Zoom to Selection

Zoom to Selection

Script for Adobe Illustrator

Functionality

The Zoom to Selection script for Adobe Illustrator creates a convenient floating palette that allows users to zoom in on selected objects with precision and ease. This tool is particularly useful for detailed work, as it automatically centers the view on the selected objects and applies the specified zoom factor.

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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 to load the script into the File > Scripts menu.
  • Open your document and go to File > Scripts > Zoom to Selection.
  • This will open a floating panel.

 

 

 

Using the Palette

➊ Using the ✚ Button

  • Select one or more objects in your document.
  • Click the ✚ button to zoom to the selected objects.
  • Illustrator will center the view on your selection and zoom according to the set percentage.


➋ Using the Slider

  • Drag the slider left or right to decrease or increase the zoom level.
  • The percentage is shown in the text field (0% to 100%).
  • Release the slider to apply the new zoom level to your selection.
  • Left arrow: Decreases value by 1% (or by 10% with Shift held).
  • Right arrow: Increases value by 1% (or by 10% with Shift held).


➌ Using the Text Field

  • Click in the percentage text field.
  • Enter a value between 0 and 100.
  • Press Enter to apply the new zoom level.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • Up Arrow: Increase zoom level by 1%.
  • Down Arrow: Decrease zoom level by 1%.
  • Shift + Up Arrow: Increase zoom level by 10%.
  • Shift + Down Arrow: Decrease zoom level by 10%.
  • Enter: Apply the current zoom level.


☻ Special Features

  • Persistent Settings: The zoom level you set will be remembered between uses within the same Illustrator session.
  • Move the panel: While holding down the mouse button, drag the panel to the desired location on your screen.
  • Resize the panel: You can resize the panel by dragging the bottom-right corner of the panel.
  • Close the panel: To close the panel, click the ✖︎ button at the top of the panel (Or just press the Escape key when the palette is active).

This script streamlines the workflow for designers who frequently need to zoom in on specific elements, eliminating the need for manual zooming and centering.

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Zoom to Selection

Version: 1.1.2

Updated:

    • 1.0.0 – Initial release.
    • 1.0.1 – Pressing the Esc key will now close the panel.
    • 1.0.2Guide Filtering: Automatically skips guides when zooming to selection.
    • 1.0.8 Adjustable Zoom Level: Control zoom precision with slider or text input (0–100%).
    • 1.0.9 – Keyboard Controls: Use Up/Down arrows to adjust zoom by 1%. Hold Shift + Up/Down for 10% increments.
    • 1.1.0 – Added the new keyboard shortcuts: Left/Right arrow key: Decreases/increases value by 1% (or by 10% with Shift held).
    • 1.1.2 – UI improvements: Replaced slider with a more intuitive horizontal scrollbar for zoom control.

    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 Zoom to Selection.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 Zoom to Selection.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 Zoom to Selection script to run it.
    5. The Zoom to Selection 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! 

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