Reflect

Reflect

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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.

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

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.

Using the Script

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.

image gallery

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°

image gallery

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°

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

image gallery

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

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

☻ 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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Reflect

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.
    1.0.1 – Added Offset control. When using Copy mode, you can now offset both the original and reflected copies from their center pivot point.
    1.0.2 – Added visual axis preview. See exactly where you're reflecting with dashed blue axis lines that appear in preview mode.
    1.0.3 – Improved UI Layout - We've reorganized the interface for better workflow.

    Tested on MacOS:

    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.8)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2026 (30.0)
  • 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

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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

Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

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 Reflect.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).

    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Reflect.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 IllustratorTo refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

    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 Reflect script to run it.
    5. The Reflect 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?

Need help or have an idea to share? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, found a bug, have a feature request, or just want to share your feedback, reach out to us—we’re here for you!