Chess

Chess

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

Chess for Adobe Illustrator transforms your design workspace into a chess arena. This script implements a complete chess engine with standard rules, an AI opponent powered by an advanced algorithm, and a simple, intuitive interface. Whether you're taking a creative break or sharpening your strategic thinking, enjoy a full chess experience without leaving Illustrator.

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Key Features:

  • Complete Chess Rules: All standard moves including castling, en passant, and pawn promotion to queen
  • AI Opponent: Three difficulty levels (Easy, Medium, Hard) with intelligent move evaluation
  • Auto-Save: Game state automatically saves and resumes when you reopen the script
  • Move History: Track all moves with notation and highlight the last move on the board
  • Visual Feedback: Color-coded pieces, move highlighting, and game status indicators
  • Check Detection: Automatic detection of check, checkmate, and stalemate conditions

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Installation

1. Download the Chess.jsx script file.

2. Place the script in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:

⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts

⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts

3. Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running

4. Access the script via File > Scripts > Chess

5. Alternatively, run it directly via File > Scripts > Other Script... and browse to the file location


Tip: You can also drag and drop the .jsx file directly onto the Illustrator workspace to run the script instantly – no installation needed.

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Using the Script

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Launching the Game

  1. Open Adobe Illustrator
  2. Go to File → Scripts → Chess
  3. The chess board dialog will appear, ready to play:

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image gallery

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Understanding the Interface

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➊ Chess Board:

  • 8×8 grid with alternating light and dark squares
  • Column labels (A-H) displayed at top and bottom
  • Row numbers (1-8) displayed on left and right sides
  • White pieces (you) shown in blue color at the bottom
  • Black pieces (AI) shown in default color at the top

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➋ Control Panel:

  • Turn Indicator: Shows whose turn it is and game status
  • Last Move Display: Shows the notation of the most recent move
  • Difficulty Selector: Dropdown to choose AI difficulty level
  • New Game Button: Starts a fresh game
  • Save & Close Button: Saves the current game and closes the dialog

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Playing the Game

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Making Your Move

1. Select a piece: Click on any white piece you want to move

  • The selected square will be highlighted
  • Hover over pieces to see their names in tooltips

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2. Choose destination: Click on the square where you want to move

  • If the move is legal, the piece will move immediately
  • If illegal, the selection will be cleared and you can try again

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3. AI responds: After your move, the AI (Black) will automatically make its move

  • Wait for the AI to calculate (may take a few seconds on Hard difficulty)
  • The board updates to show the AI's move

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Adjusting Difficulty

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Easy:

  • Instant moves with basic evaluation
  • Good for beginners or quick games
  • AI makes random but legal moves

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Medium (Default):

  • Fast, strategic moves with 1-move lookahead
  • Balanced challenge for most players
  • Evaluates piece values and position

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Hard (Slow):

  • Best moves with 2-move lookahead
  • Challenging opponent that thinks ahead
  • May take several seconds per move

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To change difficulty:

  1. Click the Difficulty dropdown in the control panel
  2. Select your preferred level
  3. The change applies immediately to the AI's next move

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Tracking Game Progress

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Move History:

  • Each move is recorded in chess notation (e.g., "e2e4")
  • Click the last move display box to toggle highlighting of the last move on the board
  • Helps you review what just happened

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Game Status Messages:

  • "Turn: White (You)" - Your turn to move
  • "Turn: Black (AI)" - AI is thinking
  • "Check!" - King is under attack (shown in red)
  • "Checkmate! [Winner] wins!" - Game over
  • "Stalemate!" - Draw by stalemate
  • "Draw!" - Draw by insufficient material or 50-move rule

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Starting a New Game

  1. Click the New Game button in the control panel
  2. The board resets to starting position
  3. All game history is cleared
  4. You (White) move first

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Auto-Save Feature:

  • Game automatically saves when you click Save & Close
  • Saved to: Documents/ScriptBox/chess_autosave.txt
  • Includes board position, move history, difficulty setting, and all game state

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Resuming a Game:

  • Simply run the script again
  • Your last saved game loads automatically
  • Continue playing from where you left off

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Tips for Better Play

  1. Control the center: Move pawns and pieces toward the center squares (d4, d5, e4, e5)
  2. Develop pieces early: Get knights and bishops into play before moving the same piece twice
  3. Protect your king: Castle early to move your king to safety
  4. Think ahead: Consider what the AI might do in response to your move
  5. Watch for checks: The game prevents illegal moves, but planning to avoid check is key
  6. Use the highlight: Click the last move display to see what the AI just did

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☻ Conclusion

Whether you're a chess enthusiast looking for a quick game during your design workflow or a beginner learning the ropes, this script brings the timeless game of chess right into your creative workspace.

Challenge yourself against the AI, improve your strategic thinking, and enjoy a mental break without leaving Adobe Illustrator.

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Chess

Version: 1.0.3

Updated:

Download Chess

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.
    1.0.1 – when you click on the last move in the move list, if that move captured a piece, the destination square will be highlighted in red.

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    Tested on MacOS:

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    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.8)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2026 (30.2)

  • Supported Versions:

    • Compatible with Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later, including Adobe Illustrator CC versions.

    Operating Systems:

    • Works on both macOS and Windows platforms.

  • End User License Agreement (EULA)

    Last Updated: 21.12.2024

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    This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you (“User” or “Licensee”) and Samolevsky.com (“Licensor”) regarding the use of the Adobe Illustrator scripts (“Software”). By downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

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    1. Grant of License

    Licensor grants the User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Software in accordance with this Agreement.

    • Free Software: If the Software is provided for free, you may use it for personal or commercial purposes without payment, subject to the restrictions outlined in this Agreement.
    • Paid Software: If the Software is provided for a fee, you may use it only after payment has been made in full.

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    2. Usage Rights

    You are permitted to:

    • Install and use the Software on devices you own or control.
    • Use the Software in your personal or commercial projects, subject to compliance with this Agreement.

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    3. Restrictions

    You may NOT:

    • Reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying ideas, or algorithms of the Software.
    • Reuse, incorporate, or integrate any portion of the Software into any other software, product, or project, except as expressly permitted by the Licensor in writing.
    • Resell, redistribute, or share the Software, whether in its original or modified form, without prior written consent from the Licensor.
    • Claim ownership of the Software or its underlying code.
    • Use the Software in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.

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    4. Ownership

    The Software and all intellectual property rights therein remain the exclusive property of the Licensor. This Agreement does not transfer ownership of the Software or any intellectual property rights to the User.

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    5. Disclaimer of Warranties

    THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

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    6. Limitation of Liability

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, Licensor shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Software.

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    7. Termination

    This Agreement is effective until terminated. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach any term of this Agreement. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.

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    8. Updates and Support

    Licensor is not obligated to provide updates, support, or maintenance for the Software. However, updates may be provided at the sole discretion of the Licensor.

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    9. Governing Law

    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

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    10. Entire Agreement

    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Licensor concerning the Software and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter.

    By using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.

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    For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

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Introducing ScriptBox

Your Complete Adobe Illustrator Productivity Hub

Install Extension

➊ Toolbox

Access to 200+ pre-built scripts organized in categories.

➋ Script Launcher

Load and manage third-party scripts from custom folders.

➌ Panel Manager

Quick access to toggle Adobe Illustrator's built-in panels

➍ Favourites

Save frequently used scripts and panels for quick access.

➎ Code Editor

Write, edit, and execute custom ExtendScript/JavaScript code.

➏ Task Manager

An integrated to-do list that helps you track design tasks and jot down your ideas.

➐ Video Player

Create your own personal video library and watch YouTube videos right within the extension.

➑ Image Gallery

A visual moodboard allowing you to keep inspiration and reference materials right in your workspace while you design.

☻ Info

A heartfelt "Thank You" section to recognize our amazing Patreon supporters who help make ScriptBox possible.

Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

Learn more

Adobe Illustrator is a professional vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by designers, illustrators, and artists for creating a variety of digital artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and complex design layouts. Illustrator is known for its precision and scalability, allowing users to create high-quality graphics that can be resized without losing clarity. Its features include powerful drawing tools, customizable brushes, advanced typography options, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Illustrator is a go-to tool for creative professionals working on projects for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

  • 🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder

    To install a Chess.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator
can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:

    1. MacOS:
      Open Finder and navigate to:
      Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
    2. Windows:
      Open File Explorer and navigate to:
      C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
    3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
    4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).

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    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Chess.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
    2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
    3. Restart Adobe Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

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    Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

    1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
    2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
    3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
    4. Click the Chess script to run it.
    5. The Chess script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.

    ☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

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