Metaball Circles Connector

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

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Description

Metaball Circles Connector is an Adobe Illustrator script that creates smooth, organic connections between shapes using metaball effects. This powerful tool automatically generates fluid, blob-like bridges between two or more selected paths or compound paths, perfect for creating modern, organic designs with seamless shape transitions.

The script uses mathematical metaball algorithms to calculate optimal connection points and bezier curves, producing natural-looking connections that blend shapes together. Whether you're designing logos, illustrations, or abstract art, this tool helps you achieve smooth, professional results with minimal effort.

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Features

Automatic Connection Generation: Creates smooth connections between any two or more paths.
Real-time Preview: See changes instantly as you adjust the strength parameter.
Adjustable Strength: Control the intensity of connections with a slider (-100 to 100%) or manual input, from a thin neck all the way to a single shape fully enclosing both circles.
Interactive Controls: Use keyboard shortcuts (arrow keys, Shift+arrows) for precise adjustments, or right-click the slider to reset it.
Gradient Blending: Automatically blends the fill colors of the two connected shapes across the bridge, when both have solid fills.
Smart Grouping: Automatically organizes original shapes and connections into a named group.
Flexible Input: Works with paths, compound paths, and grouped objects.
Non-destructive: Creates duplicates of original shapes, preserving your work.
Remembers Your Settings: Reopens with the strength, preview, and Hide Edges settings you used last.

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Installation

1. Download the Metaball Circles Connector.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. Access the script via File > Scripts > Metaball Circles Connector

5. Alternatively, run it directly via File > Scripts > Other Script... and browse to the file location

Tip: You can also drag and drop the .jsx file directly onto the Illustrator workspace to run the script instantly – no installation needed.

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Using the Script

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Launch the Script

Start by creating or opening a document in Adobe Illustrator and drawing at least two shapes that you want to connect. Use the Selection Tool (V) to select the desired paths or compound paths. Go to File > Scripts > Metaball Circles Connector to launch the script interface.

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➊ Adjust Connection Strength

The "Strength" parameter controls how pronounced the connections are, on a scale from -100 to 100. 0 is the default — a smooth tangent-line connection between the two shapes.

Drag the scrollbar left or right: negative values thin the bridge down toward the thinnest connection still possible; positive values bloat it into a fuller, rounder bridge, up to a single shape that fully encloses both circles at +100
Right-click the scrollbar to instantly reset it to 0
Type a numeric value directly into the input field for precise control — an alert warns you if the entry isn't a valid number
Use Up/Down arrow keys to increment by 1, or hold Shift to increment by 10

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➋ Preview Your Changes

The "Preview" checkbox is enabled by default, allowing you to watch connections — including any gradient blending — update in real-time as you adjust the strength.

Watch connections intelligently render in live view, letting you perfect the organic feel before applying
Uncheck "Preview" to disable real-time updates and improve performance when working with extremely complex shapes

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➌ Hide Edges

Check "Hide Edges" to deselect your shapes while previewing, so selection outlines and anchor points don't get in the way of judging the connection. Unchecking it restores your original selection.

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➍ Apply or Cancel

Once you are satisfied with the metaball connections, you can finalize your design or discard the changes.

Click "OK" to apply the metaball connections
Click "Cancel" to close the dialog without making changes
The script will duplicate your original shapes, remove the old ones, and neatly organize everything into a single group

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☻ Wrap-Up

Metaball Circles Connector is an essential tool for creating smooth, fluid, and organic designs in Adobe Illustrator with absolute ease. By following this guide, you can quickly master its features and integrate them into your daily workflow to achieve professional, seamless shape transitions. Enjoy exploring new creative possibilities and elevating your vector illustrations!

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#Path

Previous

Metaball Circles Connector

Version: 1.0.6

Updated: July 5, 2026

Download Metaball Circles Connector

1.0.0 – Initial release.
1.0.1 – Hide Edges Toggle: Added the ability to hide selection paths/edges to better visualize the smooth organic bridges in real time.
1.0.2 – Zoom to Selection: Introduced a new "✚" Quick Zoom feature that instantly fits your selected shapes squarely within the Illustrator window for precise close-up editing.
1.0.3 – Persistent Settings: Created an intelligent settings manager that saves your last-used Strength, Preview, and Hide Edges preferences, automatically loading them on your next session.
1.0.4 – Proportional Strength Mode: Added a powerful new "Proportional" calculation mode! Rather than using strict millimeter values, the tool now adapts the connection radius intelligently to the average scale of your selected circles. This ensures perfect proportions even when blending shapes of vastly different sizes.
1.0.5 – Gradient Fill Blending: Introduced dynamic gradient support! When connecting two solid-filled circles of different colors, the script automatically generates a linear gradient connection that smoothly blends the colors of both original shapes.
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Tested on MacOS:
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- Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
- Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)
- Adobe Illustrator 2025 (30.3)
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 Metaball Circles Connector.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 Metaball Circles Connector.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 Metaball Circles Connector script to run it.
5. The Metaball Circles Connector 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 Metaball Circles Connector.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 Metaball Circles Connector.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 Metaball Circles Connector script to run it.
5. The Metaball Circles Connector 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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