One Key Duplications
Ever have a picture or drawing object that needs to be duplicated in a file?
What did you do?
Did you continue to draw the object or did you insert the picture over and over again? (Boy, I hope not, because that’s the most time consuming method!)
Or, maybe you selected the item (drawing object or picture), copied it (Copy button, Ctrl + C or Edit menu/Copy selection) and then pasted the item (Paste button, Ctrl + V or Edit menu/Paste selection).
And last, maybe you found the shorter version of selecting the object by pressing Ctrl + D.
This one isn’t so bad, but there is a drawback to both of these methods. The new duplicate item goes over top of the first one. (Well, not directly over. It’s slightly to the right and down, partially covering the original).
Either way, that all sounds like a big pain, doesn’t it?!
So, wouldn’t it be nice to make a copy of the item exactly where you need it, without the automatic need for positioning after you complete the duplication?
Yeah, I thought so (or at least I thought it would be a handy skill to have).
Well, this is a one step duplication and positioning trick.
- First of all, you’ll need to select the item you want to copy.
- Next, hold down the Ctrl key.
- Finally, click on the item, hold and drag the object to its new position.
You should have the original picture or drawing still in its original place and a new, perfect duplicate in the place where you just positioned it.
Voila! Now you can copy, paste and position with just one maneuver.
Now, if only I had a way to dust, vacuum and do dishes simultaneously!
~ April