Illustrator (Desktop) Feature Requests
When entering a new feature request, please provide:
- Description
- Why is this valuable to you?
77 results found
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Tab now shifts to toggle buttons in Layers Panel instead of renaming the next layer
In the newest update (29.6) the layers panel has some changes. When you hover over the toggle buttons, they highlight. Before updating, I could double-click to rename my layer, then hit Tab to rename the next layer. Now, Tab just moves to the toggle buttons and the tools at the bottom of the panel. I think this should be adjusted back to make renaming layers a smoother process.
12 votes -
Thumbnails in Layers always show full previews even when outline mode for the layer is toggled
This is relatively new within recent Ai upgrades.
Can we please revert back to preview mode ONLY for layer thumbnails regardless of how we view the layer on the artboard. This was changed recently. Why? If you choose to make changes like this, please make it an optional preference, as long time users probably don't like these changes.
3 votesThe bug is expected to be fixed in the upcoming Beta build
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Allow to set custom default layer colors, with options
In 2017 we asked to allow to customize colors for layers, so that edges drawn for object didn’t burn our eyes out: http://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/31535431
In 2020 Illustrator team removed yellow color from the default 5th color for new layers, shifting the order, but never did anything with cyan, gray, black...
We need an ability to set up our own order for these colors.
We need to be able to store these as presets, so we can switch these.
We need a way to make a certain order preferred in a template or a document profile.
We need an ability to remap…
37 votes -
Group multiple entities from multiple layers keeping layers
When you Group a selection of entities from multiple layers all comes in a single layer.
In many case it should be mandatory to group those elements in a new Group but keeping the layers or at least a new layer with the original layers as "sublayers" so you can still filter objects by layer, and select all at one by selecting master layer.1 vote -
Move items inside/outside hidden and locked layers.
I want to move items in and out of locked and/or hidden layers.
I use the lock and hidden options to not accendently modify them on the canvas, but I do neet to rearrange them in the layers, or need a copy of an item.6 votes -
Don’t force creating a dedicated layer for Swatch Info objects
When we create a Swatch Info object, a new layer named 'Swatch Info Layer' gets created automatically. I don’t need it. I want to be able to choose if I need this layer, and what name it should use. My layer structure is something I prefer to have control over, and the way Ai thinks I need to have a singular group this creates in a separate layer is insulting.
Same goes for Dimensions — why do you think I mustn’t choose the layer’s name?
http://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/482369543 votes -
Tab key behavior when renaming layers has changed in v29.6.1
In Illustrator version 29.6.1, the Tab key no longer jumps directly to the next layer's name when renaming layers. Instead, it now cycles through all the icons (visibility, lock, etc.) before reaching the next name field. This significantly slows down the workflow, especially when renaming multiple layers quickly.
In previous versions, pressing Tab while editing a layer name would immediately move focus to the next layer's name field, which was much more efficient.
Please consider restoring the previous Tab key behavior or adding a preference option to choose how Tab navigates in the Layers panel.
Thank you!
1 vote -
Allow to show contents (unfurl) of compound paths in Layers
Illustrator treats a compound path as a single entity, no matter how many singular paths it has inside.
Layers panel does not display '>' next to the name of it, and does not allow to unfurl the item to see what it has inside.
It makes sense in a way, since the order of items does not matter (it is for a Compound Shapes, where it matters a lot, with e.g. 'Minus Front').
At the same time, we can still select a subpath of a compound path with the Group Selection tool, and use Object > Arrange commands (even though…
8 votes -
You know what would really be great? Take a page from Photoshop so that when I select multiple layers and want to merge them, instead of goi
You know what would really be great? Take a page from Photoshop so that when I select multiple layers and want to merge them, instead of going up to the hamburger menu in the layers panel, I could simply right click and the option to merge layers would just pop up along with the other options for layers. So much quicker and more efficient. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
1 vote -
Allow targeting layers with no unlocked/visible paths in them.
You can target a layer to apply an appearance by clicking on the circle to the right of its name in the Appearance palette.
This is not possible, however, if the layer is empty.
This is also not possible if the only thing the layer contains is empty layers.
This is also not possible if all the children of the layer are locked. Or invisible.
There must be at least one unlocked, visible non-layer object in a layer before you can target it.
I am most often annoyed by trying and failing to target a layer with a bunch of…
3 votes -
The option to define visibility of layers and objects by artboard.
The option to define visibility of layers and objects by artboard.
This way, one could set multiple artboards of the same content with different sets of layers or objects visible in each.
I often have to hide/show some layers before export (for instance when I do the same complex artwork in multiple languages). Of course the default would be the current behavior.2 votes -
Add the ability to "freeze" layers.
Once upon a time, back around 2000, there was a natural media vector program called "Expression", by a studio named Creature House. It did a lot of heavy, complex rendering, yet retained pretty speedy performance on the machines of the time. But Microsoft bought Creature House back around 2003 and ended support for it; "Expression" became a Windows-only tool with greatly limited functionality.
One of the ways it kept its performance snappy was by having an additional state for layers. Like Illustrator, they could be visible or invisible, and they could be locked or unlocked - but they could also…
2 votes -
Direct Component Group
Is it possible to create a direct component group that performs certain functions, rather than relying on clickable line options? This way, there's no need to enter a group to select the required component.
1 vote -
Holding Control key and clicking on a New Layer icon should create a new layer below, as in Photoshop
Originally mentioned by Mohammed Amjed Khan Abro here: http://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/41107321
Layers Panel.
Holding or pressing the Control key and clicking on a new layer icon in Photoshop to creates a new layer below all the layers if no layer is selected, if a layer is selected then you do the same action will create a new layer below the selected layer which really makes sense.
The same thing would be very comfortable in Illustrator if that feature would be added in the Layers and Appearance Panel.6 votes -
Add an option to create a preset for layers
It would be very helpful if there's an option to create a layers preset where I can customize the names, colors, & etc of the layers & sublayers and save it as a preset for when I needed it.
2 votes -
Make custom layers outside of artboards visible in Trim View
Sometimes when using Trim view I do want to see other items shown. Like Notes or measurements that are outside of the artboard, But I still want the preview of Trim View to hide bleed and artwork that extends beyond. I wish that inside the layer Options Settings. there was a checkbox to show in Trim View, so items on that layer are still visible when trim view is active
3 votes -
Setting scale dimensions for each layer
Currently, each layer can only be drawn at a scale of 1:1. If it becomes possible to set the scale for each layer, it will be possible to use it in the architectural field. Please consider this.
2 votes -
Copy layer from one document to another with effects / appearance
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to copy-paste a layer from one file to another, including the layer’s effects / appearance?
Or to have an option to Duplicate a Layer into another file (like in Photoshop).
3 votes -
Sort layers and objects in alphabetical order
Allow to re-order content in Layers in alphabetical order
5 votes -
Change how lock and hide work
Сan you adjust how hiding layers vs locking layers works?
Lock should prevent edits of any kind.
Hide should allow edits if the master group or layer are adjusted.
Example: Character Animator makes us hide Illustrator layers for various poses, mouths, etc. All the mouths are in a head group. If I move a head group with hidden layers, those layers don't move with the group. They should move. They should just not be seen while doing it because they are not locked.
If hide works this way, can you explain the difference between lock and hide?
I find this…
1 vote
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