Duplicate and repeat vector elements in Canva Affinity

Here are some simple steps for duplicating and repeating an element in Canva Affinity using the Duplicate Selection (Ctrl+J) method.

If you need to repeat vector elements at regular intervals, the simplest method is to use Affinity’s Duplicate Selection tool. Unfortunately, the documentation on how to use this is not very helpful, so here’s a quick step-by-step method:

Step 1: Create an object.

In this case, I want to create a pattern of repeating vertical lines. My beginning step will be to make a single vertical line, as shown below:

Step 2: Press Ctrl+C to copy the object.

Make sure you switch to the move tool first.

Step 3: Press Ctrl+J to make a second (duplicate) object.

The Ctrl+J command tells Affinity that you want to duplicate the selection in a specific way.

Move the newly-created (second) object to the position that will set the pattern that you want. You can do this either by dragging the object or adjusting its (x,y) co-ordinates in the Transform panel.

Step 4: Press Ctrl+J again to make a third duplicate object.

The distance between the second and third objects should be the same as between the first and second.

If this is not working as expected, check that you have completed the previous steps correctly. If you perform any other function between pressing Ctrl+C and Ctrl+J, Affinity will ‘forget’ the process and it won’t work.

Step 5: Keep pressing Ctrl+J until you have enough duplicates.

This method is especially useful for creating hatches.

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