Smart Rotate

Smart Rotate

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

Smart Rotate is a powerful Adobe Illustrator script that provides an enhanced rotation interface with real-time preview capabilities. This script offers precision control over object rotation with an intuitive slider-based interface, multiple reference point options, and advanced features for handling grouped objects and compound paths.

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Key Features

  • Interactive Angle Control: Dual input system with both slider and text input (range: -180° to 180°).
  • Real-time Preview: Live preview of rotation changes as you adjust settings.
  • 9-Point Reference System: Choose from 9 different reference points for rotation anchor.
  • Group Item Control: Option to rotate individual items within groups.
  • Compound Path Support: Rotate individual path items within compound paths.
  • Zoom to Selection: Built-in zoom feature to focus on selected objects.
  • Hide Edges Toggle: Option to hide object edges for cleaner preview.
  • Settings Persistence: Automatically saves and restores your preferred settings.

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Installation

1. Download the Smart Rotate.jsx file.

2. Place it 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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Getting Started

  1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create or open a document.
  2. Select the objects you want to rotate (single objects, multiple objects, or groups).
  3. Run the script from File > Scripts > Smart Rotate.

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Using the Script

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image gallery

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➊ Setting the Rotation Angle

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Method 1: Using the Slider

  • Drag the horizontal slider to adjust the angle from -180° to 180°.
  • The angle updates in real-time in the text field.
  • Small increments: Click the slider arrows (1° steps).
  • Large increments: Click in the slider bar (5° steps).

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Method 2: Direct Text Input

  • Click in the angle input field and type your desired angle.
  • Press Enter to apply the value.
  • Use Up/Down arrow keys for fine adjustments (±1°).
  • Hold Shift + Up/Down arrows for larger adjustments (±10°).

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➋ Choosing Reference Point

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The reference point determines the pivot point for rotation:

  • Top Row: Top Left, Top Center, Top Right.
  • Middle Row: Middle Left, Center, Middle Right.
  • Bottom Row: Bottom Left, Bottom Center, Bottom Right.

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To select a reference point:

  1. Click on any of the 9 radio buttons in the Reference Point panel.
  2. The selected point will be highlighted.
  3. Hover over buttons to see directional hints (arrows and symbols).

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➌ Advanced Options

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Rotate Individual Group Items

  • Check this box to rotate each item within groups separately.
  • When unchecked, groups rotate as a single unit.
  • Useful for creating complex rotation effects within grouped objects.

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Rotate Compound Path Items

  • Check this box to rotate individual path items within compound paths.
  • When unchecked, compound paths rotate as a single unit.
  • Helpful for detailed control over complex path objects.

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Preview

  • Toggle real-time preview on/off.
  • When enabled, changes are shown immediately as you adjust settings.
  • Disable for better performance with complex artwork.

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Hide Edges

  • Toggle visibility of object edges/paths.
  • Useful for cleaner preview without distracting outlines.
  • Executes Illustrator's standard edge toggle command.

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➍ Navigation and View Controls

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Applying Changes

  1. Ensure "Preview" is checked.
  2. Adjust settings and see changes in real-time.
  3. Click "Apply" when satisfied with the result.

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Cancel Operation

  • Click "Cancel" to exit without applying changes.
  • If preview was active, all changes will be automatically undone.

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Zoom to Selection Button (✚)

  • Click to automatically zoom and center the view on selected objects.
  • Zoom level set to 85% for optimal viewing.
  • Helpful when working with small objects or detailed artwork.

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User Guide: Available through the script's help icon (⏼).

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☻ Conclusion

Smart Rotate transforms the way you work with object rotation in Adobe Illustrator by providing an intuitive, preview-driven interface that goes far beyond the standard transform tools.

With its combination of precise controls, real-time feedback, and advanced options for handling complex objects, this script streamlines your workflow whether you're making subtle adjustments or exploring bold creative rotations.

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Smart Rotate

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

Download Smart Rotate

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

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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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Your Complete Adobe Illustrator Productivity Hub

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➏ Task Manager

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➐ Video Player

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➑ Image Gallery

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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 Smart Rotate.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 Smart Rotate.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 Smart Rotate script to run it.
    5. The Smart Rotate 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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