Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

The Skew script is a powerful Adobe Illustrator tool that allows you to apply precise shear transformations to selected objects with real-time preview capabilities. Unlike Illustrator's built-in shear tool, this script offers advanced features including custom axis angles, live preview, and fine-tuned control through both numeric input and interactive scrollbars.

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The script provides three shear modes: Vertical (horizontal axis), Horizontal (vertical axis), and Custom (user-defined axis angle). With its intuitive interface and keyboard shortcuts, you can achieve precise skewing effects while maintaining full control over your artwork.

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Features

• Choose Vertical, Horizontal, or Custom shear modes
• Preview changes in real time
• Enter angles with text fields, scrollbars, or keyboard arrows
• Reset shear and axis values quickly
• Hide selection edges for a cleaner view
• Show visual angle guides while previewing
• Zoom to the current selection
• Prevent invalid ±90° shear values automatically
• Cancel to restore the original artwork
• Check for missing documents or selections before running

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Installation

1. Download the Skew.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 > Skew

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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Launch the Script

1. Open a document in Adobe Illustrator
2. Select one or more objects that you want to skew
3. Go to File → Scripts → Skew
4. The Skew dialog window will appear with the following interface:

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➊ Choose Your Shear Axis

Select one of the three axis modes:

• Vertical (default) – Skews objects vertically along a horizontal axis
• Horizontal – Skews objects horizontally along a vertical axis
• Custom – Enables the Axis Angle controls for custom shear directions

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➋ Adjust the Shear Angle

Use any of these methods to set your desired shear angle:

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🅰 Scrollbar

• Drag the Shear Angle scrollbar left or right
• Values range from -180° to +180°
• Right-click the scrollbar to instantly reset to 0°

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🅱 Direct Input

• Click in the Shear Angle text field
• Type your desired angle (e.g., 45 or 45°)
• Press Enter to apply

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🅲 Keyboard Arrows

• Click in the Shear Angle text field
• Use Up/Down arrow keys to adjust:
• Arrow keys alone: ±1° increments
• Shift + Arrow keys: ±10° increments
• Alt/Cmd + Arrow keys: ±0.1° increments (fine-tuning)

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🅳 Reset Button

• Click the ✖ button next to the angle field to reset to 0°
• This button is only enabled when the angle is not zero

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➌ Set Custom Axis Angle (Optional)

If you selected Custom axis mode:

1. The Axis Angle controls will become enabled
2. Use the same input methods as the Shear Angle: • Scrollbar (with right-click reset) • Direct numeric input • Keyboard arrow keys with modifiers • Reset button (✖)
3. The axis angle defines the direction of the shear transformation: • 0° = horizontal axis (same as Vertical mode) • 90° = vertical axis (same as Horizontal mode) • Any other angle creates unique shear effects

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➍ Use Preview and View Options

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Preview Checkbox

• Checked: See real-time transformations as you adjust values
• Unchecked: Changes are only applied when you click OK

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Copy Checkbox

• Checked: Applies the shear transformation to a duplicate of the original objects instead of modifying them directly
• Unchecked: Modifies the original objects directly

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Hide Edges Checkbox

• Checked: Hides selection outlines and bounding boxes while keeping objects editable
• Unchecked: Shows normal selection indicators
• Useful for viewing the final result without visual clutter

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Show Angles Checkbox

• Checked: Displays visual guides indicating the shear axis and shear angle
• Unchecked: Hides the visual guides
• Only visible when Preview is enabled

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➎ Apply or Cancel

Once you're satisfied with the preview:

• Click OK to apply the shear transformation permanently
• Click Cancel to revert all changes and close the dialog

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Zoom Button (✚)

• Click to zoom and center the viewport on your selected objects
• Only available when Preview is enabled
• Helps you see details of the transformation

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Tips and Best Practices

1. Start with Preview enabled to see results in real-time before committing
2. Use Hide Edges when fine-tuning to see your artwork without selection outlines
3. Combine with other transformations – The script works well with rotated or scaled objects
4. Avoid ±90° angles – The script automatically prevents these values as they cause mathematical errors
5. Use Custom axis for unique effects – Experiment with different axis angles for creative shear directions
6. Group objects first if you want them to shear as a single unit
7. Use the Zoom button to focus on small details during adjustment

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☻ Wrap-Up

The Skew script transforms the way you work with shear transformations in Adobe Illustrator by providing precise control, real-time feedback, and flexible axis options that go beyond the native tools.

Whether you're creating isometric designs, adding dynamic perspective effects, or experimenting with creative distortions, this script streamlines your workflow with an intuitive interface and powerful features.

Install it today for free and experience a more efficient way to skew your artwork!

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