PixLab, it's been a long time since I've played with these filters (Symmetry Painting and Recursive transform), although in the trial and error category, both are easy to perform. You can even 'cheat' a bit by increasing/decreasing the circles sizes (live on screen) by using the big square control the same way as the 'Unified transform' tool, using same key modifier (Shift) to keep the ratio (no deformation) Then rotate the recursive transform tool by moving your mouse outside the control square like the normal Rotate tool, adjust that cross center you've moved outside then rotate slightly to update what you see.

Once it's done go to Filters ➤ Map ➤ Recursive transform, a window opens put Iterations 4 (it will add 4 more circles on top of the one you already have),Ĭontrols are on the canvas, move that cross center on a corner first (slightly outside) Have your 1 circle made then go to Layer ➤ Crop to content (that's important)

Very important after you're happy do not forget to put the Symmetry Painting mode None or all your brushes will continue to symmetry paintĮDIT: even better Recursive transform tool ➤ No trial and error because adjustment are live on the canvas Then now the usual thing Edit > Stroke Path/Selection WITH a brush (that's very important as Symmetry Painting works only with everything brushes/eraser things)Īfter adjusting the selection by moving it down along the vertical guide with the move tool ➤ because the circles were a bit too far from each others on my first try Then put one side against that vertical guide. Now use the ellipse select tool, or your path (just one path in circle), Symmetry Painting ➤ Mode Mandala ➤ Number of point = 5 (will draw 5 circles at once around the center crossing guides automatically made by the Symmetry Painting Still trial and error (I did just 1 error, though) but it's extremely fast as just 1 Ctrl+Z, then just move the selection once and that was good EDIT: I did edit with a better solution, see from 'Edit' below near the end, I left the Symmetry option as it can be preferred by some one people

Inkscape symmetry mode