Duplicating Objects Using a Specific Offset Distance
Sometimes you want to create copies with a specific offset distance from the original objects. In this case, you must first change the Paste settings in Preferences.
- From the Edit menu, select Preferences.
- Select the Tools tab.
- Select the Paste tool from the list on the left side of the dialog box.
- Check Auto-place on paste and import.
- Using X offset and Y offset, set the distance copies will be Auto-placed from the preceding objects.
- Click OK.
- Select the objects.
- From the Edit menu, select Copy.
- From the Edit menu, select Paste.
Each time you paste, another instance of the copied objects is inserted at the specified Auto-place interval.

Copy the object …
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… and Paste.
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