Illustrator (Desktop) Feature Requests
When entering a new feature request, please provide:
- Description
- Why is this valuable to you?
4817 results found
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Make option to generate compound paths instead of groups when text is outlined
Create simple black-on-white string of text.
Outline it.
AI will make a group of compound paths.I would like to have a non-default option that would make AI generate one big compound path instead of group of paths.
If text has more then one character color within it — only then this option would produce a group, with a colored compounds within.Right now I have to use an Action (ungroup, release compound path, make compound path) and manually run it for every string/area of text before proceeding to next step of my workflow.
I will make a script to…25 votes -
Save Illustrator and PDF at the same time
I usually save my original Illustrator file and save a PDF for proofing purposes; but usually I make updates to the illustrator file; so I have to save it again as PDF; I think it would be cool to add a check box to the save window asking you if you would like to update your PDF reflecting the updated changes on the Illustrator file.
14 votes -
When exporting an image, using artboard, with a single artboard, don't change filename.
If save an image using "Export As" , and I select the "use artboards" (because I want the image to be of that size, and I only want to export one specific artboard of my file, It would be better if it didn't add to the file name (ie: the filename-01.png would be filename.png). This is because I find myself exporting each layer of the same artboard with a specific name (ex: characterarm.png, characterleg.png, etc) and I have to remove the "01"s manually.
I understand that this feature is really useful when exporting all the artboards at the…60 votesThe latest version of Illustrator now allows you to manually control the behavior with the 'Suffix' option in the Export As dialog. Please check if it it works for you and comment back if it does not.
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Ability to change layer visibility of linked files with Object Layer Options
Using linked ai documents in an Illustrator file is a great way to reduce the file load on the system, and also to work collaboratively. It would be nice to be able to toggle layers in placed psd and ai files in the same way that InDesign does (accessed via import options on place, or by right-click context menu).
68 votes -
Make it possible to select locked objects?
I wish it was possible to prevent an object from moving, but still have the ability to select it. A preference setting to "allow selection of locked objects" or "lock position only" or something?
5 votesThere is a way to select locked objects in recent Illustrator versions.
In Preferences > Selection & Anchor Display section toggle ‘Select and Unlock objects on canvas’ option to see small lock icons you can click when locked objects get into a selection marquee. -
Make Asset Export settings Per-Project not Global
It doesn't make sense to have global settings for Asset Export, as the exporting requirements vary between projects. Each project should have its own Asset Export settings so this doesn't have to be set up every time when exporting from different projects with different settings.
Changing back and forward is time consuming and error prone.
49 votes -
Can't add EPS files to Creative Cloud libraries
Illustrator CC v. 22.1
Mac OS High Sierra v. 10.13.4When attempting to add an EPS file to a Creative Cloud library (click and drag from Mac finder to open library panel in Illustrator), the library panel indicates that I am "adding multiple files" and when I release the mouse button I get the error message that "bulk uploads are not supported in this file format" (see screenshot attached).
Currently, it seems the only workaround we have is to place the vector artwork inside an InDesign document, and then drag and drop into the library from there. However, my organization…
11 votes -
Split paths by currently applied dash settings
Hi - I was directed here via adobe and illustrator support teams on twitter.
I'm submitting a suggestion for a function or feature for adobe illustrator in which the user may subdivide a dashed path into individual smaller paths, by the measurement and placement of said dash style. I have seen many different suggestions and workarounds for this over the past few years but none actually execute this specific action. (Setting to .0001 stroke, expanding, then deleting excess points isn't ideal!)
In my current role, and in our office, we design and create physical package design comps. we frequently use…
37 votes -
Inline Graphics / Anchor Object to text ability (like InDesign)
Please allow in-line graphics in text paragraphs, so graphics will move along with the rest of the copy within text. I am working on a lot of signage/wayfinding and the rooms keep getting moved about. Arro symbols and toilet icons have to be positioned manually and it is VERY time consuming. I wish the original artwork had been created in InDesign! Thanks
61 votesPlease share some real cases for this feature you had in your practice, which could have benefit greatly from having inline graphics. It will help the team to plan it and make it more useful for Ai users, than analogues we have in InDesign and Figma.
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Layers in Touch Interface
The touch interface should have layers.
95 votes -
Default iptc contact data
It would be nice if a user could enter his iptc contact data and if this data is automatically added to new files.
(same for PS and ID)1 vote -
Convert embedded images between different formats/compression schemes...
Currently, if I embed an image as a TIF, the resulting AI file will be larger than if I embed the same image as a JPEG. It would be nice if I could convert embedded images between file formats and have control over compression methods / levels so that I could convert the embedded TIF to something lighter in size such as a JPEG - all from within illustrator.
4 votes -
Make Static Symbols the default, instead of Dynamic Symbols.
A new symbol is saved as "Dynamic" by default. Please make "Static" symbols the default. They are the "Standard" and should remain the default. It is the exception when I want a "dynamic" symbol.
55 votesThe choice of the type of a symbol is sticky in the latest version of Illustrator. If a user toggles it to Static, it remains Static when another symbol is created — and vice versa.
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Freeform gradients to grayscale
It would be awesome if we could convert freeform gradients to grayscale just like with a normal gradient.
2 votesYou can do this by executing Edit > Edit Colors > Convert to Grayscale
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Infinite bezier curve/scale
Create a functionality so that when you adjust a bezier curve or scale a shape it does not move your window, instead your cursor would appear on the other side of your screen until you have reached the desired curve or scale while the window stays still. (similar to how blenders scale function works, see video)
3 votes -
Let me change reading direction with the vertical text tool
When using the vertical text tool (which probably was designed for asian scripts) the default textflow is from right to left (as with most asian languages, I guess). It would be need if I could change it to left to right.
Issue has also been discussed here:
https://forums.adobe.com/thread/320738You can find a file of the desired outcome attached
9 votes -
Gradients don't snap to grid or to Smart Guides
I can't believe I haven't posted it, but the search says so.
Since CS4, I guess, when the cool and fancy gradient annotator showed up, the Gradient tool had lost it's ability to snap to grid. WHY? Do you think nobody needs to snap gradients? I need, at least.
It should also snap to Smart guides!Everything must snap to grid, when Snap to grid is enabled.
39 votesBeta Build 29.6.142 now partially supports Gradient Tool snapping with Smart Guides enabled, but for the starting point only at the moment. Snapping to grid is not supported as well, and gradient stops won’t snap at all. There is no dedicated option for the tool to control the behavior as well.
If you noticing anything else while testing this (please do!) — kindly make a comment.
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Batch relink to CC libraries
I would like to be able to select more than one CC library link in a document and batch relink, instead of having to go through and manually do each and everyone.
67 votes -
OpenType ligature features ccmp and rlig do not work with variable font
OpenType ligature features ccmp and rlig are active by default. But they do not work with variable font (liga and dlig will work).
29 voteswe have made note of this feature request and added to backlog
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Place multiple files in a grid like InDesign (Gridify)
InDesign has a very nifty feature that I would like to see in Illustrator; if you press the arrow keys while placing multiple files at once, you can create a "grid" of said files. Depending on the job I'm working on, I have to place hundreds of files at once... Having this feature would streamline a lot of my projects.
48 votesIllustrator allows this today.
- Go to File > Place and choose the files to be placed.
- Click and drag on the canvas to define the grid area.
- While dragging, hold Opt/Alt to place all files in one gesture with an auto-calculated grid.
- For a custom grid layout, while dragging, press arrow keys to adjust rows and columns — Right/Left for columns, Up/Down for rows.
Known limitations.
- Unlike in InDesign, we can’t control the gaps with Cmd/Ctrl + Arrows.
- It won’t work for drag-n-drop on canvas. works only with File > Place.
- This option works only for placing images, and won’t affect tools like Rectangle — use Rectangular Grid Tool instead.
Please try how it works and comment back to help the team to polish the feature.
- Don't see your idea?