Illustrator: Rotate a group of paths randomly and individually about the groups center

Question

Basically, how do I do a hybrid of Rotate which rotates every object in a selection a fixed [there is no random option here] amount about the selection's center, and Transform Each> Rotate[random] which rotates each selected object individually but only about each object's own center.

What I want is either the ability to chose Random in Rotate and have it apply to each object in the selection independently, or want the ability to move the Transform Each rotation point for the selected objects to a common point prior to application.

Edit: [Added Image] The idea is a group of objects each individually rotate a randomly determined amount about a given axis [or a group axis], while keeping their orientation facing the axis

Answer 1

I do not know if this will work for you, but it's as close as I can think. Perhaps another user will know of a script or better method.

A Scatter Brush -- this assume the objects, like your example are all similar. If they are not similar, disregard everything after this sentence. :) This won't work for anything more than placement reference. I doubt that's overly helpful.

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_{(CS6 screenshots, but it's similar in newer versions)}

• Drag one shape to the Brushes Panel
• Choose Scatter Brush when asked.
• In the Scatter Brush Options window that appears set the Rotation relative to to path rather than the default "page".
• Click OK

Draw a circle and apply the new scatter brush to it. You should get the circle with the objects rotated relative to the central point of the circle.

• Select this circle and click the Brush Options button at the bottom of the Brushes Panel
• Tick preview if necessary
• Set the Scatter field to Random

• Adjust the sliders on either side of the field

This will result in random dispersement of the objects but they will all still be rotated relative to the path.

You can then expand the appearance of the brush and alter the appearance of individual object instances.

Here's an animation showing it all....

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Again, I don't know if this will work for you. I'm assuming the objects are more than merely hexagons perhaps.

Also note I used a circle as the basis for the brush. Any path could be used and the rotate will remain relative to it.

Answer 2

I don't know if it's still time to show a workaround, but there is a tool in Illustrator called Transform Each that can do exactly what you need.

This video explains how to use it:

But I'll leave here a quick tutorial with images:

First, arrange your objects however you like on the artboard. Then select all (they cannot be grouped) and go to Object > Transform > Transform Each

Within the window there are several options. One of them is Random. Check this option, also check Preview and configure the options in the way that works best for you.

And that's it. Hope this helps.