Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

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Description

Object Slicer is a powerful Adobe Illustrator script that slices any selected object into multiple segments with extensive customization options. Create stunning glitch effects, displaced designs, and artistic compositions by dividing objects into adjustable slices with control over rotation, spacing, randomization, and positioning.

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Perfect for creating:

• Glitch art effects
• Displaced text and graphics
• Abstract geometric designs
• Motion-inspired compositions
• Experimental typography
• Creative poster designs

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Features

• Flexible Slicing Patterns: Choose from Vertical, Horizontal, Square, or Circle slicing modes
• Adjustable Slice Count: Create 2-100 slices with precision control
• Rotation Control: Rotate slice masks up to ±3600 degrees
• Uniform & Random Widths: Toggle between uniform slices or randomized widths
• Position Offsets: Apply vertical and horizontal shifts to all slices
• Randomization: Add random vertical and horizontal displacement to individual slices
• Slice Gap Control: Create gaps or overlaps between slices
• Real-time Preview: See changes instantly before applying
• Non-destructive: Original object is preserved (masked) after slicing
• Auto-grouping: All slices are automatically grouped and selected for easy manipulation

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Installation

1. Download the Object Slicer.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 > Object Slicer

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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Prepare Your Object

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create or open a document
2. Select exactly one object you want to slice (text, shapes, images, groups, etc.)
3. The script works with any vector or raster object

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Launch the Script

1. Go to File > Scripts > Object Slicer
2. The Object Slicer dialog window will appear:

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➊ Basic Settings Panel

Slices

• Controls how many slices to create from your object
• Use the slider for quick adjustments or type a specific number
• Right-click the slider to reset to minimum (2)
• Click the ✖ button to reset to default

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Vertical Shift

• Applies uniform vertical offset to all slices
• Positive values shift up, negative values shift down
• Creates staggered or stepped effects

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Horizontal Shift

• Applies uniform horizontal offset to all slices
• Positive values shift right, negative values shift left
• Creates cascading or offset effects

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Rotation

• Rotates the slice masks (not available for Vertical/Horizontal patterns)
• Creates angled or diagonal slicing effects
• Disabled when using Vertical or Horizontal slicing patterns

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Slice Gap

• Controls spacing between slices
• Positive values create gaps (separation)
• Negative values create overlaps
• Zero creates seamless slices

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Slicing Pattern

• Square: Slices based on a square bounding box (supports rotation)
• Circle: Slices based on a circular bounding box (supports rotation)
• Vertical: Fixed vertical slices (no rotation)
• Horizontal: Fixed horizontal slices (no rotation)

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➋ Randomize Panel

Randomize Slice Width

• When checked: Creates slices with random widths
• When unchecked: Creates uniform width slices
• Affects the visual rhythm and organic feel

Randomize Button

• Shuffles the randomization seeds
• Only enabled when Preview is on and at least one randomization is active
• Click to generate new random variations without changing settings

Vertical Shuffle

• Adds random vertical displacement to each individual slice
• Creates organic, hand-cut appearance
• Higher values = more chaotic displacement

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Horizontal Shuffle

• Adds random horizontal displacement to each individual slice
• Creates scattered or exploded effects
• Combines with Vertical Shuffle for complex randomization

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➌ Preview and Adjust

Preview

• Enabled by default
• Shows real-time preview of your slicing effect
• Uncheck to disable preview and improve performance with complex objects

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Hide Edges

• Toggles visibility of object edges/outlines in Illustrator
• Useful for cleaner preview of the final effect
• Does not affect the final output

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Zoom Button (✚)

• Automatically fits the selection in the viewport
• Helpful for seeing the entire effect after adjustments

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➍ Apply or Cancel

OK Button

• Applies the slicing effect
• Original object is hidden (not deleted)
• All slices are grouped and selected for easy manipulation
• You can undo if needed (Cmd/Ctrl + Z)

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Cancel Button

• Closes the dialog without applying changes
• Removes any preview effects
• Returns document to original state

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Tips & Tricks

1. Start Simple: Begin with fewer slices (5-10) to understand the effect, then increase
2. Combine Effects: Use both uniform shifts and random shuffles for complex results
3. Negative Gaps: Try negative Slice Gap values for interesting overlap effects
4. Rotation Experiments: Extreme rotation values (beyond 90°) create unique patterns
5. Pattern Selection: Square/Circle patterns work best for rotated effects
6. Randomize Button: Click multiple times to find the perfect random variation
7. Original Object: The original is hidden, not deleted—unhide it from the Layers panel if needed
8. Group Management: All slices are grouped—ungroup (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + G) for individual editing
9. Performance: Disable Preview when working with very complex objects or many slices
10. Undo Safety: You can always undo (Cmd/Ctrl + Z) if you don't like the result

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Settings Persistence

The script automatically saves your current settings (slice count, offsets, randomization, etc.) when you click the OK button.

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☻ Conclusion

With Object Slicer, you can effortlessly transform simple shapes into intricate, glitch-inspired masterpieces directly within Adobe Illustrator. We hope this tool enhances your creative workflow and inspires new artistic directions.

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