Extended Align Panel

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

The Extended Align panel is a powerful enhancement for Adobe Illustrator, expanding the default alignment options to include 9 advanced commands. These new alignment options provide precise control over object positioning, enabling users to align objects to specific corners, edges, or the center of the artboard or key object with a single click.

Installation

• Place the script file in your Adobe Illustrator scripts folder:
  
  MacOS: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
  Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
  
  
• Restart Adobe Illustrator to load the script into the File > Scripts menu.
• Open your document and go to File > Scripts > Extended Align Panel to launch the script.
• The Extended Align Panel window will appear.

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How to Use the Extended Align Panel

1. Select Objects

• Start by selecting one or more objects on the artboard.
• Depending on your alignment needs, choose the appropriate reference point (artboard, selection, or key object) as described below.

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2. Set the Alignment Reference

Before using the Extended Align Panel, decide how you want to align the objects. Follow the steps for your preferred alignment reference:

• Align Relative to the Artboard:
• Open the default Align panel: Go to Window > Align and select Align to Artboard icon.
  
  
• Align Relative to the Selection:
• Open the Align panel if not already visible: Window > Align. Set the Align To option to Align to Selection.
  
  
• Align Relative to a Key Object:
• Select all the objects you want to align.
• Click once on the object you want to designate as the key object (it will display a thicker border).
• The key object becomes the alignment reference for all other selected objects.

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3. Use the Extended Align Panel

Once the alignment reference is set, use the Extended Align Panel to apply specific alignment options:

• A. Advanced Alignment Options:
  Align to top-left, top-center, top-right, middle-left, center, middle-right, bottom-left, bottom-center, or bottom-right.
• B. Basic Alignment Options:
  Align left, right, top, bottom, horizontal center, or vertical center.

Click on the icon in the Extended Align Panel that corresponds to your desired alignment (Hover over an icon to see its functionality as a tooltip).

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Alignment options include:

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🅰 Advanced Alignment Options

1. Align Top Left
   Align objects to the top and left edges.
   
   
2. Align Top Center
   Align objects to the top edge and center horizontally.
   
   
3. Align Top Right
   Align objects to the top and right edges.
   
   
4. Align Middle Left
   Align objects to the vertical center and left edge.
   
   
5. Align Center
   Align objects to both the horizontal and vertical centers.
   
   
6. Align Middle Right
   Align objects to the vertical center and right edge.
   
   
7. Align Bottom Left
   Align objects to the bottom and left edges.
   
   
8. Align Bottom Center
   Align objects to the bottom edge and center horizontally.
   
   
9. Align Bottom Right
   Align objects to the bottom and right edges.

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🅱 Basic Alignment Options

1. Horizontal Align Left
   Aligns objects to the left edge of the artboard.
   
   
2. Horizontal Align Center
   Centers objects horizontally on the artboard.
   
   
3. Horizontal Align Right
   Aligns objects to the right edge of the artboard.
   
   
4. Vertical Align Top
   Aligns objects to the top edge of the artboard.
   
   
5. Vertical Align Center
   Centers objects vertically on the artboard.
   
   
6. Vertical Align Bottom
   Aligns objects to the bottom edge of the artboard.

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This intuitive and user-friendly floating panel is ideal for graphic designers, illustrators, and anyone seeking efficient and precise alignment tools in their workflow. Each alignment option is paired with visually intuitive icons and descriptive tooltips for seamless usability.

By integrating this panel into your workflow, you’ll save time, reduce manual adjustments, and achieve precise alignments with ease!

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