Randomizing objects across the artboard

[whamalamaboom]

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.

[Monika Gause]

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 · Accepted solution]

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

[Ton Frederiks]

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

[Ton Frederiks]

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

[Ton Frederiks]

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]

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]

You'll miss a lot if you don't use scripts, they can expand the functionality a lot.