Color Randomizer

Color Randomizer

Script for Adobe Illustrator

Overview

Color Randomizer script allows you to randomly vary the colors of selected objects in Adobe Illustrator while maintaining control over how the colors change. It's particularly useful for creating variations in designs, generating color alternatives, or adding subtle randomness to your artwork.

Key Features

1. Three Randomization Modes:

  • Hue: Shifts colors around the color wheel while maintaining saturation and lightness.
  • Saturation: Adjusts the intensity of colors while keeping the same hue.
  • Lightness: Changes the brightness of colors while preserving the hue.

2. Separate Controls for Fill and Stroke:

  • Adjustable variation amount (1-100%) for both fill and stroke colors.
  • Real-time preview of changes.
  • Handles gradient and spot color fill and stroke.

3. Advanced Compatibility:

  • Works with single objects and groups.
  • Supports text objects.
  • Compatible with RGB, CMYK, and grayscale colors.

Installation

1. Download the Script:

  • Save the Color Randomizer.jsx file to your computer.

2. Place in Scripts Folder:

  • For Mac: Copy the file to 
    /Applications/Adobe Illustrator [Version]/Presets/<Language>/Scripts/
  • For Windows: Copy the file to
    C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator [Version]\Presets\<Language>\Scripts\

3. Restart Illustrator:

  • If Illustrator was running during installation, restart it to recognize the new script.

Using the script

  • Launch the Script: Go to File > Scripts > Color Randomizer
  • Configure Randomization Settings: The dialog box offers the following options:

 

 

 

➊ Randomization Mode

Choose a randomization mode using a dropdown menu with three options:

  1. Hue: Shifts colors around the color wheel (e.g., red might become orange or purple).
  2. Saturation: Adjusts color intensity (e.g., vibrant red to muted red).
  3. Lightness: Changes brightness (e.g., dark red to light red).

  • Affects both fill and stroke colors when enabled.
  • Changes update in real-time when switching modes.

Hue, Saturation, and Lightness modes with 10% randomization.

 

 

 


➋ Fill Color

Controls randomization of object fill colors.

  1. Checkbox: Enables/disables fill color randomization.
  2. Slider: Adjusts variation amount from 1-100%.
  3. Input field: Shows current variation value.

  • Slider and input field are disabled until checkbox is checked.
  • Changes preview immediately when adjusting values.
  • Use up/down arrow keys to fine-tune values.
  • Hold Shift while using arrow keys for larger increments.


➌ Stroke Color

Controls randomization of object stroke colors:

  1. Checkbox: Enables/disables stroke color randomization.
  2. Slider: Controls variation amount (1-100%).
  3. Input field: Displays/accepts numerical values.

  • Controls remain disabled until checkbox is checked.
  • Updates preview in real-time.

Additional Notes:

  • The variation percentage determines the maximum possible change from the original color.
  • Lower values (closer to 1%) create subtle variations.
  • Higher values (closer to 100%) create more dramatic changes.
  • Spot colors and global colors are converted to their base color type for randomization.
  • Gradient stops are individually randomized while maintaining their positions.


➍ Buttons

OK Button:

  • Applies the current randomization permanently.
  • Closes the dialog.
  • Cannot be undone (except with Edit > Undo).

Cancel Button:

  • Reverts all changes to original colors.
  • Closes the dialog without applying changes.
  • Useful if you don't like the preview results.

For best results:

  • Start with small variation values (5-15%) for subtle changes.
  • Use the Hue mode for exploring different color schemes while maintaining the overall feel.
  • Preview different settings before committing to find the perfect balance.
  • Remember you can always use Edit > Undo if you want to try another variation after applying.

Limitations:

⚠︎ The script does not apply adjustments to:

✖ Raster Images.
✖ Pattern Swatches.
✖ Effects/Appearances.
✖ Freeform Gradients.
✖ Gradient Meshes

Tip: Click the icon ⏼ in the bottom right corner to access the user guide.


The Color Randomizer script offers a powerful yet controlled approach to color experimentation in Adobe Illustrator. Whether you're exploring design variations, creating dynamic patterns, or simply looking for color inspiration, this tool provides the perfect balance between randomness and control.

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Color Randomizer

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

    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

Required Software

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a leading image editing and graphic design software developed by Adobe Inc. Renowned for its versatility, Photoshop is used by photographers, designers, and digital artists for tasks ranging from photo retouching and compositing to digital painting and creating web graphics. Its robust set of tools includes advanced layering, masking, and blending options, as well as powerful filters, adjustments, and AI-driven features like content-aware fill. Photoshop supports both raster and vector workflows, making it ideal for a wide range of creative projects, including print, web, and multimedia design. As part of Adobe Creative Cloud, it integrates seamlessly with other Adobe apps.

  • 🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder

    To install a Color Randomizer.jsx script in Adobe Photoshop, 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 Photoshop 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 Randomizer.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 PhotoshopTo refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

    Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

    1. Open Adobe Photoshop 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 Randomizer script to run it.
    5. The Color Randomizer 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! 

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