Color Channels Tweaker

Color Channels Tweaker

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

Description

Color Channels Tweaker provides precise control over individual color channels in your Illustrator artwork. Whether you're working in RGB or CMYK color space, this script lets you fine-tune each channel independently using intuitive sliders with values ranging from 0% to 200%. Perfect for color correction, creative color effects, and batch color adjustments.

Features

  • Dual Color Mode Support: Automatically detects and works with both RGB and CMYK color spaces
  • Real-time Preview: See changes instantly as you adjust sliders
  • Individual Channel Control: Adjust each color channel independently (R, G, B or C, M, Y, K)
  • Flexible Range: Values from 0% to 200% for each channel (100% = original value)
  • Selective Application: Choose to apply changes to fills, strokes, or both
  • Global Color Handling: Option to skip or edit global swatches
  • Gradient Support: Automatically adjusts colors within gradients
  • Quick Reset: Reset individual channels to 100% with dedicated reset buttons
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Use arrow keys for precise adjustments (Shift for 10% increments)
  • Zoom to Selection: Built-in zoom button to fit selection in view
  • Hide Edges Toggle: Option to hide object edges for better color preview

Installation

1. Download the Color Channels Tweaker.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. Alternatively, you can run the script directly via File > Scripts > Other Script... and browse to the file location; or just drag and drop the .jsx file onto your Illustrator document window.

Using the Script

  • Open an Illustrator document
  • Select one or more objects whose colors you want to adjust
  • Access the script via File > Scripts > Color Channels Tweaker.
  • The dialog will display different sliders based on your document's color mode:

image galleryimage gallery

➊ Adjust Color Channels

For RGB Documents:

  • R (Red): Adjust red channel (0-200%)
  • G (Green): Adjust green channel (0-200%)
  • B (Blue): Adjust blue channel (0-200%)

For CMYK Documents:

  • C (Cyan): Adjust cyan channel (0-200%)
  • M (Magenta): Adjust magenta channel (0-200%)
  • Y (Yellow): Adjust yellow channel (0-200%)
  • K (Black): Adjust black channel (0-200%)

Adjustment Methods:

  • Drag the slider left or right
  • Type a value directly in the input field (0-200)
  • Use arrow keys: Up/Down for 1% increments, Shift+Up/Down for 10% increments
  • Right-click on a slider to reset it to 100%
  • Click the ✖ button next to a channel to reset it to 100%

➋ Configure Appearance Options

  • Fill: Check to apply changes to object fills
  • Stroke: Check to apply changes to object strokes
  • Uncheck either option to exclude it from adjustments

➌ Handle Global Colors

  • Skip: Don't modify global swatches (default)
  • Edit: Directly edit global swatches (affects all objects using those swatches)

➍ Use Preview Features

  • Preview: Toggle real-time preview on/off (enabled by default)
  • Hide Edges: Hide selection edges for better color visualization
  • Zoom Button (✚): Click to fit selection in the viewport

➎ Apply or Cancel

  • OK: Apply the color adjustments and close the dialog
  • Cancel: Discard changes and close the dialog
  • Keyboard shortcuts: Press Enter to apply, Esc to cancel

➌ Conclusion

Color Channels Tweaker gives you precise, real-time control over individual RGB or CMYK channels in your Illustrator artwork, making color correction and creative effects simple and intuitive.

With flexible adjustment ranges, gradient support, and convenient preview features, you can fine-tune colors across multiple objects simultaneously. Whether you're removing color casts, boosting specific channels, or creating unique color effects, this script streamlines your color workflow.

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Color Channels Tweaker

Version: 1.0.4

Updated:

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.
    1.0.1 – Fixed bug with adjusting gradient colors.
    1.0.2 – Right-clicking the slider instantly resets the channel to 100%.

    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 Color Channels Tweaker.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 Color Channels Tweaker.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 Color Channels Tweaker script to run it.
    5. The Color Channels Tweaker 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!