Stroke Width Randomizer

Stroke Width Randomizer

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

Script for Adobe Illustrator

Description

The Stroke Width Randomizer is an Adobe Illustrator script that brings dynamic variety to your artwork by randomizing the stroke widths of selected paths within a customizable range. This tool is perfect for creating natural, organic-looking line work, adding visual interest to illustrations, and breaking the mechanical uniformity often found in vector graphics.

Key Features

  • Randomize stroke widths within a customizable minimum and maximum range.
  • Preview changes in real-time with toggle option.
  • Support for simple paths, compound paths, and groups.
  • Interactive sliders for easy adjustment.
  • Precise numeric input with keyboard shortcut support.
  • Full undo capability with Cancel button.

Before/After

Installation

  • Place the script file in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:

    ⮑ MacOS:
     /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
    ⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts

  • Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running to load the script into the File > Scripts menu.

ㅤ 

Using the Script

1. Select Objects.

First, select the objects whose stroke widths you want to randomize. The script works with:

  • Regular paths.
  • Multiple selected objects.
  • Groups containing paths.
  • Compound paths.

Note: Only objects with strokes will be affected. Objects without strokes will be ignored.

2. Run the Script

  • Go to File > Scripts > Stroke Width Randomizer
  • When the dialog opens, you'll see the following controls:

➊ Minimum Stroke Width

The Minimum Stroke Width in the Stroke Width Randomizer script determines the smallest value (in points) that a stroke can be randomized to within the selected range. It acts as the lower boundary for the randomization process.

Functionality:

  • When the script applies randomization to the selected objects, the stroke widths are assigned random values between the Minimum Stroke Width and the Maximum Stroke Width.
  • If you set a Minimum Stroke Width of, for example, 1 pt, no stroke in the selection will have a randomized stroke width smaller than 1 pt.

How to use:

  • 🅰 Slider: Drag the slider to adjust the minimum stroke width. The value will update dynamically in real-time.
  • 🅱 Input Field: You can also type a specific value (e.g., 10 pt) into the text field. The slider will update to reflect this value.

ㅤ 


➋ Maximum Stroke Width

The Maximum Stroke Width in the Stroke Width Randomizer script determines the largest value (in points) that a stroke can be randomized to within the selected range. It acts as the upper boundary for the randomization process.

Functionality:

  • When the script applies randomization to the selected objects, it assigns random stroke widths between the Minimum Stroke Width and the Maximum Stroke Width.
  • If you set a Maximum Stroke Width of, for example, 10 pt, no stroke in the selection will have a randomized width larger than 10 pt.

How to use:

  • 🅰 Slider: Adjust the slider to set the maximum stroke width, and the value updates dynamically in real-time.
  • 🅱 Input Field: Type a specific value (e.g., 90 pt) into the text field, and the slider will reflect this value. 

 ㅤ

ⓘ Tip: Use the Up Arrow to increase the value and the Down Arrow to decrease it. Hold Shift while pressing the arrow keys to adjust in larger increments (e.g., +10 or -10).


➌ Preview Your Changes

  • With Preview checked, you'll see changes update in real-time on your artwork
  • Uncheck Preview to temporarily view your original stroke widths
  • Re-check Preview to see the randomized strokes again


➍ Confirm or Cancel Changes

Cancel Button

The Cancel button allows you to discard any randomization changes made to the stroke widths and revert all stroke widths to their original values.

Functionality:

  • Restores the original stroke widths of all selected objects.
  • Closes the dialog window without applying any changes.

When to Use:

  • If you want to undo all adjustments made during the session.
  • If you accidentally opened the script or changed your mind about randomizing stroke widths.

OK Button

The OK button finalizes the randomization changes you’ve made to the stroke widths within the selected range.

Functionality:

  • Confirms and applies the randomized stroke widths as displayed in real-time.
  • Closes the dialog window, saving the randomized stroke widths.

When to Use:

  • Once you’re satisfied with the randomized stroke widths.
  • To confirm and apply the randomization to the selected objects.


➎ Additional Notes

  • The Open Guide button in the Stroke Width Randomizer script provides quick access to the user guide for the script. It is represented as a small icon in the dialog window’s footer.
  • If no objects are selected, or if no strokes are found, an error message will prompt you to select stroked objects.

With this script, you can easily add variation to designs and achieve dynamic, creative effects by randomizing stroke widths across selected objects in Adobe Illustrator.

Leave a comment

Stroke Width Randomizer

Version: 1.0.2

Updated:

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.
    1.0.1 – Replaced sliders with scrollbars for a smoother and more intuitive user experience.
    1.0.2 – Added a Preview checkbox allowing users to see the original state for comparison without having to close and reopen the dialog.

    Tested on MacOS:

    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0.1)
  • 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

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 Stroke Width Randomizer.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 Stroke Width Randomizer.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 Stroke Width Randomizer script to run it.
    5. The Stroke Width Randomizer 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! 

Browse More Scripts

  1. Read more: Layer Name Case Converter
    Layer Name Case Converter

    Layer Name Case Converter

    The Layer Name Case Converter is an Adobe Illustrator script that allows you to quickly change the case style of your layer names. This script provides multiple case formatting options, including lowercase, UPPERCASE, Title Case, Sentence case, and much more. It's perfect for organizing your Illustrator files and maintaining consistent naming conventions across your projects.

    Read more
  2. Read more: Adjust Opacity by Percentage
    Adjust Opacity by Percentage

    Adjust Opacity by Percentage

    The Adjust Opacity by Percentage script is an Adobe Illustrator extension that allows users to modify the opacity of selected objects by a percentage of their current opacity values. This script provides a user-friendly interface with real-time preview capabilities, making it easy to adjust opacity settings with precision.

    Read more
  3. Read more: Multi-Artboard Duplicator
    Multi-Artboard Duplicator

    Multi-Artboard Duplicator

    Multi-Artboard Duplicator is an Adobe Illustrator script that allows users to duplicate existing artboards along with their content in various layout configurations. This powerful tool helps streamline workflow by creating multiple copies of artboards with precise spacing and arrangement options.

    Read more