Quick Grid and shift key shape constraint

[gw_westdale]

Any ideas?

To draw a circle, square etc, one drags with the shift key down to constrain the dimensions.
I actually want a row of these items (in my case a star) .
To create the star with the uniform dimensions having dragged, I have to let go of the mouse button.
Then I cannot use the arrow keys to duplicate the item.
If I keep the mouse and shift key held down, I cannot click the arrow keys ( my nose and other parts of the anatomy not being suitable)
If I let go of the shift key the star usually twitches out of shape.

Can I get a row of squares or uniform stars using this technique?  ( and yes I do use ctl-J as a substitute )

Possibly a check-box for symmetry on the context toolbar might be useful?

 

[Aammppaa]

I think you just need to do things in a slightly different order...

1. Drag out a Star, and don't worry about constraining it to be regular / symmetrical.
2. Press arrow keys to make your row / grid.
3. Hold arrow keys to add spacing between stars.
4. Finally, hold Shift to constrain the star to be regular / symmetrical.

[gw_westdale]

Thank you .. most helpful

I hadn't thought of the clones as still being tightly linked to the shape of the master item at that stage