Create Complex Patterns with the Shape Layer Repeater

The Repeater duplicates shape elements within a single layer, creating grids, circles, spirals, and complex patterns without manually copying anything.

Basic Repeater Setup

1. Create a shape (rectangle, ellipse, star, or custom path)
2. In the layer's Contents, click Add > Repeater
3. Set Copies — how many duplicates to create
4. Open Transform: Repeater to set offset for each copy
5. Position X: 100 creates a horizontal row. Rotation: 30 creates a radial pattern.

Radial Pattern (Circle of Elements)

1. Set Copies to 12
2. Set Position to 0,0
3. Move the shape's Anchor Point away from center (e.g., Y: -200)
4. Set Repeater Rotation to 30° (360° / 12 copies = 30°)
5. Result: 12 shapes arranged in a perfect circle

Animating Repeaters

Animate the Repeater's Offset property to create a cascading chain reaction. Each copy inherits the animation with a staggered delay. Combine with Trim Paths for dynamic line-drawing patterns, or animate Scale in the Repeater transform for growing/shrinking cascades.

Stacking Repeaters

You can add multiple Repeaters to a single shape. First Repeater creates a row, second Repeater duplicates that row into a grid. Three Repeaters can create 3D-looking patterns on a 2D plane.