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Step and repeat is a technique used for duplicating an object and the spacing as you want it to be. Typically, step and repeat is used in an object-oriented program, such as InDesign, rather than in a pixel-based editor, such as Photoshop. However, you can do a step-and-repeat technique in Photoshop. Without step and repeat, creating a perfectly spaced pattern is not a fun venture. It would involve manually duplicating and placing each shape, which takes quite some time. Step and repeat makes it easier!
Steps
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Open Photoshop. -
Open any image or make a new document. Making a new document is often more convenient when you are doing step and repeat. Choose any size.- Go to File > New or press Ctrl+N in Windows or press ⌘ Command+N in Mac, on the keyboard.
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Make any shape that can be duplicated or transformed. Let that be a square. You can use the shape tool or make a marquee selection.- Do it on a new layer.
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Press Ctrl+Alt+T in Windows or ⌘ Cmd+⌥ Option+T on a Mac. The transform buttons will show up in the four corners of the square. -
Move or rotate the object to the desired location/direction. -
Press ↵ Enter when done moving. You can also click on the Check(✓) above.
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Press Ctrl+Alt+⇧ Shift+T in Windows or ⌘ Cmd+⌥ Option+⇧ Shift+T on a Mac to do the repeat part.- A new layer is created as you press the T button (while holding the other keys at the same time).
- You can press T (with other keys) as many times as you want. Just be sure to not to make too many layers.
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Merge or group those layers. If you merge or group the layers, it will a lot easier to manage. Otherwise, you might experience lag working with so many layers.- Select all the layers and press Ctrl+E in Windows and ⌘ Cmd+E on a Mac.
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Use the technique until you've got your desired effect. You can use it while selecting hairs, making animations, creating frame animations, etc.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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You can not only move the object, but also rotate and change the size of it.Thanks
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Merge those new layers or group them. This will look cleaner, reduce your lag, and reduce the file size when you save it.Thanks
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You can press the T button as many times you want, but don't stop holding the other keys, or it won't work.Thanks
Warnings
- Don't make more than 150 to 200 layers, or Photoshop will crash and your hand will start paining.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Adobe Photoshop
- Platform: macOS or Windows
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