Shuffle Selected Objects

Shuffle Selected Objects

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

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Description

The Shuffle Selected Objects script is a powerful Adobe Illustrator automation tool that randomly rearranges the positions of selected objects on your artboard. This script is perfect for designers who want to quickly create random layouts, explore different arrangements, or add organic unpredictability to their designs.

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Key Features

  • Multiple Swap Modes: Choose between position-only shuffling or include scaling options.
  • Live Preview: See changes in real-time before applying them.
  • Smart Scaling: Options for proportional scaling that maintains aspect ratios.
  • Non-destructive Workflow: Easy to cancel and restore original positions.
  • Batch Processing: Works with any number of selected objects (minimum 2 required).

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Installation

1. Download the Shuffle Selected Objects.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 > Shuffle Selected Objects.

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Using the Script

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➊ Prepare Your Objects

  1. Open your Illustrator document.
  2. Select at least 2 objects you want to shuffle.
  3. Run the script from the File > Scripts menu.
  4. The script dialog will appear with multiple options:

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image gallery

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➋ Choose Your Swap Type

In the dialog box that appears, select one of three options:

  • Position only: Objects move to new random positions but keep their original sizes.
  • Position + scale to fit: Objects move and resize to exactly match their new target dimensions.
  • Position + fit proportionally: Objects move and scale proportionally while maintaining aspect ratios.

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Swap Options

🅰 Position Only: Moves objects to random positions while keeping their original sizes.

image galleryimage gallery
🅰 Swap Position Only

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🅱 Position + Scale to Fit: Moves objects and resizes them to match the dimensions of their new target positions. 

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🅱 Position + Scale to Fit

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🅲 Position + Fit Proportionally: Moves objects and scales them proportionally to fit new positions while maintaining aspect ratios.

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🅲 Position + Fit Proportionally

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➌ Use Preview and Randomize

  • Preview checkbox: Enabled by default - shows live preview of changes.
  • Randomize button: Click to generate a new random arrangement.
  • Hide Edges checkbox: Toggle to hide/show object outlines for cleaner preview.

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➍ Apply or Cancel

Fine-tune Your Results

  1. With preview enabled, click Randomize multiple times until you find an arrangement you like.
  2. Try different swap types to see various effects.
  3. Use the Hide Edges option for a cleaner view of your design.

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  • Click OK to apply the current shuffle arrangement.
  • Click Cancel to restore objects to their original positions.

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This script is an excellent tool for designers looking to add controlled randomness to their workflows, whether for concept exploration, layout generation, or creative experimentation.

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Shuffle Selected Objects

Version: 1.0.1

Updated:

Download Shuffle Selected Objects

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.
    1.0.1 – Added the "Position + fit proportionally" option that swaps object positions and resizes each object to fit within the target object's dimensions while maintaining its original aspect ratio.

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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

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

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Load and manage third-party scripts from custom folders.

➌ Panel Manager

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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

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➑ Image Gallery

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

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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 Shuffle Selected Objects.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 Shuffle Selected Objects.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 Shuffle Selected Objects script to run it.
    5. The Shuffle Selected Objects 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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