Cloner

Cloner

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

Overview

Cloner is a powerful Adobe Illustrator script that allows you to create multiple copies of selected objects in various patterns. Whether you need to create a line of objects, a grid, a circular arrangement, a spiral, random scattering, or wave patterns, Cloner simplifies this process with an intuitive interface.

Installation

1. Download the Cloner.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.

Using Cloner

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Getting Started

  • Open your document in Adobe Illustrator.
  • Select the object(s) you want to clone.
  • Run the script by going to File > Scripts > Cloner.
  • The Cloner dialog will appear with various pattern options.

Common Controls

  • Preview: Check this box to see a live preview of your pattern as you adjust settings.
  • Hide/Show Edges: Toggle the visibility of object edges for better visualization.
  • OK: Apply the pattern and close the dialog.
  • Cancel: Close the dialog without applying changes.
  • Automatically zoom the document view to fit your selection.

Pattern Types

The Cloner script offers six pattern types, each with its own set of parameters:

  • Linear - Creates copies in a straight line with options for spacing, rotation, and scaling.
  • Grid - Arranges copies in rows and columns with customizable spacing.
  • Radial - Places copies in a circular pattern with control over radius and angle range.
  • Spiral - Distributes copies in a spiral formation with adjustable distance and spread.
  • Random - Scatters copies randomly within a defined area with optional rotation and scaling.
  • Wave - Positions copies along various wave patterns (Sine, Cosine, Triangle, Square). 


➊ Linear Pattern

Creates copies in a straight line.

Linear Tab

  • Count: Number of copies to create.
  • Horizontal: Horizontal spacing between copies.
  • Vertical: Vertical spacing between copies.
  • Link Horizontal & Vertical: Keep horizontal and vertical spacing equal.
  • Twist: Rotation angle applied gradually to copies.
  • Scale: Size change increment for each copy.

Tab: Linear / Count: 15 / Twist: 90

Tab: Linear / Count: 15 / Scale: 0


➋ Grid Pattern

Creates copies arranged in rows and columns.

Grid Tab

  • Rows: Number of rows in the grid
  • Columns: Number of columns in the grid.
  • Link Rows & Columns: Keep rows and columns equal.
  • Horizontal: Horizontal spacing between columns.
  • Vertical: Vertical spacing between rows.
  • Link Horizontal & Vertical: Keep horizontal and vertical spacing equal.

Tab: Grid / Rows: 3 / Columns: 8


➌ Radial Pattern

Creates copies arranged in a circle around the center point.

Radial Tab

  • Count: Number of objects around the circle.
  • Radius: Distance from center to objects.
  • Start Angle: Beginning angle (in degrees, 0-360).
  • End Angle: Ending angle (in degrees, 0-360).
  • Orientation: How objects are rotated along the circular path:
  • Keep original orientation: Objects maintain their original rotation.
  • Rotate along path: Objects rotate to follow the circle (like text on a circle).
  • Rotate along path (reversed): Objects rotate in the opposite direction.

 A: Keep original orientation; B: Rotate along path


➍ Spiral Pattern

Creates copies arranged in a spiral pattern from the center.

Spiral Tab

  • Count: Number of objects along the spiral.
  • Distance: Maximum distance from the center.
  • Spread: Angular spread of the spiral (in degrees).
  • Twist: Rotation angle applied progressively to the objects as they spiral outward.

Check the 'Reverse Order' box to reverse the spiral direction


➎ Random Pattern

Creates copies with random positions within a defined area.


  • Count: Number of randomly positioned objects.
  • Width: Width of the distribution area.
  • Height: Height of the distribution area.
  • Random Rotation: Apply random rotation to objects.
  • Random Scale: Apply random scaling (50%-150%) to objects.

A. Random Offset; B. Random Scale; C. Random Rotation


➏ Wave Pattern

Creates copies arranged in a wave pattern.

Wave Tab

  • Count: Number of objects along the wave.
  • Distance: Horizontal spacing between objects.
  • Amplitude: Height of the wave.
  • Period: Number of complete wave cycles.
  • Wave Type: Shape of the wave (Sine, Cosine, Triangle, Square).

A. Sine; B. Cosine; C. Triangle wave type


Tips and Tricks

  • Use the sliders for quick adjustments or enter precise values in the text fields.
  • Use the arrow keys (↑/↓) to fine-tune values in text fields.
  • Hold Shift while using arrow keys for larger increments (jumps of 5 instead of 1).
  • The preview feature helps you see changes in real-time.
  • For precise placement, start with fewer copies and adjust settings.
  • The Zoom to Fit button (✚) helps you see your entire pattern.
  • Use the Hide/Show Edges toggle to better visualize complex patterns.
  • Link spacing options ensure consistent spacing in both directions.
  • For more information, click the ⏼ Open User Guide icon.


☻ Conclusion

The Cloner script puts advanced pattern creation at your fingertips, transforming what would be tedious, manual work into a streamlined, intuitive process. With its six versatile pattern types and extensive customization options, you can quickly create complex arrangements that would otherwise take hours to build manually.

Whether you're designing decorative borders, creating geometric patterns, arranging elements in a circular logo, or distributing objects in an organic layout, Cloner provides the flexibility and precision you need.

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Cloner

Version: 1.1.8

Updated:

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.
    1.0.1 – Each parameter now includes a convenient reset button (×) to quickly return to default values.
    1.0.2 – Added right‑click reset on all sliders.
    1.0.3 – Added the Reverse Order checkbox to the Linear tab.
    1.0.4 – Added the Reverse Order checkbox to the Wave tab.
    1.0.5 – Added the Reverse Order checkbox to the Radial tab.
    1.0.6 – The Reverse Order checkbox has been added to the Grid tab.
    1.0.7 – Added a Random Opacity checkbox to the Random tab.
    1.0.8 – Added a Rotation Randomization slider to the Random tab - higher values create wider rotation variation.
    1.0.9 – Added a Scale Randomization slider to the Random tab - higher values create wider scale variation.
    1.1.0 – Implemented an Opacity Randomization slider in the Random tab – higher values create wider opacity variation.
    1.1.1 – Added new End Opacity control to the Linear tab to gradually fade or increase the opacity in a linear repeat.
    1.1.2 – Added a new End Opacity control on the Radial tab to gradually fade or increase the opacity in a radial repeat.
    1.1.3 – Added a new End Opacity control to the Spiral tab. Spiral clones can now fade from the original opacity to your chosen End Opacity across the sequence.
    1.1.4 – Added End Opacity to the Wave tab. Wave instances now fade from the selected object’s original opacity to the chosen End Opacity across the sequence.
    1.1.5 – Added Distribution in the Linear tab for smooth non-uniform distributions.
    1.1.6 – The script now robustly saves all settings to the specified location and restores them correctly between sessions.
    1.1.7 – Added Honeycomb mode for creating hexagonal patterns with customizable rows, columns, radius, and orientation options.
    1.1.8 – The "Hide/Show Edges" feature has been re-engineered. Instead of toggling the global "Hide Edges" view setting, it now selectively deselects objects during the preview.

    Tested on MacOS:

    Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)

    Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)

    Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)

  • 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

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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

Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

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 Cloner.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).

    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Cloner.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 IllustratorTo refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

    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 Cloner script to run it.
    5. The Cloner 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.

Got questions?

Need help or have an idea to share? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, found a bug, have a feature request, or just want to share your feedback, reach out to us—we’re here for you!