Copy object as a reference?

Question

Is it possible to copy an object in Illustrator so that if you make a change in any of them the changes will apply in both? Actually I have this situation where I have a lot of instances of the same object and I need to be faster on changes and copy-ing again and again is not a proper solution, but consumes a lot fo time.Thank you for your time!

Answer 1

There are a number of ways to do this in Illustrator. If you already have multiple instances, try Global Edit, a new feature in Illustrator CC 2019. To make multiple copies of an instance, create the artwork, save it, then use the Place command in your document to import it, and copy the placed object. The saved file becomes your "master" and when edited will update provided you don't embed the art and keep it linked. A third method is to use Effect > Distort & Transform > Transform... to place copies of an object at specified distances. I use this method myself when setting up 8-up or 10-up business card layouts.