Proportional Spacing Adjuster

Proportional Spacing Adjuster

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

The Proportional Spacing Adjuster is an Adobe Illustrator script that allows you to dynamically adjust the spacing between multiple selected objects by moving them proportionally from a chosen reference point. This tool is perfect for fine-tuning layouts, creating uniform distributions, or experimenting with object spacing in real-time.

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Key Features

  • Real-time preview of object movement as you adjust values
  • Flexible reference points using 9 anchor points
  • Directional control - move objects horizontally, vertically, or both
  • Precise input methods - text field, scrollbar, or keyboard arrows
  • Visual feedback with live canvas updates
  • Easy reset functionality to return to original positions

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Installation

1. Download the Proportional Spacing Adjuster.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.


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Using the Script

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  1. Open Adobe Illustrator
  2. Create or open a document with multiple objects
  3. Select at least 2 objects you want to adjust spacing for
  4. Run the script via File > Scripts > Proportional Spacing Adjuster
  5. A dialog window will appear with multiple options:

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image gallery

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➊ Percentage Input Section:

  • Text field: Enter percentage values (-200 to 200)
  • Scrollbar: Drag to adjust values visually
  • Reset button (×): Click to reset value to 0
  • Keyboard shortcuts:
  • Up/Down arrows: ±1 increment
  • Shift + Up/Down: ±10 increment

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Understanding Percentage Values

  • 0%: Objects remain at original positions
  • Positive values (e.g., 50%): Objects spread out further from the reference point
  • Negative values (e.g., -50%): Objects move closer to the reference point
  • 100%: Objects move to twice their original distance from reference point
  • -100%: Objects move to the opposite side of the reference point

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Common Use Cases

  • Expanding layouts: Use positive percentages to spread objects further apart
  • Tightening designs: Use negative percentages to bring elements closer

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➋ Move Direction Panel:

  • Both: Objects move in both horizontal and vertical directions (default)
  • Horizontal: Objects move only left/right
  • Vertical: Objects move only up/down

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➌ Reference Point Panel:

  • Grid of radio buttons representing 9 possible anchor points
  • Center is selected by default
  • Choose where you want the movement to originate from

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Reference Point Examples

  • Top-Left: Objects spread/contract from the top-left corner of the selection
  • Center: Objects spread/contract from the geometric center (most common)
  • Bottom-Right: Objects spread/contract from the bottom-right corner

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➍ Preview Checkbox:

  • Enabled by default - shows changes in real-time
  • Disabled - changes only apply when you click OK

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➎ Finalizing Your Changes

Apply Changes:

  • Click "OK" to accept the current positioning and close the dialog

Cancel Changes:

  • Click "Cancel" to revert all objects to their original positions and close

Zoom to Selection:

  • Click the ✚ zoom button to fit your selection in the current view

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This script is particularly useful for logo design, layout adjustments, and any scenario where you need precise control over object spacing and positioning.

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Proportional Spacing Adjuster

Version: 1.0.4

Updated:

Download Proportional Spacing Adjuster

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.
    1.0.1 – Minor UI adjustments.

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    Tested on MacOS:

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    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)

  • 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

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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 Proportional Spacing Adjuster.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 Proportional Spacing Adjuster.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 Proportional Spacing Adjuster script to run it.
    5. The Proportional Spacing Adjuster 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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