Layout Grid Generator

Layout Grid Generator

Script for Adobe Illustrator

Overview

The Layout Grid Generator is a powerful script designed to streamline the creation of customizable grid layouts within Adobe Illustrator. This tool automates the process of setting up precise and flexible grids, saving time and ensuring consistency in your design projects.

With this script, users can effortlessly define key parameters such as margins, columns, rows, and gutters directly within the selected artboard. The interface is user-friendly, allowing for quick adjustments and real-time previews of the grid structure.

 

Whether you're crafting a multi-column print layout, poster design, or a pixel-perfect UI, the Layout Grid Generator ensures your elements align perfectly, resulting in a clean and professional design composition.

Installation

  • Place the script in your 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.
  • Go to File > Scripts > Layout Grid Generator to launch the script.

Using the Script

Upon execution, the Layout Grid Generator dialog box appears with multiple options:

 

 

➊ Select an Artboard

The Select an Artboard section in the Layout Grid Generator script allows users to choose the specific artboard where the grid will be applied. This feature is particularly useful for documents containing multiple artboards, ensuring that grids are generated precisely where needed.

  • Dropdown menu displays a list of available artboards in the document.
  • Users can select an artboard to apply the layout grid.
  • The active artboard is pre-selected by default.
  • Once an artboard is selected, the script zooms in and fits it to the screen.


➋ Set Margins

The Margins menu in the Layout Grid Generator script allows users to define the spacing between the grid and the edges of the selected artboard.

 

 

Users can set the top, bottom, left, and right margins in pixels:

  • 2.1 Top Margin (↑)
  • 2.2 Bottom Margin (↓)
  • 2.3 Left Margin (←)
  • 2.4 Right Margin (→)
  • 2.5 When the 'Link Margins' checkbox enabled, all margin values are synchronized—changing one value updates all others.

Individual Margin Inputs:

  • When the 'Link Margins' checkbox disabled, each margin can be adjusted independently.
  • Input fields allow manual entry for precision.
  • Keyboard Up/Down arrow keys adjust values incrementally.
  • Shift + Up/Down increases or decreases values in larger steps.
  • Click arrow buttons (↑←→↓) for individual margin adjustments when margins are unlinked.
  • Click +/– buttons for incrementing/decrementing all margins simultaneously when margins are linked.


➌ Define Columns

The Columns Panel in the Layout Grid Generator allows users to define the number of columns and the spacing between them within the selected artboard.

 

3.1 Number of Columns (Quantity)

  • Users can manually enter a specific number of columns or use the slider for quick adjustments.
  • The grid automatically divides the available space based on the selected column count.
  • Tip: Up and Down Arrow keys adjust values incrementally. Shift + Arrow keys adjust in larger steps.

3.2 Column Spacing (Gutter)

  • Defines the space between columns, preventing elements from touching each other.
  • Adjustable using the input field or the slider.


➍ Define Rows

The Rows Panel in the Layout Grid Generator allows users to define the number of horizontal rows and adjust the spacing between them within the selected artboard.

 

4.1 Number of Rows (Quantity)

  • Users can manually enter a specific number of rows or use the slider for quick adjustments.
  • The grid divides the available space based on the selected row count.
  • Tip: Up and Down Arrow keys adjust values incrementally. Shift + Arrow keys adjust in larger steps.

4.2 Row Spacing (Gutter)

  • Defines the vertical spacing between rows, ensuring proper content separation.
  • Adjustable using the input field or the slider.


➎ Applying the Layout Grid

The OK button in the Layout Grid Generator serves as the final confirmation to apply the grid settings to the selected artboard. Once clicked, it executes the following actions:

Creates a New Layer for the Grid: 

  • A new “Layout Grid” layer is automatically added to the Layers panel.
  • This ensures that the grid does not interfere with existing artwork.
  • The layer is locked after the grid is applied to prevent accidental modifications.

Applies the Grid Layout:

  • Generates a structured grid based on the defined margins, columns, rows, and gutters.
  • The grid is created as guides for precise alignment.
  • After applying the grid, it switches back to the previous layer, so users can continue working seamlessly.


➏ Additional Tips

To maximize efficiency and precision while using the Layout Grid Generator, here are some essential tips for key functionalities:

🅰 Toggle Guides Visibility

  • Toggles the visibility of all guides in the document.
  • Helps temporarily hide the grid for a cleaner view of your artwork.

Tip: If guides are not appearing, check if the View > Guides > Show Guides option is enabled.

  • When enabled, adjusting one margin (top, bottom, left, or right) automatically updates all four to the same value.
  • When disabled, each margin can be adjusted independently.

Tip: Keep this option checked for symmetrical layouts, and uncheck it when working with asymmetrical designs.

  • When enabled, the row gutter and column gutter will always have the same value.
  • When disabled, column and row gutters can be adjusted separately.

Tip: Keep gutters linked for uniform spacing, or unlink them when different vertical and horizontal spacing is needed.

🅳 Cancel Button

  • Removes the layout grid without affecting other artwork.
  • If you’ve made changes but want to start over, clicking Cancel and re-running the script is the fastest way to reset settings.

🅴 Open User Guide

  • Located in the footer of the dialog box, represented by the ⏼ icon.
  • Clicking it opens the official user guide in a web browser.


☻ Wrap-Up

The Layout Grid Generator is a powerful and efficient tool for creating structured grid layouts in Adobe Illustrator.

By offering customizable margins, columns, rows, and gutters, along with an intuitive user interface, this script simplifies the process of designing typography layouts, web interfaces, posters, and editorial compositions with precision.

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Layout Grid Generator

Version: 1.0.1

Updated:

    • 1.0.0 – Initial release.
    • 1.0.1 – Added clickable arrows for adjusting individual margins when unlinked, and +/- buttons for incrementing all margins simultaneously when linked.

    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 Illustrator

Use this text to share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, share announcements, or welcome customers to your store.

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 Layout Grid Generator.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 Layout Grid Generator.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 Layout Grid Generator script to run it.
    5. The Layout Grid Generator 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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