Now, we will use a combination of keys while clicking to create and shift the duplicates. The star is ready to be duplicated and rotated. Double click the star shape so that the rotation handles become active. Step 3 - Duplicate the star around the circle Click + drag the crosshairs down to the middle of the circle and you will notice it snap to the center. When moving the star's rotation point, it will snap to the center of the circle.ĭouble click the star so the rotation handles show. Then further down the right panel click on Snap an item's rotation center. To accurately move the center point, click on Enable Snapping on the top right hand side. We will be moving the center point of the star. Next, click on the lower icon Align bottom edges of objects to the top edge of the anchor. Under the Align and Distribute panel click on Center on Vertical Axis.

In this specific order, select the star shape then Shift + click to the select the circle. As the circle is the last selected the star will align to it. Make sure that Relative to on the top right shows as Last Selected. If not already open, click the Object menu then Align and Distribute. To get off to a good starting point, we need to align the objects correctly. Step 2 - Align objects and adjust center point These change the shape of the object so you can adjust these if needed. Convert the star object to a path as well. Adjust the amount for the Corners at the top of the screen to what you want. Click on Create stars and polygons on the left hand side. We want to add a star shape that will go around the circle. Do this by clicking on Path at the top of the screen then selecting Object to Path. We kept a white solid fill and black stroke for now. Next, Ctrl + click and drag out a uniform circle.Īdjust the size and color if needed. On the left hand side click on Create circles, ellipses and arcs. There is no need to have a center shape but you may want it as part of a design. Begin by opening Inkscape and, depending on your version, selecting New document.įor visual reference we will use a circle as the center shape. You will learn how to duplicate around a circle using the stars and polygons tool. But this method is super easy and fun to do. Accurately duplicating and rotating works with a combination of keys. These designs are very popular with monograms, mandalas and personalized projects. Placing duplicates around a circle in Inkscape is a great way to create a consistent design.

Inkscape free rotate