How to use the reflect tool in Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator allows you to reflect items. Reflecting an image can save time when drawing since you are able to do 1/2 the work and then get a perfectly identical second half.  The Reflect tool can be found in the same area as the “Rotate Tool” and is normally not selected by default. The shortcut key for selecting the reflect tool is “o”. You can remember it since an “o” is the only letter that is completely semetrical. That is each side (top/bottom and left/right) is exactly the same.

I really like this tool but I found it kind of hard to use just by clicking and trying it. What I had issues with is that the tool requires kind of a two step process. Once you know this process it is pretty easy to use.

1. Step 1 – Select the “Reflect tool”
2. Step 2 – “ALT Click” on the drawing where you want to reflect the image. When you do this you will create a VERY small circle. If you aren’t paying really close attention to things you will most likely not even see it. This was my issue. I didn’t see the reflect point.
3. This will bring up the relect options. Select vertical and then copy. If you don’t use “copy” and just click “ok” you will reflect the image but not make a second copy.

How to use the reflect tool in Adobe Illustrator to make a heart.

This is what I created in Adobe Illustrator. It’s half a heart. I want to reflect the image to make a full heart.

Much like the instruction above make sure to:

1. Select the “reflect tool”.
2. Then “ALT CLICK” the spot you want to mirror from.

In our case let’s pic the top-middle part of the soon to be full heart.

NOTE – the graphic bellow shows the reflect tool’s reflection point. It’s super small even when you zoom in!!! You want to place that point right at the end of the line.

Do you see where that point is? You can drag this point where ever you want. It helps if you have guides so that it “Snaps” to them.

Now that we have selected the “reflect point” you need to “ALT CLICK” that point. That will bring up this dialog.

Here’s what you should have now.

You might notice that the bottom of heart is not at a point. Rather it is flat. To make the bottom point a point instead of flat you will have to join the item.

Now that we copy the half heart we are going to want to join line. We first need to select both sides of the heart (Ctrl + A). Then join them together. (Ctrl + J). You will notice the bottom will look like it is at a peak like so if you did it correctly.