Reflect
Script for Adobe Illustrator
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Description
The Reflect Objects script for Adobe Illustrator provides a powerful and intuitive way to reflect selected objects across customizable axes with live preview and advanced controls. Objects are reflected around the center of the entire selection, with options to create copies and offset them for spacing control.
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Features
- Four Reflection Modes: Vertical, Horizontal, Both axes, or Custom angle
- Custom Angle Control: Set any reflection angle from -180° to 180° with scrollbar or direct input
- Live Preview: See reflection results in real-time before applying
- Copy Mode: Create reflected duplicates instead of transforming originals
- Offset Control: Adjust spacing between original and reflected copy (perpendicular to reflection axis)
- Visual Axis Line: Dashed blue line shows the reflection axis (can be hidden)
- Hide Edges Option: Hide selection edges for cleaner preview while keeping objects editable
- Zoom to Fit: Quickly zoom to view your selection and reflected results
- Persistent Settings: Your preferences are saved and restored between sessions
- Batch Processing: Reflect multiple selected objects simultaneously
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Installation
1. Download the Reflect.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 > Reflect
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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Run the Script
1. Open Your Document: Ensure you have an Adobe Illustrator document open with the objects you want to reflect.
2. Select Objects: Select one or more objects that you want to reflect.
3. Run the Script: Launch the script by clicking File > Scripts > Reflect.
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➊ Choose Reflection Axis
A dialog window titled "Reflect" will appear with four axis options:
- Vertical: Flips objects left-to-right (90° axis)
- Horizontal: Flips objects top-to-bottom (0° axis)
- Both: Flips objects across both axes simultaneously (180° rotation effect)
- Custom: Enables custom angle control from -180° to 180°
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➋ Adjust Custom Angle (Optional)
When Custom is selected, you can:
- Use the scrollbar to adjust the angle
- Type a specific angle value in the input field
- Use arrow keys (Up/Down) to fine-tune: normal = 1°, Shift = 10°, Alt/Cmd = 0.1°
- Right-click the scrollbar to reset to 0°
- Click the × button to reset to 0°
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➌ Adjust Offset (Optional)
If you enable the Copy checkbox, the Offset panel becomes active:
- Adjust the offset value to control spacing between original and reflected copy
- Offset is applied perpendicular to the reflection axis
- Range: -5000 to 5000 points
- Use arrow keys for fine control: normal = 1pt, Shift = 10pt, Alt/Cmd = 0.1pt
- Right-click the scrollbar or click × to reset to 0
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➍ Configure Options
Four checkboxes provide additional control:
- Copy: Create a reflected duplicate instead of transforming the original
- Preview: Enable live preview to see changes in real-time (enabled by default)
- Hide Edges: Hide selection edges and bounding box for cleaner preview
- Hide Axis: Hide the dashed blue axis line
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➎ Confirm or Cancel
- Click OK to apply the reflection
- Click Cancel to close the dialog and revert all changes
- Click the ✚ button to toggle between zooming to fit your selection and reflected objects in the view and restoring your original view position and zoom level
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☻ Wrap Up
The Reflect script streamlines the process of creating symmetrical designs in Adobe Illustrator with its intuitive interface and powerful features like live preview, custom angles, and copy mode with offset control.
Whether you're creating logos, patterns, or complex symmetrical artwork, this tool saves time and provides precise control over your reflection transformations.
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