The desired end result is N number of squares evenly distributed around the circumference of a circle. For example, imagine 50 one-inch squares arranged around the edge of a 30-inch diameter circle, as if they were the notches on a gear. Then, say, you want to adjust the number of one-inch squares from 50 to 63. If the Align and Distribute function worked along a curved path (or object) then you could just create 13 new squares and run the function to have them all aligned and distributed evenly. Anyone got a clever way to accomplish this?

Thanks!

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I might try Pattern Along Path. Because otherwise, getting squares rotated to the accurate angle according to their placement around the circumference of the circle, would be a nightmare. Well, I guess unless you have some sort of script that would do that. But then you wouldn't need to re-distribute them, because the script would do it.

Even using PAP though, if you have 50 squares, and you need 63, and the circle's diameter doesn't change, you'll need a smaller square as the pattern.....or larger circular path. Unless....if the squares are so tiny (or the circle so large) that 63 or more squares already fit around it.....hhmmm.... Do the squares' corners touch each other, or overlap each other? Or is there space between squares?

I've just done some experimenting, and it seems to work ok. You can add space between squares using offsets. But note that after you put the squares on the path, they aren't technically squares anymore. The do get deformed slightly. Also note that when I had units set for inches, the PAP LPE did not work properly. After making the 30 inch circle, I had to set units back to pixels to get it to work properly.

I don't know of a way to use Align and Distribute to do this. It seems to me like it shouldn't be terribly difficult to make a tool that will align or distribute nodes or objects along a curved or circular path. (however, I'm not a programmer, so it may be harder than I think) But I don't think there is one now.....although I could be wrong.

I'm not sure if I've helped much, but maybe some of it will help. Otherwise, some clever Inkscapers may know another way

Tiled clones should do the thing.
Here is a video explanation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0I51hXCdvE

You`ll need to make circle and one-inch square, in order to set proper position and rotation center for that square, while Create Tiled Clones dialog should do the rest. Of course, you`ll need to do some math before entering the value "Per column" on a Rotation tab (divide 360 with the desired number of clones).

"I'm not sure if I've helped much, but maybe some of it will help. Otherwise, some clever Inkscaper may know another way "

The Scatter Extension http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL ... ns-Scatter will place the objects along the path without distorting them.

-Rob A>