A little over a week ago, Astute Graphics (my favorite place for Adobe Illustrator plugins; see my reviews of DrawScribe and WidthScribe) released ColliderScribe. I quickly bought this because I enjoy creating patterns and the price is cheaper compared to the other plugins.
Simply put, ColliderScribe is used to a) wrap objects flush to each other ("collide") and b) automatically keep spacing even between objects, regardless of size.
Here is an introductory movie about this plugin, created by Astute Graphics:
As the movie reveals, the plugins comes with the following tools: Snap to Collisions Tool and Rotate at Collisions Tool.
Here's me using both tools to make a quick design:
First, I made a bunch of random hexagon shapes, at different angles and sizes.
It was very easy to quickly rotate all of them to the same angle using the Rotate at Collisions tool.
I then used the Snap to Collisions tool to evenly space all of hexagons for a unified look. Just like that. How long would those two steps have taken me if I didn't use the plugins? Over time, this can save me hours.
Obviously, these tools have other applications besides pattern-making. Technical drawers would probably love using them for certain building designs. Even sketchers/inkers can see the benefits for quick precision capabilities.
So again, at fifteen dollars, I'd recommend this plugin for any regular Illustrator artist. If these features sound interesting to you, check out their website for more information.
(Full disclaimer: this post is not a paid-for advertisement)
