text to path with vector shapes

[NotMyFault]

Hi,

 

I want to align a big number of e.g. rounded rectangle shapes to a circular path. Using text to path seems the tool of choice. Unfortunately it does not easily allow to distribute the shapes equivalent-distant (except using taps which is ti much effort, as you need to set all stops manually)

now the fun part starts: I want to copy the circle, and reduce the diameter, and remove 1 or two shapes from the path. Unfortunately, Affinity distorts all shapes, and creates a spiral. When you try to resize the shape to former size, additional distortion is applied.

Is there a better way to semi-automatically align shapes across a circle, and create multiple of those circles with increasing or decreasing radius? all shapes on path should keep their size, only get rotated to match the circle curvature. 
 

PS: don't want to use power duplicate (static). Searching for a dynamic approach, and being able to use e.g. ellipse instead of circle or any other curve.

 

PS: I'm using a symbol (the red rounded rectangle).

 

[Old Bruce]

Select the little brown red square (the symbol) using the move tool. Go to the Toolbar and enable the show origin cross hair, the far left item.

Now drag that to the centre of the circle from where ever it is.

Use the power duplication (not sure if that is the correct term) by hitting Command + J (Control + J on windows). You will have a copy in the same location. Go to the R in the Transform panel and type in 360/x where x is the number of copies you want. Hit Command + J again and again until you have made x-1 copies.

[NotMyFault]

1 hour ago, Old Bruce said:

Select the little brown red square (the symbol) using the move tool. Go to the Toolbar and enable the show origin cross hair, the far left item.

Now drag that to the centre of the circle from where ever it is.

Use the power duplication (not sure if that is the correct term) by hitting Command + J (Control + J on windows). You will have a copy in the same location. Go to the R in the Transform panel and type in 360/x where x is the number of copies you want. Hit Command + J again and again until you have made x-1 copies.

Thanks, i know power duplicate well, but i wanted to avoid this in this case and have a more dynamic /  automated approach.

You can‘t change the angle after having it fixed.

[Old Bruce]

Sorry I didn't read more closely your first post where you clearly stated Power Duplication is out. I am not sure how I managed to miss it.

2 hours ago, NotMyFault said:

Using text to path seems the tool of choice. Unfortunately it does not easily allow to distribute the shapes equivalent-distant (except using taps which is ti much effort, as you need to set all stops manually)

Use spaces instead of tabs and then have the "paragraph" Fully Justified. 

But for more proof that this is broken I then tried to resize the circle afterwards. I get badly distorted squares going all over the place like the last screen shot in your first post.

I think this might be down to the circle being a closed curve. Try breaking it.

[NotMyFault]

My fault, added the ps later after your reply.

47 minutes ago, Old Bruce said:

Sorry I didn't read more closely your first post where you clearly stated Power Duplication is out. I am not sure how I managed to miss it.

 

[Old Bruce]

Thanks for letting me know. I feel less foolish [although I am still quite foolish emoticon]