Live Galaxy produces copies of the original object or objects in a series of spirals that extend out from a central point. By default, Live Galaxy reduces the size of the copies the farther they are from the center. You can control the number of spirals (called branches), the number and size of the copies on each branch, and the distribution of the branches and the copies on them. Most of Live Galaxy's controls offer both a numeric control and control over the amount of deviation or variation from that setting.
Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”Example:
From sample file live_galaxy_01.ai
- Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
- Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Galaxy” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Galaxy” panel will open.
- Create an Ellipse on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Ellipse Tool” and draw an ellipse with Width as 20 pt, Height as 10 pt. Set the Fill Color to White, the Stroke Color to Black, and the Stroke Weight to 1 pt.
- Select the ellipse.
- From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
- Click “Apply” button on the panel.
- Change the Size and Fill color on the ellipse.
- Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.
Setting items:
Total Branches
Total Branches determines how many spirals will be created.Radial Deviation
The degrees of deviation (from 0 to 360) determine the regularity of the branch distribution. When 0 degrees is selected, the branches will be evenly distributed around the center.Total per Branch
The Total per Branch setting allows you to specify the number of copies that will be created on each branch.Kink
Kink, measured in degrees, determines the variance of a branch from its path. With a kink setting of 0 degrees, the branch will follow the path. The higher the setting, the more pronounced the deviation from the path.Branch Twist
The branches can be curved using the Branch Twist setting. When set to 0 degrees, each branch's path will be straight. (Remember that Kink also affects the appearance of the branches.)Twist Deviation
Twist Deviation governs variations between branches. Lower values maintain consistent appearance from branch to branch. Higher values will produce irregular paths for the branches.Keep Angle
When checked, all of the copies produced will maintain the vertical orientation of the original object. When Keep Angle is unchecked, the copies will be oriented perpendicular to their paths.Core Radius
The distance from the base of each branch to the center of the Live Galaxy is controlled by the Core Radius. The distance is in the document's unit of measure. When set to zero, the points of origin of all branches are in the center of the object. When the Core Radius is zero or higher, the original object will be at the base of the branch that originates to the left of center. A negative value for Core Radius moves the center to the right of the original object. The circle formed by the bases of all the branches (the core space) will have a radius equal to the Core Radius, hence the name. Core Radius is measured from the left-center point of the original object's path.Core Deviation
When the Core Deviation is set to 0, the distance from the Live Galaxy object's center to the start of each branch will be the distance specified in the Core Radius. The larger the Core Deviation value, the greater the irregularity in the Core Radius for each of the branches.Show Center Mark
When selected, this option shows the center of the Live Galaxy with a small cross.Spread
The Spread is the distance that each branch extends outward from its base. If the Spread is set to zero, the branches form a circle along the core space. (The core space is the circle from which all branches originate.) When a negative number is used, the branches extend inward toward the center of the Live Galaxy object. When a negative Spread is larger than the Core Radius, the branches extend through the middle and toward the opposite side of the core space.Spread Deviation
Spread Deviation provides variation among the branch Spreads. The distance that each branch extends outward from the core space can vary by up to the amount specified in the Spread Deviation.Shrink/Grow
Shrink/Grow determines the sizes of the copies created by Live Galaxy. The farther from the core center a copy is, the closer is gets to the specified size. When negative numbers are used, the copies will shrink and then enlarge to the value selected. For example, if -100 is input as the Shrink/Grow value, the copies will get smaller until they reach the minimum size of 1%, then they will increase in size until reaching 100% of the original object's size at the ends of the branches. Live Galaxy calculates the negative value to ensure a smooth rate of change. For example, if -100 is entered, the copies will reach their smallest size half-way from the beginning of the branches to the end. If the Shrink/Grow value is -50, the smallest copies will be two-thirds of the way from the beginning to the end of the branch.Size Deviation
Size Deviation introduces variation in the size of the copies along the branches.Stacking
Stacking determines whether copies will appear above or below the previous copy as they extend outward along the branches. If Above is selected, the more distant a copy is from the center, the higher it is in the stacking order. The farthest copies are on top. When Below is selected, the farthest copies are at the bottom of the stacking order and appear in back on the Artboard.Same Sequence
Same Sequence maintains the same pattern of copies while you change options in Live Galaxy. If unchecked, each change will generate a new set of copies and a new Live Galaxy.Live Update
Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Galaxy is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Galaxy settings as you make changes.Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the copies created by Live Galaxy. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Galaxy effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’