Set the rotation point in Illustrator and use Transform Each

Question

I have a triangle I'm trying to rotate in Illustrator using the Object->Transform->Transform Each… tool, but I can't figure out how to set the rotation point like I can if I just use Free Transform. This is important because the rotation point is at the center of the square bounding box, not at the center of the triangle.

Is there a way to set the rotation point? Or do I have to manipulate the bounding box somehow?

Answer 1

Doesn't look like there is a way to permanently alter an object's rotate point. You can use the Rotate tool or Free Transform to change it temporarily, but it resets to the center of the object once you change to a different tool.

If you just do a simple rotate using the selection tool instead of Rotate or Transform Each, it will use the bounding box. Otherwise you're stuck with the object's calculated center.

Answer 2

There is a way with the Rotate Tool (R)

1. Select your triangle
2. Click the Rotate tool
3. Pressing alt-key click where you want your center to be.
4. A dialog should popup prompting for an angle. You can go on an fill it out.

When ready press the "Copy" Button and then Ctrl - D for transform againas many times as you want copies.

Edit:
After understanding that the object should be BOTH rotated and moved- or scaled- each. What about adding "hidden" (no line no fill) artwork to transform the bounding box so the center is where you want it to? You could then transform each this group any way you like.

If you don't like the hidden artwork you could make your object with the hidden objects a symbol. Then you could transform/rotate/scale it and in the end edit the symbol. This way all instances get updated accordingly. This might, however change the position of each of these instances.

Answer 3

I realize I'm a bit late to this, but in case anyone else is wondering, there is a workaround that may be helpful. I can create a one-point object (just click with the pen tool, for example) and group it with the object that I want to be able to control the rotation center on. The new group now has a center between the original object and the "one-point" object, so I have plenty of control over where that is. I'm just manipulating the group instead of the object.

Note that instead of making an object that has just one point, you can also create a regular shape and just make it invisible.

Answer 4

I would explore the actions panel - you could create a new action that rotates, then scales, for example. Then apply that action to the object/s you wish to have rotated and scaled.

Answer 5

erm.. the bounding box center is the same as the object's center. The two points are always identical. The Bounding Box is drawn form the objects center to its outermost edges.

You can somewhat adjust the rotation point by using the 9 point origin box in the Transform Each options dialog.

But if you are looking for free form placement of the origin point, you won't get that with any automated rotation. You'd need to look at scripting.