Smart Resize

Smart Resize

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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.

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.

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.

Using  the script

  1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create or open a document.
  2. Select the objects you want to scale.
  3. Run the script by going to File > Scripts > Smart Resize.

Interface Overview

The Smart Resize dialog is organized into several sections:

image gallery

➊ Scale Panel

  • 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.

Tip: Uncheck "Lock Aspect Ratio" to scale width and height independently. Use this for creating stretched or compressed effects.

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%)

➋ Reference Point Panel

  • 3×3 grid: Click any point to set the anchor for scaling.
  • Visual indicators: Arrows show the direction for each reference point.

Tip: Choose reference points strategically - scaling from corners vs. center produces different results.

➌ Transformation Options

  • 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.

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.

➍ Additional Options

  • 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 ().

➎ Basic Usage

  1. Select your objects in Illustrator.
  2. Launch the script - the dialog will appear with current settings.
  3. Choose your reference point by clicking one of the 9 grid points.
  4. Adjust scaling:
  5. Use sliders for quick adjustments.
  6. Type exact values in the input fields.
  7. Check "Lock Aspect Ratio" for proportional scaling.
  8. Configure options as needed (strokes, patterns, etc.).
  9. Enable Preview to see changes in real-time.
  10. Click Apply to finalize the transformation.

☻ Conclusion

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.

Leave a comment

Smart Resize

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

    Tested on MacOS:

    • 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

    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

Browse More Scripts

  1. Explore Group by Attributes
    Group by Attributes

    Group by Attributes

    An Adobe Illustrator script that automatically groups objects based on their visual appearance attributes such as fill color, stroke color, stroke weight, opacity, and blending mode.

    Explore
  2. Explore Group by Artboard
    Group by Artboard

    Group by Artboard

    Group by Artboard is an Adobe Illustrator script that automatically groups all objects on selected artboards.

    Explore
  3. Explore Close Open Paths
    Close Open Paths

    Close Open Paths

    An Adobe Illustrator script that intelligently closes open paths with smooth or straight segments, giving you precise control over how your paths are completed.

    Explore

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 Smart Resize.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 Smart Resize.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 Smart Resize script to run it.
    5. The Smart Resize 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!