Paste to Replace

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

Paste to Replace is a powerful time-saving panel for Adobe Illustrator that allows designers to efficiently replace selected objects with clipboard content. Unlike the standard paste operation, this script maintains precise positioning and offers several sizing options, making it ideal for updating multiple design elements while preserving layout integrity.

The script provides a user-friendly interface with options to maintain the original size, fit proportionally, or stretch to fit. Additionally, it preserves the opacity and blending mode of the original objects, ensuring visual consistency throughout your designs.

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Key Features

Multiple Replacement Modes: Choose between keeping original size, fitting proportionally, or stretching to fit.
Reference Point Control: Specify which point (corners, edges, or center) to use for alignment.
Opacity Matching: Preserve the transparency of original objects.
Blending Mode Preservation: Maintain special effects like Multiply, Screen, Overlay, etc.
Batch Processing: Replace multiple objects simultaneously.

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Installation

1. Download the Paste to Replace.jsx script file.

2. Place it 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 Illustrator if it's already running.

4. Access the panel via File > Scripts > Paste to Replace.

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Using the Script

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➊ Prepare the Clipboard Content

Select any object in Illustrator document that you want to copy.
Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac) to copy the object.

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➋ Select Objects to Replace

Select one or multiple objects in your document that you want to replace.
These objects will be replaced by the clipboard content.

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➌ Launch the Script

Go to File > Scripts > Paste to Replace
A floating panel will appear with options:

➍ Configure Replacement Settings

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🅰 Choose a Replacement Mode

From the dropdown menu, choose how the pasted object should be placed:

1. Keep Original Size: Places the pasted content at the original position without resizing.

Keep Original Size

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2. Fit Proportionally: Scales the pasted content to fit the original size while preserving aspect ratio.

Fit Proportionally

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3. Stretch to Fit: Stretches the pasted content to match the original dimensions exactly.

Stretch to Fit

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🅱 Select a Reference Point

Click on one of the nine points in the grid to determine alignment.
For example, selecting top-left will align the top-left corner of the pasted content with the top-left corner of the original object.
The center point is selected by default.

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🅲 Opacity and Blending Mode Options

Match Opacity: When checked, preserves the transparency of original objects.
Match Blending Mode: When checked, maintains the blending mode of original objects.

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➎ Execute the Replacement

Click the "Paste" button (or press Enter) to replace the selected object(s). The script will:

Paste the clipboard content.
Position it correctly.
Resize it according to the selected mode.
Remove the original objects.

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Keyboard Shortcuts

Enter: Executes the replacement.
Escape: Closes the dialog.
Arrow Keys (Up/Down): Switch between dropdown options.
If the result isn’t as expected, undo (Ctrl + Z / Cmd + Z) and try a different mode.
Help Icon: ⏼ button opens the user guide online.

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Tips for Best Results

For Exact Replacements: Use "Stretch to Fit" when you need the replacement to match the original dimensions precisely.
For Preserving Proportions: Use "Fit Proportionally" when working with logos or icons where aspect ratio is important.
For Consistent Positioning: Choose the appropriate reference point based on your layout needs.
For Multiple Replacements: Select all objects you want to replace at once to save time.
For Visual Effects: Make sure "Match Opacity" and "Match Blending Mode" are checked when working with objects that have transparency or special blending effects.

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☻ Final Thoughts

This script is a powerful tool for designers working with repeated elements, logo variations, or batch replacements in Adobe Illustrator. It speeds up workflows by automating positioning and scaling, ensuring seamless replacements with a single click.

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#Arrange

Paste to Replace

Version: 1.0.5

Updated: April 8, 2025

Download Paste to Replace

1.0.0 – Initial release.
1.0.1 – Added a Reference Point selection for precise control over object positioning when replacing elements.
1.0.2 – Enhanced Reference Point Icons: Reference points in the grid selector now have improved tooltips with directional icons (←, ↑, →, ↓, etc.) for better usability.
1.0.3 – Improved Footer Layout: Reorganized the footer with clearer links and better spacing.
1.0.4 – Match Opacity: Added the ability to preserve the original object's opacity when replacing objects. This ensures consistency in transparency effects across your design.
1.0.5 – Match Blending Mode: The script now preserves the blending mode of the original object when replacing it with clipboard content.
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Tested on MacOS:
- Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
- Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
- Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)
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Tested on Windows:
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- Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.3)
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

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 Paste to Replace.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 Paste to Replace.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 Paste to Replace script to run it.
5. The Paste to Replace 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 Paste to Replace.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 Paste to Replace.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 Paste to Replace script to run it.
5. The Paste to Replace 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?

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