Creating a clock using the rotation tool (with rounded rectangles)

Question

I have managed to create a circle with 12 boxes inside which worked fine. I came to create another but with rounded corners and they don't line up. How would I fix this? I used the rotation tool and put 30 for angle and then duplicated it around. I somehow I need to account for the rounded corners. 360 / 12 = 30

Answer 1

Uh I'm not sure what you're asking but a way to make a shape repeat is this:

1. Draw a line, 0 px by 0 px, make it only have a stroke with a rounded cap.
   • Optional: center this dot in the artboard.
2. Draw the shape you want to repeat. In your case, a rectangle. Place it above the dot.
3. Group the two shapes
4. Apply a Transform style to the group (not the individual objects)
   • Set the anchor point to the bottom
   • Set the rotation angle to 360 divided by the number of shapes you want. In your case 360/12=30. Illustrator accepts simple math.
5. Profit??? Now you can edit the things in the group, add more stuff!

Screenshot - How to repeat a shape radially

Bonus:

1. Add text
2. Expand appearance!
3. Edit text
4. Add a circle, then the hands (easiest way to do that is to add a cut into the circle and just copy the inner bits.)
5. Jazz hands, add arrows!