Scale tool with value input and custom anchor
I'm not necessarily looking for a script—I’m just curious if a tool could be developed to enhance Illustrator’s Scale tool. Specifically, I’d love the ability to input a custom scale value (e.g., uniformly 125%, 100% height, 20% width, etc.) while also being able to position a custom anchor point, as currently available in the Scale tool.
I understand that the Transform Each function allows users to select individual objects, input values, and place an anchor point. However, this feature has limitations:
The anchor point can only be placed within the object's bounds.
To uniformly scale multiple objects, users must group them first, apply scaling, and then ungroup—adding unnecessary steps.
I see a clear opportunity for improvement by integrating Transform Each features directly into the Scale tool. A simple checkbox allowing users to scale objects individually from their centers would make the tool significantly more powerful. Of course, I say "simple" without knowing the underlying complexities of Illustrator’s scaling system—perhaps that’s why these tools are separate in the first place.
That said, I rarely use the Scale Options panel because Transform Each is generally more useful. The only reason I still use the Scale tool is its anchor feature. An additional note and one quite important, since Transform Each is only accessible through the right-click menu, many newcomers might overlook it, assuming the side panel contains all available scaling options.
Would love to hear thoughts on whether this kind of enhancement would be feasible!
Sam
shared this idea
-
Yep, Ton, I love the idea of the offsets as well.
-
Ton commented
An option to (numerically) customize the transformation point would be welcome in every place where the reference point can be set.
-
I see.
There is an existing request, Show reference point locator in Scale/Rotate/Shear/Reflect tool dialogue — http://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/32927581
Then, there is a very similar, but a bit different request, Scale and Reflect using selected reference point — http://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/37662049Whenever I need to scale using the 9-grid reference point — I just scale using Transform or Control, by typing 125%, followed by Ctrl+Enter, to make it it uniform (the lock is almost always disabled for me). Since I have a custom system to quickly set reference point with Numpad and quickly focus W and H fields, I use this method very often — but I can’t really recommend it, since to set it up is pain.
There is another way. Not sure if you know (I bet you do, but just in case), Ai allows to set a custom pivot for scale in any position on canvas AND show the dialog: hold Opt/Alt, click and drag to set the point. Once the mouse/pen is released, the dialog pops. Since the pivot is affected by smart guides, it can be snapped to a corner or an intersection, if needed. Some times I use this method too (but switching snapping modes is another problem).
So... do you think I should merge this request into either of these two, or would you prefer to keep it, since it’s somewhat different?
-
Sam
commented
Something like this
-
Sam
commented
The gist of the request is essentially options 1 and 2. I understand that I may not have described it perfectly first time round.
I believe the Scale tool could be enhanced by absorbing key Transform Each features, ensuring the one tool's options in the double-clicked tab includes:
- Value-based Scale Input: Set specific values (e.g., 125% uniform, 100% height, 20% width non-uniform).
- Custom Anchor Point: Maintain the ability to position the anchor freely (like Scale now). But If possible, add a checkbox to toggle between a custom reference point or the standard 9-square system, greying out the unused option.
- Individual vs. Group Scaling: Checkbox to scale objects separately or as a group. -
Sam, please help me to understand the request.
Do you mean
1. an ability to choose a reference point (the same way Transform Each allows to) for a custom selection of ungrouped objects, but using just Scale tool?
2. and ability to set a custom center of transformation when scaling with Scale tool, but have a field to set a scale value also?
3. something else entirely?
