Random Blending Modes

Random Blending Modes

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

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Description

Random Blending Modes is an Adobe Illustrator script that automates the process of applying random blending modes to selected objects. This powerful tool allows designers to quickly experiment with different blending mode combinations, saving time and inspiring creative exploration.

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The script provides a user-friendly dialog interface where you can:

  • Select which blending modes to include in the randomization
  • Choose whether to apply blending modes to entire groups or individual items within groups
  • Preview changes before finalizing them
  • Restore original blending modes if needed

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Installation

1. Download the Random Blending Modes.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 your Illustrator document.
  2. Select the objects you want to apply random blending modes to.
  3. You can select individual objects, groups, or a mix of both.
  4. Go to File > Scripts > Random Blending Modes.

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image gallery

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➊ Configure Blending Mode Options

In the Blending Modes panel: Check the boxes next to the blending modes you want to include in the randomization.

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16 Blending Modes Available: Normal, Darken, Multiply, Color Burn, Lighten, Screen, Color Dodge, Overlay, Soft Light, Hard Light, Difference, Exclusion, Hue, Saturation, Color, and Luminosity.

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➋ Selection Controls

  • By default, all 16 modes are selected.
  • Use Select All to check all modes.
  • Use Deselect All to uncheck all modes.
  • Use Invert Selection to toggle your current selection.

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➌ Choose Group Processing Method

In the Process Groups panel:

  1. Whole groups: Apply one random blending mode to each selected group as a unit.
  2. Grouped items: Apply different random blending modes to each individual item within groups.

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➍ Preview and Apply

  • Click Randomize to apply random blending modes to your selected objects.
  • You can click this multiple times to try different random combinations.
  • Changes are applied immediately and visible in your artwork.
  • Continue clicking Randomize until you're satisfied with the result.

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Note: Some blending modes may not be visible depending on the colors and transparency of your objects

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Finalize or Cancel

  1. Click OK to keep the current blending modes and close the dialog.
  2. Click Cancel to restore all objects to their original blending modes and close the dialog.
  3. Review this guide for detailed instructions by clicking the ⏼ icon button.

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Tips for Best Results

  • Save your document before running the script so you can revert if needed.
  • Consider the underlying colors and shapes when selecting which blending modes to include.
  • Start with a smaller selection of blending modes that work well with your artwork's style.
  • Try different combinations by repeatedly clicking the Randomize button.
  • Experiment with both group processing options to see which gives better results.
  • Use the script on duplicated layers to compare different randomization results.

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☻ Wrap-Up

This script is particularly useful for creating textured effects, exploring color interactions, and adding visual interest to complex compositions. It's an excellent tool for both experimental design work and production workflows where multiple blending mode variations need to be tested quickly.

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Random Blending Modes

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

Download Random Blending Modes

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

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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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Introducing ScriptBox

Your Complete Adobe Illustrator Productivity Hub

Install Extension

➊ Toolbox

Access to 200+ pre-built scripts organized in categories.

➋ Script Launcher

Load and manage third-party scripts from custom folders.

➌ Panel Manager

Quick access to toggle Adobe Illustrator's built-in panels

➍ Favourites

Save frequently used scripts and panels for quick access.

➎ Code Editor

Write, edit, and execute custom ExtendScript/JavaScript code.

➏ Task Manager

An integrated to-do list that helps you track design tasks and jot down your ideas.

➐ Video Player

Create your own personal video library and watch YouTube videos right within the extension.

➑ Image Gallery

A visual moodboard allowing you to keep inspiration and reference materials right in your workspace while you design.

☻ Info

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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 Random Blending Modes.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 Random Blending Modes.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 Random Blending Modes script to run it.
    5. The Random Blending Modes 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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