Illustrator (Desktop) Feature Requests
When entering a new feature request, please provide:
- Description
- Why is this valuable to you?
- or
2 results found
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Add ability to hyperlink text
Make text linkable to a url or email when exported to a PDF, like you can already do in InDesign.
Only being able to do this in a PDF means that if you make an update in Illustrator and export as a PDF again, you have to re-do all your hyperlinks.
136 votesWhile the bug with dropping hyperlinks added through Attributes panel while exporting as PDF was fixed in 27.6.1, the original request for adding inline text hyperlinks was never completed.
It’s now split into a separate request here.
Those who actively commented on the original feature request got added as voters already. If you think that ability to add, stylize, and customize hyperlinks in text is something you’d like to have — please upvote it.
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Add ability to hyperlink text (properly this time)
In June of 2023 the Illustrator team fixed a old bug with hyperlinks added through Attributes panel being dropped while exporting as PDF.
The team thought of it as a solution to this request: http://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/40418827 — and marked it as such.I do not agree.
The solution is nowhere final, done in the most basic way possible, merely a bug fixed, like if no-one in the team did try to make it useful at the level of today's standards.
— A partial text selection can't be made into a hyperlink.
— No widgets are given on the canvas to see if an object has a hyperlink assigned or not, and to open the link directly from the canvas (with or without a modifier).
— Attributes gives no way to jump to a previous/next hyperlink in the document.
— The 'browser' button uses the IE browser, not the assigned one at the OS level.
— If I cover an object which has a hyperlink assigned, with another object that has another hyperlink, the area they shared together is overtaken by the one which is below, and not according to their z-order.
— 'Polygon' image map option does not work, the object gets a rectangle area still. The sacred knowledge about creating polygonal image maps in Ai is long lost, and the only mention the official manual has about it is here (https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/slices-image-maps.html) — but it never actually tells how to create these. Surely not via rectangular-only slices. It should just happen automatically, and it does not.
— What about automation? To have the links to be auto-tagged, like this solution for InD does (https://www.id-extras.com/products/hyperlinkpro/)?
— What about auto styling, like InD provides?
— Will we be able to fine tune the look of the Character’s 'Underline' option? Nobody places lines this close to text anymore on web.So yes, this should be made BETTER.
In June of 2023 the Illustrator team fixed a old bug with hyperlinks added through Attributes panel being dropped while exporting as PDF.
The team thought of it as a solution to this request: http://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/40418827 — and marked it as such.I do not agree.
The solution is nowhere final, done in the most basic way possible, merely a bug fixed, like if no-one in the team did try to make it useful at the level of today's standards.
— A partial text selection can't be made into a hyperlink.
— No widgets are given on the canvas to see…47 votes
4598 results found
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Allow legacy behavior for "Rearrange Artboards"
While I'm sure some people welcome Illustrator's new features for rearranging the artboards, I have found it to be finicky and weird. There should be an option that defaults to the center of the work area, like it used to do automatically. This new behavior, of having to select where the artboards go just complicates a once simple process.
5 votes -
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.
3 votes -
Type > Text wrap > Make / Release / options
I constantly expect Text Wrap to be in the Type menu instead of the Object menu. Can it show up there?
You don't have to move it from the Object menu, I'm fine with there being two ways to get to it.
2 votes -
Active artboard highlight is annoying
The highlight of the artboard its really annoying. I wish I could back to the old way. Thanks
3 votes -
Set Custom Scale based on artwork for Engineering Plans Measurements
I need to add measurements for lighting layouts, outlets, smoke detectors and fans on electric plans. The current measurement tool has a custom option but it's difficult to figure out the scale when it's 1:98 or 1:49. Trial and error gets frustrating and it's not always 100% correct.
**I need a way I could calibrate a custom scale like in CAD/Bluebeam. So, clicking two points and telling Illustrator that space between equals 4ft so it sets the scale for me. This would be more efficient. **
I know there are other programs I could do this in but I don't have access to them at my job. We use illustrator for mostly everything in my department.
I need to add measurements for lighting layouts, outlets, smoke detectors and fans on electric plans. The current measurement tool has a custom option but it's difficult to figure out the scale when it's 1:98 or 1:49. Trial and error gets frustrating and it's not always 100% correct.
**I need a way I could calibrate a custom scale like in CAD/Bluebeam. So, clicking two points and telling Illustrator that space between equals 4ft so it sets the scale for me. This would be more efficient. **
I know there are other programs I could do this in but I…
3 votes -
The box selection increases the selected items within the box selection, leaving the others unselected
Adobe Illustrator 2025 Currently, I want to box the font, and there is a border below. I select the box, and the border below is also selected. However, I don't want to lock it. I hope to increase the selection of the selected box and leave the others unselected
1 vote -
Korean text can't wrap cleanly at syllable boundaries
In InDesign, Korean text can wrap cleanly at syllable boundaries, but in Illustrator and Photoshop it still can’t. We’re simply asking for the same “syllable‑by‑syllable” line‑break option that InDesign already has. Who on earth wants to type Korean like “인‑디‑자‑인‑처‑럼,” with every syllable forced onto its own line? We just need consistent letter‑spacing and neat line breaks.
Korean users have been requesting this for more than ten years. Adobe, please—could you finally make it happen?
2 votesThe team is working on this, but it’d take some time for this change to land into all apps
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Keyboard shortcut to cycle through 'Change Case' states
Allow users to assign a keyboard shortcut to cycle through 'Change Case' settings. This was available on previous versions of Ai, and is a basic functionality that seems to have been removed for absolutely no reason.
2 votes -
Make Path Direction Attribute editable for non compound paths too
In vector graphics, every path har a direction. This direction has major influence in several situations, suchs as variable width strokes, object on path, and compound paths. Unfortunattely the path direction can only be accesses/changed when the path is part of a compound path. Please make the attributen changeable for every path.
3 votes -
Please add virtual sliders for Rotate values for Objects on Path
Great new tool, Objects on Path. Unfortunately, the UI for rotating the Objects is not very smooth. We can choose preset angles via a dropdown, or type numbers. Why not add virtual sliders, just like Photoshop? This is so much more intuitive in a design process.
3 votes -
A key to reverse "object selection by path only" while using selection tools.
Mostly I like to work with this setting off but there are times when it would really be nice to turn it on by holding down a key while clicking in the middle of a path.
I don't know what key to suggest, command swaps selection for direct selection (and vice-versa), alt widens the selection of the direct selection tool and does nothing for selection, shift adds to/subtracts fom the selection. Maybe `?
4 votes -
Bring back the ability to make Picture Clipping Files!
In illustrator you used to be able to drag any art in illustrator to your desktop and it would create a .pictclipping file.
The file would then be a ready to use symbol or pice of art preserve spot colors, Layers, Grouping, Overprint, Any Attributes! It's simple and easy to use and so easy to share with my coworkers! More importantly, because of how simply it operates, better than the current library/symbols functions. I don't understand why they would phase it out.
It's just not as easy to share standardized art through adobe's available functions. We get some new graphic artists that just don't know what they're doing sometimes. It makes training so much easier across the board to have this kind of thing simplified and available.
I haven't been able to make a picture clipping file in a while and the ones I use are getting old. Bring them back please! I still use ones made from 2017 daily. an incredible tool lost since illustrator version 25.48 and I've tried to get adobe to help me download that version only to be told it's not compatible anymore.
In illustrator you used to be able to drag any art in illustrator to your desktop and it would create a .pictclipping file.
The file would then be a ready to use symbol or pice of art preserve spot colors, Layers, Grouping, Overprint, Any Attributes! It's simple and easy to use and so easy to share with my coworkers! More importantly, because of how simply it operates, better than the current library/symbols functions. I don't understand why they would phase it out.
It's just not as easy to share standardized art through adobe's available functions. We get some new graphic…
3 votes -
How do I enable the Text to Graphic on my computer?
How do I enable or get the Text to Graphic on my computer? I do not find it in Properties.
1 vote -
Make Pattern Options work when stroke is selected in tool panel
You can't open the pattern editor from swatches panel or from shortcut if stroke is selected in tools panel. I shot screen grab to demonstrate.
I can see why it might be desired behaviour, but you can still select patterns to fill a selection, while stroke is selected in tools panel. so it doesn't seem to make sense.
If fill is selected, you can enter the pattern editor for a selected swatch, from the swatches panel independent of pattern swatches in use or active in project. But if stroke is active/selected you can not.
Uploaded unlisted full res screen capture here: https://youtu.be/NvywCEHGveg
You can't open the pattern editor from swatches panel or from shortcut if stroke is selected in tools panel. I shot screen grab to demonstrate.
I can see why it might be desired behaviour, but you can still select patterns to fill a selection, while stroke is selected in tools panel. so it doesn't seem to make sense.
If fill is selected, you can enter the pattern editor for a selected swatch, from the swatches panel independent of pattern swatches in use or active in project. But if stroke is active/selected you can not.
Uploaded unlisted full res screen capture…
2 votes -
Make color choosing UI consistent
I never like it when the big color chooser with the square color gradient and numeric fields pop up.
Why does it exist?
Would like to have a user preference to choose the color picker in stead of having Illustrator to popup with several different color mixers.When double clicking the stroke or fill color, the big unusefull (imho) thing pops up, when clicking a swatch, a compact mixer pops up.
For me, it would be nice to construct my own combination of color mixers: RGB and HSB in 1 view, with sliders, without the big picking gradient, without cmyk, without hex. And with a context sensitive button 'Add to Swatches'.
I never like it when the big color chooser with the square color gradient and numeric fields pop up.
Why does it exist?
Would like to have a user preference to choose the color picker in stead of having Illustrator to popup with several different color mixers.When double clicking the stroke or fill color, the big unusefull (imho) thing pops up, when clicking a swatch, a compact mixer pops up.
For me, it would be nice to construct my own combination of color mixers: RGB and HSB in 1 view, with sliders, without the big picking gradient, without cmyk,…
1 vote -
Avoid text converted to outlines when opening PDF
[Previous discussions in https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/avoid-text-converted-to-outlines-when-opening-pdf/m-p/15352684]
Currently Adobe Illustrator automatically and arbitrarily converts text parts to outlines, making these parts not editable nor selectable.
It's not related to fonts, because that font is on my computer, and, other text parts that has exactly the same font are editable and not converted.
It's just because of the code point. For example, in term
∀𝑥, the ∀ (U+2200) is editable and 𝑥 (U+1D465) is converted to outline. I really dislike this arbitrary behaviour. If compatibility is considered critical, the program should at least give an option to allow us the users to choose whether to convert them to outlines[Previous discussions in https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/avoid-text-converted-to-outlines-when-opening-pdf/m-p/15352684]
Currently Adobe Illustrator automatically and arbitrarily converts text parts to outlines, making these parts not editable nor selectable.
It's not related to fonts, because that font is on my computer, and, other text parts that has exactly the same font are editable and not converted.
It's just because of the code point. For example, in term
∀𝑥, the ∀ (U+2200) is editable and 𝑥 (U+1D465) is converted to outline. I really dislike this arbitrary behaviour. If compatibility is considered critical, the program should at least give an option to allow us the users to…1 vote -
Add Units to Move Function
It would be great if when using the MOVE feature we could switch between UNIT types (Inches, Pixels, Points, etc...). For example, often we want the file in inches but to move in points.
2 votes -
Add Option to Save Both Editable and Outlined Text PDFs Simultaneously
As a graphic designer, I often need to provide clients with both editable and outlined text versions of my work. Currently, this requires manually saving two separate files: one with editable text and another with text converted to outlines.
I propose adding a feature in Adobe Illustrator's "Save As PDF" dialog that allows users to check an option like:
"Would you like to save two versions of this file? (Editable text and Outlined text)"
Upon selection, Illustrator would automatically generate:
filename_editable.pdf
filename_outlined.pdf
This enhancement would streamline the workflow, reduce the risk of errors, and save valuable time for designers.
Thank you for considering this feature request.
As a graphic designer, I often need to provide clients with both editable and outlined text versions of my work. Currently, this requires manually saving two separate files: one with editable text and another with text converted to outlines.
I propose adding a feature in Adobe Illustrator's "Save As PDF" dialog that allows users to check an option like:
"Would you like to save two versions of this file? (Editable text and Outlined text)"
Upon selection, Illustrator would automatically generate:
filename_editable.pdf
filename_outlined.pdf
This enhancement would streamline the workflow, reduce the risk of errors, and save valuable time for designers.
Thank…
2 votes -
Allow to change the color of a 3D material without editing it in Substance
Die Änderung der Materialfarben für die 3D-Darstellung in Illustrator funktioniert nicht - insbesondere die Farbänderung ist nicht möglich. Hier muss mann immer umständlich neue Farben in Substance anlegen :/
Changing the material colors for the 3D rendering in Illustrator doesn't work—especially changing the color isn't possible. You always have to laboriously create new colors in Substance :/
1 vote -
Perpendicular Line Tool to Path
When I draw a line at any angle with the pen tool, I want to be able to draw a new line exactly perpendicular to that line. The name of the feature I want is "Perpendicular Line Tool". A tool that will ensure that the second line I draw is perpendicular to the first line when I draw a line in any direction, and will find and show me the 90 degree angle to each other. Please add, this should be a default feature in Adobe.
3 votes
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