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whamalamaboom
Inspiring
December 16, 2022
Answered

Randomizing objects across the artboard

  • December 16, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 5286 views

Is there still no built-in dedicated way to randomize selected objects? The symbol tools are awful and transform each is limited. It's good to get a start on things but it's still faster and more accurate to move, rotate, and scale objects myself.

 

I'm fine doing that. I'm just checking that there isn't a better way now since I haven't used AI in ages and my search only brings up answers from years ago. The last time I searched, the only viable options were third party scripts and I prefer working with what comes with the software. Figured I'd ask if anything has changed in case I missed a new feature.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer whamalamaboom

Thanks! It looks like AI hasn't added anything new that I missed so I'll stick to what I do now.

3 replies

Ton Frederiks
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 16, 2022

Hmm... I saw you already mentioned Transform each, maybe there are some scripts.

Ton Frederiks
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 16, 2022

Maybe Randomus from https://github.com/alexander-ladygin/illustrator-scripts

The script can:

  • Random fill color
  • Random stroke color
  • Random scale
  • Random rotate
  • Random opacity
  • Random position X, Y
whamalamaboom
Inspiring
December 16, 2022

Thanks! I mentioned in the post that I don't use scripts but it looks like they're still the only option for better control over the outcome since what AI has built-in stills falls short. Usually, I use transform each just for rotation. I find it useless for anything else. Then I do the actual moving and scaling manually. I was just hoping that after a few years, AI would have added something new on that front.

Ton Frederiks
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 16, 2022

If the objects are ungrouped you can try Object > Transform > Transform Each... and use the Random checkbox.

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 16, 2022

You could create a smybol and use he symbol sprayer tool. Or crate a scatter brush.

 

Or use plugins. Astute Graphics has randomizers that can do this. Probably there are also scripts to do it.

whamalamaboom
whamalamaboomAuthorCorrect answer
Inspiring
December 16, 2022

Thanks! It looks like AI hasn't added anything new that I missed so I'll stick to what I do now.