Illustrator (Desktop) Feature Requests
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- Why is this valuable to you?
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4666 results found
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Persistant "Try Now" and "Learn More" toast/nags should time out
These grey feature nag alerts now appear for various features with calls-to-action like "Try Now" and "Learn More" eg. rearrange artboards, pasting to multiple artboards, ungrouping multiple/nested groups
Unexpected behaviour: These alerts only close when the user clicks the little X on the right.
Preferred behaviour:
– These alerts should close after a certain time (say 10 seconds) or after a number of interactions on the artboard (say 10 clicks)
– There should be an option to disable these alertsReason: Some users don't want ANY interruptions or distractions while working.
While I understand the benefit/opportunity to coach/educate about new features in the moment, this is feeling more like a pop-up ad than a helpful nudge.
These grey feature nag alerts now appear for various features with calls-to-action like "Try Now" and "Learn More" eg. rearrange artboards, pasting to multiple artboards, ungrouping multiple/nested groups
Unexpected behaviour: These alerts only close when the user clicks the little X on the right.
Preferred behaviour:
– These alerts should close after a certain time (say 10 seconds) or after a number of interactions on the artboard (say 10 clicks)
– There should be an option to disable these alertsReason: Some users don't want ANY interruptions or distractions while working.
While I understand the benefit/opportunity to coach/educate about new…
2 votes -
Better Interface for Document Setup / Artboard properties
When working with only one Artboard (in my case: 99% of my projects), it feels very uncomfortable to change the size via Document Setup - this shows a button 'Edit Artboards'. Clicking that button doesn't give any feedback to the user. We still have to find and click 'Properties'. Three clicks for such a fundamentals task. My requests:
1. Please integrate the Artboard size of a single Artboard document directly in the Document Setup panel.
2. When clicking 'Edit Artboards', open or bring to front the Properties panel.
3. Add a list or dropdown of existing Artboards in the Document Setup panelWhen working with only one Artboard (in my case: 99% of my projects), it feels very uncomfortable to change the size via Document Setup - this shows a button 'Edit Artboards'. Clicking that button doesn't give any feedback to the user. We still have to find and click 'Properties'. Three clicks for such a fundamentals task. My requests:
1. Please integrate the Artboard size of a single Artboard document directly in the Document Setup panel.
2. When clicking 'Edit Artboards', open or bring to front the Properties panel.
3. Add a list or dropdown of existing Artboards in the Document…2 votes -
Groups Created from Outlined Text Should Inherit Text Object Names
When converting a text object to outlines, the resulting group is automatically given the default group name, which I find inappropriate. It would be better if the group inherited the original text object’s name.
In cases where the user has not assigned a custom name to the text object, and Illustrator displays the actual text content as the object’s name in the UI, that same text content should also be used as the name of the new group after outlining.
2 votes -
Smoothing options for drawing tools like in Photoshop
Please add a customizable “tension delay” or “string tension” feature to the Pencil, Paintbrush, and other drawing tools — similar to Photoshop Painter’s input lag option — so that strokes mimic smooth, flowing tension, as if a string or spring is gently guiding the cursor.
Additionally, include the ability to adjust stroke width dynamically within the Pencil and Paintbrush tools, allowing for more expressive and controlled line variation.
Why this is valuable:
- Enables smoother, more controlled freehand strokes — ideal for illustrators seeking precise, fluid lines.
- Adjustable tension slider lets users fine-tune responsiveness to match their drawing style.
- Dynamic stroke width adjustment provides greater versatility and expression.
- Improves accuracy, reduces jitter, and enhances the quality of digital freehand drawing.Please add a customizable “tension delay” or “string tension” feature to the Pencil, Paintbrush, and other drawing tools — similar to Photoshop Painter’s input lag option — so that strokes mimic smooth, flowing tension, as if a string or spring is gently guiding the cursor.
Additionally, include the ability to adjust stroke width dynamically within the Pencil and Paintbrush tools, allowing for more expressive and controlled line variation.
Why this is valuable:
- Enables smoother, more controlled freehand strokes — ideal for illustrators seeking precise, fluid lines.
- Adjustable tension slider lets users fine-tune responsiveness to match their drawing style.…2 votes -
Add an option to hide the color spectrum bar at the bottom of the Color panel
I would like to request an option to hide the color spectrum bar located at the bottom of the Color panel.
For users who input colors using CMYK or RGB percentages, the color spectrum bar becomes an obstruction. This is particularly problematic when switching to a smaller panel docked below the Color panel, as the spectrum can display with an excessively tall vertical height. Having to manually resize the Color panel every time just to make the color spectrum smaller is cumbersome.
Please consider implementing this feature.
2 votes -
2 votes
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Always Scale Proportionally when Shift Constraint is held using the Scale tool
Holding SHIFT to constrain scaling proportionally should always constrain as long as shift is held.
Using the Scale tool (s) if you hold shift and scale, you need to stay close to a 45 degree path when dragging in order to keep the proportions locked. Illustrator EASILY unlocks the proportionate scaling when the users deviates a small amount from 45 degrees. It's very easy to do as a user and the amounts can be small depending on the degree the user moves. So it's very very easy to accidentally scale something to almost proportional size such as w:100% h: 92% while the SHIFT key is being held.
I wish holding SHIFT would simple lock proportions regardless of the angle I choose to drag. If I wanted freeform then I should be able to release SHIFT or not use at all.Holding SHIFT to constrain scaling proportionally should always constrain as long as shift is held.
Using the Scale tool (s) if you hold shift and scale, you need to stay close to a 45 degree path when dragging in order to keep the proportions locked. Illustrator EASILY unlocks the proportionate scaling when the users deviates a small amount from 45 degrees. It's very easy to do as a user and the amounts can be small depending on the degree the user moves. So it's very very easy to accidentally scale something to almost proportional size such as w:100% h: 92%…
2 votes -
Summer improvments
- Eyedropper for text (ref. InDesign)
- Instant resize at artboards bounds for clipping masks
- Instant adaptive fit to bounds for images inside clipping masks (ref. InDesign)
- Find and replace tool with live selection of contents with window open
- A shortcut for Trim View (tried to customize but it doesn't work)
- A better way to concatenate text frames (always requires more attempts)
- Fix the copy/paste text issue with Whatsapp desktop (if try to paste text in a conversation you have the image of it)
- Option to increase values with right button of mouse or digital pen
2 votes -
Automatically reset the ruler to zero when clicking on a different artboard
Sorry, this feature request should just be as standard.
If I have 5 artboards and I click on artboard 4, I don't know why the ruler doesn't automatically default to zero. Instead I have to double click the corner of the ruler to reset it to that artboard.
Surely working on separate artboards, require separate ruler zero placements.
This should be the default, with an option to set the ruler to zero on the first artboard, in case each artboard is making up one big picture, then it makes sense for all artboards to share one ruler zero setting.
I personally want to click on an artboard and the ruler defaultts to zero on THAT artboard. Then I click on another artboard and that defaults to zero. You could even have rulers for each board.
Please add this. :-)
Sorry, this feature request should just be as standard.
If I have 5 artboards and I click on artboard 4, I don't know why the ruler doesn't automatically default to zero. Instead I have to double click the corner of the ruler to reset it to that artboard.
Surely working on separate artboards, require separate ruler zero placements.
This should be the default, with an option to set the ruler to zero on the first artboard, in case each artboard is making up one big picture, then it makes sense for all artboards to share one ruler zero setting.
I…
2 votesThis behavior can be toggled with Use View > Rulers > Change to Artboard Rulers command
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Add advanced toolbar customization – icon direction, shape, and layout
I’m a long-time Illustrator user, and I’d love to see more customization options for the toolbar.
Specifically, please consider allowing:
1. Icon direction control (e.g., flipping the Pen Tool from "/" to "\")
2. Alternate icon shapes (simple, minimal, or text-based modes)
3. Full customization of toolbar layout, size, and colors
4. Save/load toolbar presets for different workflowsThis would help users with visual sensitivities or those who prefer ergonomic workspaces. It can also enhance accessibility for neurodivergent users. Thank you!
2 votes -
Make an option to never enable Knockout Group for new blend objects
Illustrator insists on checking "knockout group" on my blends, I never want this, I always have to go in and turn that off every time I make a blend of a couple of objects with complicated appearances. Gimme a switch for that behavior.
2 votes -
Print Presets should be in RGB or be easier to change to RGB
Most newer printers (Like the HP R530 or Epson Surecolor) handle colors better from files that are in RGB, not CMYK. Would love to have some presets in the "Print" tab be in RGB. Right now it's kind of a pain to change to RGB if you start with a print preset, because you get the warning about the color mode being different from the color space.
2 votes -
Make hidden objects to be excluded from Text Wrap
Text wrap: invisible objects cause text wrapping.
It's all in the title. Personally, I can't figure out if this is intended. If so, is it possible to add a flag to remove the effect of hidden objects on text?2 votes -
Add an option to remember the choice in the warning about changing existing brush strokes
Changing brush size asks to apply changes to existing brush strokes. I would like this never pop up and always have 'Leave strokes'.
2 votes -
Make a Display settings of artboards more visible
Hello!
When I'm using a one of this options: Show Center Mark, Show Cross Hairs, Show Video Safe Frame during the projecting time and I want them toggle off/on I have to go to the artboard options and toggle them there. The way for toggle this is too long and I realize this just now when I need to create something and switch this kind of helpers from time to time. Rest of the grids or helpers have own shortcuts or event they are available in Properties panel, but not this one.Is there any chance that dev-team can implement some possibility to setup shortcut for this options or show them up in properties panel?
Hello!
When I'm using a one of this options: Show Center Mark, Show Cross Hairs, Show Video Safe Frame during the projecting time and I want them toggle off/on I have to go to the artboard options and toggle them there. The way for toggle this is too long and I realize this just now when I need to create something and switch this kind of helpers from time to time. Rest of the grids or helpers have own shortcuts or event they are available in Properties panel, but not this one.Is there any chance that dev-team can implement…
2 votes -
A 'scale object' switch next to 'scale corners' and 'scale strokes & effects'.
Sometimes I want to scale just an object's strokes and effects without scaling the object - for example, if I've got an 'iris' graphic style that combines multiple fills and strokes to create a stylized iris of an eye, that I created for one size of eye, and would like to use for a closeup drawing.
Currently I would have to do something like this:
- draw a path with the 'iris' style, realize it's designed for a very different scale
- turn on scale strokes & effects
- rescale the path to be larger
- turn off scale strokes & effects
- rescale the path back down to roughly its original size
- maybe go back to step 2 if the size needs further adjustment
- maybe redefine the style or define a new one with a name like "iris closeup" so I don't have to do this again
I would like to be able to do this instead:
- draw a path with the 'iris' style, realize it's designed for a very different scale
- turn on scale strokes & effects, turn off scale object
- rescale just the strokes & effects, maybe fiddle with the scale a few times until I get it right
- maybe redefine the style or define a new one with a name like "iris closeup" so I don't have to do this again
Possibly it would be a good idea to make it impossible to have all of the scale object/corners/strokes & effects off at once; I would suggest that 'scale object' should be the one that comes onn when you try to turn them all off at once.
It might also be nice to add the ability to hold down some key or another while scaling to toggle scaling objects/corners/strokes & effects, similar to the way holding down ~ lets you toggle the state of the 'transform patterns' switch with some transformation tools. Offhand I would say this ability belongs on the Scale tool, dragging the handles of the Free Transform too, and on the handles of the Bounding Boxes; I am making this list because the Free Transform and Bounding Box still don't understand the ~ key to toggle pattern transformation after many years of existance...
Sometimes I want to scale just an object's strokes and effects without scaling the object - for example, if I've got an 'iris' graphic style that combines multiple fills and strokes to create a stylized iris of an eye, that I created for one size of eye, and would like to use for a closeup drawing.
Currently I would have to do something like this:
- draw a path with the 'iris' style, realize it's designed for a very different scale
- turn on scale strokes & effects
- rescale the path to be larger
- turn off scale strokes & effects
- rescale the…
2 votes -
Make Acrobat FreeText Comments Appear in Illustrator PDF Files
When working with marked-up PDFs that contain FreeText annotations (comments), these are clearly visible in Acrobat Pro, but they completely disappear when opening the file in Adobe Illustrator.
Illustrator only reads the main page content, not annotations. Please consider adding a feature in Acrobat that converts FreeText comments into actual text objects within the PDF so they appear in Illustrator, can be outlined, and printed properly.
This would help designers and prepress professionals working on packaging, branding, and production workflows.
Thanks!2 votes -
Window > Arrange > Swap
If you have two documents open and you enable "Window > Arrange > Tile" you get both windows side by side.
By default you get the first-opened document on the left and the second on the right.
"Swap" function would exchange positions of the windows.
In order to do this without Swap, I have to do a manual tab shuffle to make this work and it's not as easy as it seems.
2 votes -
Global lighting and render settings in 3D Effect panel
Please add the ability to globally change lighting, enable/disable shadows, and enable/disable ray tracing in the render settings when selecting multiple objects with a 3D effect but with different color fills, for example.
2 votes -
Add Resolution value into the Gaussian Blur effect dialog
I think it's a really bad UX having to deal with two different dialogs to add a simple blur, the ideal would be add the extra settings to the Gaussian Blur dialog, so you can adjust everything on the fly, both the Radius and Resolution.
2 votes
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