adobe illustrator - How to generate vector pattern of random dots with specific density?

Primary

• Dots should be randomly placed


• I want to specify the density of dots (e.g. 10 dots per inch, 40 dots per inch, or 20%, 60%)

Secondary

• Dots should not touch


• I can replace dot with other shapes.

Essentially I am looking for an equivalent of the scatter brush for fill.

Best approach so far

• Make a grid of dots in Illustrator, using ⌘ + D to accelerate the grid-building.


• Select all and use Transform Each: set the horizontal and vertical movement to half the gap between dots (so that the dots can never overlap, and tick Random on.

This generates a somewhat random field of dots (or any other object) but isn't entirely successful:

• The result is still very grid-like. The dots (pips?) aren't perfectly aligned, but they are still in loose rows and columns. (If I loosen my requirement that dots don't touch, I can set a movement radius larger than the gaps and these columns disappear.)


• Also, while the math is pretty simple to determine the density of dots, ideally I would only have to enter my desired density and the computer would do that math. This would allow for more experimentation.

I have also tried the Symbol Sprayer but this is even less precise.

I am hoping to do this in Illustrator; SVG or any other free vector approach would also work.