Extend Straight Segments

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

Extend Straight Segments is an Adobe Illustrator script that allows you to easily extend or trim the straight line segments at the endpoints of open paths. The script provides precise control over how much to extend or shorten these segments, with options for uniform or random adjustments. It's particularly useful for designers who need to adjust line endpoints without manually redrawing or adjusting anchor points.

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Features

Extend or trim straight segments at the endpoints of open paths.
Apply changes to both endpoints, or selectively to only start or end points.
Intelligently targets multiple selected straight line segments simultaneously.
Interactive adjustment via a slider or direct input.
Random extension mode with customizable minimum and maximum range.
Supports extension (>100%) or trimming (<100%) of segments.
Real-time preview of changes.
Cancel option to restore original paths.

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50% trims the segments, 100% no change, 200% extends the segments

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Installation

1. Download the Extend Straight Segments.jsx script file.

2. Place it 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 Illustrator if it's already running.

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Preparation

Open your Adobe Illustrator document.
Select one or more open paths with straight segments at their endpoints.
Run the Extend Straight Segments script.

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Using the Script

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1. Select Points to Affect

Choose which endpoints you want to modify:

Both Endpoints: Affects both the start and end points of all selected paths.
Start Points: Only affects the beginning points of selected paths.
End Points: Only affects the ending points of selected paths.

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2. Choose Extension Mode

Select one of the two extension modes:

Uniform Extension: Extends all selected endpoints by the same percentage.
Random Extension: Extends each endpoint by a random percentage within your specified range.

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Selected straight segments

Uniform Extension: 75%

Random Extension: Extend Both Endpoints

Random Extension: Extend Start Points

Random Extension: Extend End Points

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3. Configure Extension Settings

For Uniform Extension:

Use the slider to set the extension percentage (from 10% to 500%).
Or directly enter a percentage value in the input field.
100% means no change, values below 100% will shorten the segments, values above 100% will extend them.
Use arrow keys (↑/↓) to adjust values by 1%, or hold Shift + arrow keys to adjust by 10%.

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For Random Extension:

Set the minimum percentage.
Set the maximum percentage.
Click the "✚" button to generate new random values within the range.
Use arrow keys to fine-tune min/max values.

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4. Use Preview

The "Preview" checkbox lets you see changes in real-time before applying them.
Toggle it on/off to compare the original vs. modified paths.

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5. Complete the Operation

Click "OK" to apply the changes and close the dialog.
Click "Cancel" to discard all changes and restore original paths.

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Additional Notes

The script only works with open paths (not closed shapes) that have straight segments at their endpoints.
Move the slider right (>100%) to extend the segments.
Move the slider left (<100%) to trim the segments.
Use arrow keys (↑/↓) to adjust value by 1%.
Hold Shift + arrow keys to adjust value by 10%.
Only straight segments at path endpoints will be modified.
Endpoints with Bezier curves (smooth corners) will be preserved.
Click the icon ⏼ in the bottom right corner to access the user guide.

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Wrap-up

The Extend Straight Segments script streamlines your Illustrator workflow by providing precise control over path endpoints.

With its intuitive interface and real-time preview, you can quickly adjust multiple open paths simultaneously without having to manually redraw or recreate elements.

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Extend Straight Segments

Version: 1.0.7

Updated: April 5, 2025

Download Extend Straight Segments

1.0.0 – Initial release.
1.0.1 – Added support for processing only unlocked and visible paths. Warning notification when locked or hidden items are in selection.
1.0.2 – Endpoint Selection Options: Choose which endpoints to adjust - both endpoints, start points only, or end points only.
1.0.3 – Random Extension Mode: Generate random extension lengths within a customizable range.
1.0.4 – Randomize Button: Quickly generate new random variations without closing the dialog.
1.0.5 – Redesigned interface with logical grouping of controls. More descriptive labels and tooltips.
1.0.6 – Changed sliders to scrollBars for better interaction. Better layout for all dialog elements.
1.0.7 – Added Up and Down Arrow keyboard shortcuts for all numeric inputs. Shift+arrow keys shortcut for larger value increments. Improved scrollbar behavior.
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Tested on MacOS:
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- Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
- Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
- Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)
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
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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

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 Extend Straight Segments.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 Extend Straight Segments.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 Extend Straight Segments script to run it.
5. The Extend Straight Segments 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.

🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder
To install a Extend Straight Segments.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).
ㅤ
🅱 Installing the Script
1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Extend Straight Segments.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.
ㅤ
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 Extend Straight Segments script to run it.
5. The Extend Straight Segments 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?

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