Invert Colors

Invert Colors

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

Invert Colors is a simple Adobe Illustrator script that inverts the colors of selected objects with live preview functionality. Perfect for creating negative effects, exploring alternative color schemes, or quickly generating inverted versions of your artwork.

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Features

  • Live Preview: See color inversions in real-time before applying
  • Multiple Color Modes: Supports RGB, CMYK, Grayscale, Spot Colors, and Gradients
  • Comprehensive Object Support: Works with paths, groups, compound paths, text, symbols, raster images, placed items, and gradient meshes
  • Hide Edges Toggle: Option to hide object edges for cleaner preview
  • Zoom to Selection: Quickly fit selected objects in view
  • Smart Revert: Cancel anytime to restore original colors

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Installation

1. Download the Invert Colors.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, run it directly via File > Scripts > Other Script... and browse to the file location; or just drag and drop the Invert Colors.jsx file onto your Illustrator document window.

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Using the Script

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➊ Open Your Document

  • Launch Adobe Illustrator
  • Open an existing document or create a new one

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➋ Select Objects

  • Use the Selection Tool (V) to select one or more objects whose colors you want to invert
  • You can select:Individual paths or shapesGroups of objectsText framesRaster imagesAny combination of supported object types
  • Note: At least one object must be selected, or the script will display an error message

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➌ Run the Script

  • Go to File > Scripts > Invert Colors (if installed)
  • Or File > Scripts > Other Script... and select the script file
  • The Invert Colors dialog will appear.

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➍ Use the Dialog Controls

The dialog provides several interactive controls:

image gallery

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Preview Checkbox

  • Checked: Shows live preview of inverted colors on your selection
  • Unchecked: Reverts to original colors temporarily
  • Toggle this on/off to compare original vs. inverted colors

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Hide Edges Checkbox

  • Checked: Hides object edges/outlines for a cleaner view
  • Unchecked: Shows object edges (default)
  • Useful when you want to see the pure color effect without selection outlines

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Zoom Button ✚

  • Click to automatically fit your selection in the window
  • Helps you see the full effect of color inversion
  • Especially useful for large or off-screen selections

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Cancel Button

  • Closes the dialog and reverts all changes
  • Returns objects to their original colors
  • Safe to use at any time

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OK Button

  • Applies the color inversion permanently
  • Closes the dialog
  • Shows a confirmation message when complete
  • Checked: Shows live preview of inverted colors on your selection
  • Unchecked: Reverts to original colors temporarily
  • Toggle this on/off to compare original vs. inverted colors

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➎ Review and Apply

  1. With Preview enabled, examine the inverted colors
  2. Use the Hide Edges option if needed for better visibility
  3. Click the Zoom button to see the full selection
  4. Toggle Preview on/off to compare before and after
  5. When satisfied, click OK to apply the changes
  6. Or click Cancel to discard and keep original colors

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Supported Color Types

  • RGB Colors
  • CMYK Colors
  • Grayscale
  • Spot Colors (converted to process colors before inversion)
  • Gradient Colors (inverts all gradient stops)

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Supported Object Types

  • Path Items
  • Group Items
  • Compound Paths
  • Text Frames
  • Symbol Items
  • Raster Items
  • Placed Items
  • Gradient Meshes

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☻ Tips and Best Practices

  1. Preview First: Always use the preview feature to check results before applying
  2. Group Selection: Select multiple objects at once for batch color inversion
  3. Text Handling: The script inverts individual character colors in text frames
  4. Raster Images: Raster and placed images are inverted using Illustrator's native invert command
  5. Undo Available: If you're not satisfied after applying, use Cmd/Ctrl+Z to undo
  6. Complex Objects: For groups and compound paths, all nested elements are processed recursively

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Invert Colors

Version: 1.0.2

Updated:

Download Invert Colors

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

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    Tested on MacOS:

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    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.8)

  • 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

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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 Invert Colors.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 Invert Colors.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 Invert Colors script to run it.
    5. The Invert Colors 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.

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