Smart Resize
Script for Adobe Illustrator
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Description
Smart Resize is a powerful Adobe Illustrator script that provides an intuitive interface for scaling objects with precise control and advanced options. Unlike Illustrator's built-in transform tools, Smart Resize offers real-time preview, independent width/height scaling, and specialized options for handling groups and compound paths.
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Key Features
- Dual scaling controls: Independent width and height sliders with numerical input.
- Real-time preview: See changes instantly as you adjust settings.
- 9-point reference system: Choose any of 9 anchor points for transformation.
- Advanced scaling options: Control how strokes, effects, patterns, and corners are scaled.
- Group handling: Option to scale items within groups individually.
- Compound path support: Scale individual paths within compound paths separately.
- Settings persistence: Automatically saves and restores your preferences.
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Installation
1. Download the Smart Resize.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
- Open Adobe Illustrator and create or open a document.
- Select the objects you want to scale.
- Run the script by going to File > Scripts > Smart Resize.
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Interface Overview
The Smart Resize dialog is organized into several sections:
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➊ Scale Panel
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- Width controls: Slider (10-500%) and input field for horizontal scaling.
- Height controls: Slider (10-500%) and input field for vertical scaling.
- Lock Aspect Ratio: Checkbox to maintain proportions.
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Tip: Uncheck "Lock Aspect Ratio" to scale width and height independently. Use this for creating stretched or compressed effects.
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Input Field Controls
- Arrow keys: Use Up/Down to adjust values by 1%
- Shift + Arrow keys: Adjust values by 10%
- Direct input: Type exact percentages (supports values from 10% to 10,000%)
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➋ Reference Point Panel
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- 3×3 grid: Click any point to set the anchor for scaling.
- Visual indicators: Arrows show the direction for each reference point.
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Tip: Choose reference points strategically - scaling from corners vs. center produces different results.
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➌ Transformation Options
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- Scale Corners: Maintains corner radius proportions.
- Scale Strokes & Effects: Scales line weights and effects with the object.
- Scale Fill Patterns: Scales patterns used in fills.
- Scale Stroke Patterns: Scales patterns used in strokes.
- Scale Individual Group Items: Scales each item in groups separately.
- Scale Compound Path Items: Scales individual paths in compound paths.
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Group and Compound Path Handling
- Scale Individual Group Items: When enabled, each object within groups scales from its own center rather than the group's center.
- Scale Compound Path Items: Scales each path within compound paths separately.
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➍ Additional Options
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- Use Preview: Keep Preview enabled to see changes in real-time.
- Hide edges: Use the "Hide Edges" checkbox to better see your objects without selection outlines.
- Zoom to fit: Click the zoom button (✚) to fit your selection in the viewport.
- Save settings: Your preferences are automatically saved and restored between sessions.
- Tooltips: Check the built-in help tooltips by hovering over interface elements.
- User Guide: Available through the script's help icon (⏼).
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➎ Basic Usage
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- Select your objects in Illustrator.
- Launch the script - the dialog will appear with current settings.
- Choose your reference point by clicking one of the 9 grid points.
- Adjust scaling:
- Use sliders for quick adjustments.
- Type exact values in the input fields.
- Check "Lock Aspect Ratio" for proportional scaling.
- Configure options as needed (strokes, patterns, etc.).
- Enable Preview to see changes in real-time.
- Click Apply to finalize the transformation.
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☻ Conclusion
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Smart Resize transforms the way you scale objects in Adobe Illustrator by providing intuitive controls, real-time feedback, and advanced options that go far beyond the built-in transform tools.
With features like individual group scaling, compound path handling, and automatic settings persistence, this script streamlines your workflow while giving you precise control over every aspect of the scaling process.
Master Smart Resize to save time on repetitive tasks and unlock new creative possibilities in your design work.
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