How to Flip an Object in Adobe Illustrator (or Flip an Image)
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The following steps will show you how to flip an object horizontally or vertically or change the angle in Adobe Illustrator. You can also use the same process to flip an image in Illustrator. There are many situations and scenarios where this technique will come in handy.
We're working with a simple shape for this tutorial, but you can use the same steps to flip other objects, shapes, lines, images, etc.
Step 1
If you're wondering how to flip an object in Illustrator, it's a simple process that involves only four steps.
To start, choose the Selection Tool (keyboard shortcut V) and select the object you want to flip. Or, if you're flipping an entire image, select the image.
Step 2
Select the Rotate Tool (keyboard shortcut O). You'll see an anchor point in the center of the object when the Rotate Tool is active. This center point represents where the reflection or flip will occur. If you need to move the point, you can do so by clicking and dragging. Then, you will rotate the object based on the new location of the anchor point.
Step 3
Press the Alt key + click on the object. You'll see the Reflect settings window, where horizontal, vertical, and angle change options are presented. We'll flip this triangle horizontally, so select the horizontal option and then click the ok button.
Of course, you can select “vertical” to flip the image or object vertically.
After clicking “ok,” the object or image will rotate around the anchor point.
Step 4
If you want another flip angle, you can change the Angle value. For example, I put 360 degrees, then click ok.
Tip: Like most tasks in Illustrator, there are a few ways to achieve a similar outcome. You can also use Illustrator's Transform Tool (keyboard shortcut E), to flip an object in the same way. Alternatively, you can use the Reflect Tool (keyboard shortcut O) for these types of tasks.
How to Flip an Object in Illustrator: Final Thoughts
Flipping an object in Illustrator is straightforward. Whether you want to flip a shape, another object, an entire illustration, or something else, the process is easy. You can flip horizontally, vertically, or at a specific angle. Use this technique whenever you need to reflect or rotate an object within your designs.