designs.

Object - copies: Apply the processing of the scaledownbased on the object (as a group) or apply to the path andrepeat for the group. Useful in combination with some ofthe apply modes.


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Bouncealong tool

A variant of the scaledown tool but with a bounce optionas well as path crunch feature.

Bounce: Bounce steps for the paths

Crunch: Reduce then return to the original size and so on(instead of a bounce)


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Spiral tool

Create a spiral from the selected paths thoughthe actual result depends on the number ofcopies to be generated and the arms of thespirals and the decay of the spiral.

Arms: Number of arms to generate of thespiral

Decay: Decay of the spiral

Align: Align the paths to the center

Match: Match the paths to the position of the cursor

Reverse: Reverse the spiral direction


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Checkerboard tool

A variant of the grid / row column tool andcreates a checkerboard grid of paths. Asthe grid tool now includes a checkerboardfeature this tool has been superseded butthe end result is slightly different fromthat tool so it has been left in themulti-tool.

Touch: Set the size to touch other paths(bounding boxes)


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Paint tool

Paints with the selected path or paths or symbols orsymbols text etc. The painted paths can be made to fadeaway rapidly as well as scaled (reduced or increase). Thistool is slightly different from nearly all the other tools inthat its functionality includes the trail / trace feature bydefault (if it didn't, it wouldn't work at all!). The plugingenerates a path as you move from the start point andinstead of deleting the paths and then re-building thedesign, the generated paths are left as a paint trail. Aswith all the other plugins, you can use symbols, symbolstext, gradients etc with the paint tool. The plugin worksparticularly well with the results of the paths generatedfrom the scaledown tool and the drag tool as well as thewindmill tool. The paint tool is a very cut down version ofthe symbol paint tool found in Andrew's Vector Pluginsvolume 8. The slowdown setting is particularly useful withthis tool as the paths can be generated at a pace(depending on your machine) so setting the slowdown to5 or 6 will slow down the paint to a more controllablelevel (and won't generate 1000s and 1000s ofunneccessary and resource eating paths).

The plugin also works well by re-applying the paths. Sopaint, say 10 or so paths, and then re-select all thegenerated paths (by default all the paths generated arestill left selected but the original path is not) and thenre-paint with those as the paint brush. This will create alot of paths but it can be useful in creating some trulyunusual designs.

Opacity fade: Fade the opacity of the painted path

Intensity color: Increase or decrease the intensityof the painted paths

Follow: Rotate the path to follow the paint direction


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Tile tool

Create a tile (for possible use as a pattern) This tile tool isvery basic and just generated a mirror up and down ofthe selected paths. The options available to the tool arealso fairly limited.


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Background tool

A variant of the rim random tool. The plugin creates abackground based on the cursor position and startposition but instead of creating a circular area for thegenerated paths, the range is set to the rectangular areaof the start and cursor position. This tool is perhaps usefulif you wish to create the designs spread over an entireartboard. The paths are positioned randomized in thisarea.

Frame: Value between 0 and 50. 50% isthe default and the frame feature isignored, less than 50% and the middle ofthe background is not used. Close to 0%and the background will only be a singlerim of paths.

Rotation [R]: Randomizes the rotation ofpaths


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Local settings

The plug-ins have their own independent settings. Manyof the settings exists on nearly all the dialogs and theseinclude trail / locked / selected etc. Modifying thesesettings will not update any of the other plug-in dialogsettings

Selected

Modifies the application of the transformation, changingthe center from the all selected paths (on) to basing it onthe individual paths (off)

Locked

Depends on the tool. Not all the tools have this feature.The horizontal and vertical settings are locked. The dragtool will then only apply the drag in the vertical orhorizontal direction.

Trail

This option generates a lot of paths. Itsimply ignores the undo option andgenerates the paths such as a drag or scaledown and doesn't remove them at the endof the drag, leaving a trail of paths basedon the current cursor movement. You canuse the modifiers to stop this action and /or move to a new position and continuewith the trail action. This feature is veryuseful combined with opacity and color andfade, creates painted designs.

Warp


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The warp option can be slow. Thisapplies a warp to each generated pathsuch as a random warp such as an arcor bend of twirl. This generates a widerange of unusual designs. While you aredragging the tool you will see theenvelopes being randomly applied tothe paths, this can happen fairly rapdilyso the end result of the warping is hardto predict so some trial and error mightbe required for a particular result. Allthe factors of the warp / envelope areapplied such as horizontal / vertical,distortion, vertical bend etc. On exit ofthe tool you might like to continue toedit the envelope of the paths, so selectthe path with the envelope and click theedit envelope (CS4) or use the objectmenu in earlier versions: you can then change theenvelope type, bend, distortion manually, If you wish toexpand the envelope, select all the paths and then usethe object > envelope distort menu to expand. Onceexpanded, you cannot further manipulate the envelopebut it does make the movement and use of the paths awhole lot easier, especially if you have generated manypaths.

NOTE: There is a weird quirk with the warp and theplugin, not sure of the exact reason but the setting of thewarp will result in the fill being set to a light gray. Thiscan be easily fixed by resetting the color to red / greenetc as required.

Delete

Deletes the original path, can be useful or not dependingon the tool or requirements. The original path can alwaysbe re-selected and deleted manually as well. This is anissue for some tools more than others such as thewindmill tool as the original path is located at the centerof the windmill (this might be the desired result, I don'tknow, so the option is there to override the default deleteof the path)

Create [R]


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Randomizes thecreation or not of thepaths so gaps aregenerated between thegenerated paths. If youset the create [R] toOFF then all thepossible paths aregenerated. If the youset the create [R] toON then the path mightor might not becreated, there is a 50%chance that the pathmight be created. Thisis useful as it willcreate gaps betweenthe paths in the design.In the case of the gridtool, you will seewholes in the grid (such as in the case of the oldcomputer cards). In the drag tool, you will see gapsinstead of the same intervals between the paths. Likewisein the windmill tool. Depending on the randomization, nogaps will be created or another possibility, no paths aregenerated. As the plugin tools generates andre-generates the paths as you move the tool from oneposition to another, you will see the gaps change frompass to pass, so the actual end result might vary at thelast second, the result depends on some trial and error.

Rotation

This rotates the path (and allgenerated paths). If the path isinitially set at say a horizontal angleand you wish to rotate or angle thisdesign differently and you don't wantto go to the transform tool or selecttool and rotate the path, you canrotate the path by the rotationsetting. The actual rotation stilldepends on other factors such as thealign setting and the match andother tool settings so the end result might be 45 or itmight 78.3 etc.

Jitter

This jitters the path position etc (can be also set as jittervertical and that only applies the jitter / random shift tothe vertical)

Copies

(Variants include horizontal copies and vertical copies)The plug-in generates the number of required paths. Thecreate option may remove a certain number of these


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paths. For the grid tool you can set the copies to generatepaths vertically and horizontally. For the windmill tool,you can generate the number of copies for the circle. Forthe drag tool, you can generate the number of copies ofthe selected paths between the start point and the endpoint of the mouse drag. Some of the tools also haveadditional 'copies' fields such as the number of circles tocreate in the windmill tool.

Scale

The scale setting varies from tool to tool. Basically itscales the selected paths but some tools such as the scaledown accumulates the scale, others such as the windmilljust modify the size of all the paths. Variants includescaling split vertical and horizontal offering the option tocreate thinner or thicker duplications of paths


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Bonus: Points toolbox plug-in

Plug-in manipulates selectedpath's points in a variety of waysto create 100s of amazing designseven from basic paths. Thisplug-in was added as an additionalbonus plug-in and is grouped withthe multi tool. The plug-in offers anumber of ways to manipulate thepath points of a selected path ormultiple selected paths. The pluginworks only on the selected pointsof that path so if you wish to workonly on the right half of a path,select those points only. Theplug-in tweaks and drags theanchor points and the drag pointsand shifts these using things likethe document center or the 0,0 point of the document.The plug-in offers a number of checkboxes. The lockingoption is similar to the multi tool and the cursor positionis locked. The plug-in either drags the point or directionpoint (50-50) if the drag checkbox is set to on. The pointshave an in and out direction points and these aremanipulated and swapped or applied depending on thecheckbox settings. These have different effects dependingon the dropdown (type) set such as drag direction pointsor drag direction points but place the anchor points of allthe points on a path at 0,0 etc. Each have their effect tocreate rounded or flowery or intense path drags. You canalso shift the start point as you drag (this is only of usefor some operations that are marked as 'start') tomanipulate the end path distortion by holding down theshift key as you drag the mouse / cursor. The plug-incomes with interpolation (so instead of applying the fulldrag, you can reduce the distance by a certainpercentage, the interpolation can also be extended to thecurvature). The plug-in drag can also be modified by thepressure (art pad)

Direction dropdown

A number of options are available for the drag. Thefactors that modify the points drag are listed in the dropdown such as [start,cursor], [cursor,document center]etc. In the case of the cursor options, the only factor isthe end point / cursor drag. The type of direction drag willresult in a path that looks more like a flower or rippedapart or zoomed

Interpolate in

The interpolate in modifies the 'in' anchor points. If set to100 then the full effect is applied, if set to 50% then the insettings will be dragged only 50% of the way; if set to 0%then the paths 'in' settings will be unchanged.Interpolation is only between 0 and 100.


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Interpolate out

The interpolate out modifies the 'out' anchor points in thesame way as the in above. The in and out modificationsalso depend on the direction dropdown so by setting thevalue to 0% might result in a very limited change to thepath. To get the full effect of the plugin, leave the settingat the default of 100%.

Interpolate point

Interpolate point modifies the movement of the individualpoints. If set to 0% then there will be no movement ofthe points. This, as with the in and out, really depends onthe direction dropdown and some of the dropdownsettings will mean the point setting will have no effect onthe end result.

Limit direction (p)

The plug-in can, if unbounded, set the anchor point /direction points to truly extreme settings and the plug-inmay falter or slow or fail. If you find this is happeningwith the plug-in, please set the limit (distance) betweenthe anchor and direction points to a lower value. Thevalue is set by default to a high value (though thisdepends on your work, perhaps 5000 points is morerealistic). If you feel this value should be changed, pleaselet me know. The value can be set to a low value so thedirection points will not move far from the anchor points:depending on the path this may be or may not be adesirable result. The limit setting can be very useful forcreating subtle changes to a path.

Locked

If set to locked then the pluginwill only drag the path in limiteddirections such as diagonally

Anchor (R)

By default, the points plug-in setsthe segment's direction pointswithout randomization and based on the dropdown.Setting the anchor / direction (R) to randomization, thecalculation is applied as before but the result israndomized between the limits of the anchor anddirection. For example, if the anchor point is at 3,3 andone of the segment points is at 5,5 then the directionpoint used might be 3.3,3.6 or 4.2, 4.8 etc As you dragthe points tool. you will see the path jitter back and forth


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between the two limits for all points and segments. Usefulfor creating a sketchy like effect.

Type per point (R)

The plug-in uses the plug-in dropdown to modify thedirection points (based on cursor position). By default, thesame type of direction point manipulation is applied toeach path and each point. By setting the type per point toON, each point will have a different (possibly) directionpoint manipulation applied. Any of the settings in thedropdown may be picked. This is useful for creating 1000sof different shapes and designs from even a basic pathsuch as a square. Also, the setting is useful combined withthe randomization and trace settings.

Type per path (R)

The plug-in uses the plug-in dropdown to modify thedirection points (based on cursor position). By default, thesame type of direction point manipulation is applied toeach path and each point. By setting the type per point toON, each path will have a different (possibly) directionpoint manipulation applied, all the points will have thesame setting. Any of the settings in the dropdown may bepicked. The path option is a more controlled version ofthe type per point (R) randomization.

Trail / trace box

By default the plug-in uses only the selected path anddoes not add points or paths during the movement of thetool. If set to trail / trace then the plug-in creates aduplicate / snapshot at each point of its operation. Thismay generate many 100s and 100s of paths (this may bevery slow if the paths are complex). It is notrecommended to apply the trace and then release themouse and select all the trace paths and then applyadditional traces as this will mean thousands andthousands of complex paths may be created. Interestingeffects can be created by selecting one or two of thetraced paths and changing the color or the plug-in typeand then applying additional tracing. All the paths createdcan be further modified by other effects. Anotherinteresting technique to use with the trace is to set theopacity to a low value and then apply the trace: creates ablurred effect. Using only the stroke can also be useful increating 3D like path designs from the path tool. Thetraced paths can be selected and then saved to thesymbols palette or exported to Photoshop ® Otheradditional settings work in combo with the trace such aslayer / place above and below. These are ignored if thetrace is not set to ON.

Trail / new layer


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The trail / new layer checkbox is only of use if the trail /trace is set to ON, otherwise it is ignored. The new layerON will generate a new layer for each duplicated path.The trail / new layer works only for paths placed above(and not below / beneath) the initial path. As the path'spoints are moved, the path is duplicated and placed on anew layer. You can then see the movement of the pointsacross multiple layers. This features does add a lot ofadditional layers. The last layer created will have the lastcreated duplicate + the original path (in its modifiedstate). The layers can then be exported to SVG SWF etcor used in another application such as After Effects.

Trail / beneath

Only valid if the trail / trace is set to ON. If the trailbeneath is set to ON, created paths are placed beneaththe initial path. This may or may not be useful but it doescreate different zoom / path designs.

Fill (R)

If set to ON, sets the fill of the selected path to a randomcolor (CMYK or RGB or grayscale). If there is no fill,nothing will appear. The color mode of the path must alsomatch the document's color mode. The path will be filledwith reds, greens, etc. Probably more effective in combowith the trace functionality though the fill setting willmodify the current selected path or paths even if the trail/ trace is set to OFF

Fill swatch (R)

Overrides the fill (R). If set to ON, the selected paths andgenerated paths will be filled with color from theswatches palette. The swatches can be custom colors,gradients, patterns and basic colors. The swatches areselected randomly, so it makes no difference the order ofthe swatches. If you wish to create designs made up ofblues, remove all the current swatches and fill theswatches palette with all blue swatches. If you want to fillthe designs with gradients only, only add gradientswatches to the swatches palette.

Stroke (R)

If set to ON, sets the stroke of the selected path to arandom color (CMYK or RGB or grayscale). If there is nostroke, nothing will appear. The color mode of the pathmust also match the document's color mode. The pathwill be stroked with reds, greens, etc. Probably moreeffective in combo with the trace functionality. The strokesettings are generally more effective and more visible ifthe fill is set to OFF


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Stroke swatch (R)

Overrides the stroke (R). If set to ON, the selected pathsand generated paths will be stroked with color from theswatches palette. The swatches can be custom colors,patterns and basic colors (not gradients). The swatchesare selected randomly, so it makes no difference theorder of the swatches. If you wish to create designs madeup of reds, remove all the current swatches and fill theswatches palette with all red swatches. If you want to fillthe designs with custom colors only, only add customcolors to the swatches palette.

Width (R)

If there is no stroke set, this will be ignored. If set to ON,the generated (and selected) paths are all set to a strokewidth of any value between 0 and 10 pts (if you wouldprefer this to be changed, please let me know and I willmodify the value). Each path generated will be set with adifferent stroke width (for example, 2 pt 4.2 pt, 7 pt).This creates an interesting sketch like effect whencombined with the trace functionality.

Opacity (R)

If set to ON, the generated paths (and selected) path willbe set to a random transparency between 0 and 100.More effective in combination with the trace functionality.With trace, opacity randomization creates a blurry effect.Using settings such as the random type option per pointand opacity and trace and random colors, stunningabstract art designs can be created.

Modifiers (Shift Space Command Ctrl) for points tool plug-in

Various controls can be manipulated by using the shift /command etc combinations. These can be used during themouse / pen movement. They will have no effect whilethe dialog is visible.

1) Shift key held down modifies the start position (moreuseful with certain type dropdown settings)

3) Space key modifies the interpolation settings (allthree).

4) Ctrl / command key to stop the trail / trace option(until released)


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andrew's vector plugins volume 4 manual

Documents

additional plugins

plugins aip files

default plugin folder

plugin sets

andrews vector plugins

illustrator cs2

plugin toolbox dropdown

toolbox plugins