Swap Two Objects

Swap Two Objects

Script for Adobe Illustrator

Functionality

This is a script for Adobe Illustrator that allows users to swap the positions and optionally the sizes of two selected objects. It creates a user-friendly panel interface with multiple swap options.

Installation

1. Download the Swap Two Objects.jsx script file.

2. Place it in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:

⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator[Version]/Presets/<Language>/Scripts/

⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator [Version]\Presets\<Language>\Scripts\

3. Restart Illustrator if it's already running to load the script into the File > Scripts menu.

Using the Script

 

➊ Select Two Objects:

  • Open a document and select exactly two objects.
  • The script will not run if fewer or more than two objects are selected.

➋ Run the Script:

  • Navigate to File > Scripts > Swap Two Objects.
  • Alternatively, you can use the File > Scripts > Other Script... option to locate and run the script manually.

➌ Choose Swap Mode:

A dialog box will appear with three radio button options:

  • Position Only
    Swaps the positions of the selected objects without changing their size.

1. Swap Position Only

 

  • Position and Size (Maintain Aspect Ratio)
    Swaps positions and resizes objects while maintaining their original aspect ratios.

2. Swap Position and Size (Maintain Aspect Ratio)

 

  • Position and Size (Match Aspect Ratio)
    Swaps positions and resizes objects to match each other's dimensions exactly.

3. Swap Position and Size (Match Aspect Ratio)

 

➍ Execute the Swap:

  • Click the Swap button or press Enter to apply the selected swap mode.
  • The objects will be repositioned and resized (if applicable) based on the selected mode.

➎ Additional Features:

Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • Enter – Executes the swap.
  • Escape – Closes the dialog.
  • Up/Down Arrow Keys – Switches between swap mode options.

  • Click the ⏼ icon on the right for a user guide
  • Click the ⊗ icon on the top left to close the panel.

☻ Conclusion:

This Swap Two Objects script streamlines your Illustrator workflow by eliminating tedious manual repositioning and resizing. Whether you're exploring layout alternatives, creating pattern variations, or simply organizing your artwork, this tool saves valuable design time with just a few clicks. The three swap modes give you flexibility for different design scenarios, while the intuitive interface makes it accessible for designers at any skill level. 

Give it a try in your next project to experience how this simple utility can enhance your creative process and help you visualize design alternatives more efficiently.

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Swap Two Objects

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

    Tested on MacOS:

    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)
  • Supported Versions:

    • Compatible with Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later, including Adobe Illustrator CC versions.

    Operating Systems:

    • Works on both macOS and Windows platforms.
  • End User License Agreement (EULA)

    Last Updated: 21.12.2024

    This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you (“User” or “Licensee”) and Samolevsky.com (“Licensor”) regarding the use of the Adobe Illustrator scripts (“Software”). By downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

    1. Grant of License

    Licensor grants the User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Software in accordance with this Agreement.

    • Free Software: If the Software is provided for free, you may use it for personal or commercial purposes without payment, subject to the restrictions outlined in this Agreement.
    • Paid Software: If the Software is provided for a fee, you may use it only after payment has been made in full.

    2. Usage Rights

    You are permitted to:

    • Install and use the Software on devices you own or control.
    • Use the Software in your personal or commercial projects, subject to compliance with this Agreement.

    3. Restrictions

    You may NOT:

    • Reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying ideas, or algorithms of the Software.
    • Reuse, incorporate, or integrate any portion of the Software into any other software, product, or project, except as expressly permitted by the Licensor in writing.
    • Resell, redistribute, or share the Software, whether in its original or modified form, without prior written consent from the Licensor.
    • Claim ownership of the Software or its underlying code.
    • Use the Software in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.

    4. Ownership

    The Software and all intellectual property rights therein remain the exclusive property of the Licensor. This Agreement does not transfer ownership of the Software or any intellectual property rights to the User.

    5. Disclaimer of Warranties

    THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

    6. Limitation of Liability

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, Licensor shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Software.

    7. Termination

    This Agreement is effective until terminated. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach any term of this Agreement. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.

    8. Updates and Support

    Licensor is not obligated to provide updates, support, or maintenance for the Software. However, updates may be provided at the sole discretion of the Licensor.

    9. Governing Law

    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

    10. Entire Agreement

    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Licensor concerning the Software and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter.

    By using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.

    For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a professional vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by designers, illustrators, and artists for creating a variety of digital artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and complex design layouts. Illustrator is known for its precision and scalability, allowing users to create high-quality graphics that can be resized without losing clarity. Its features include powerful drawing tools, customizable brushes, advanced typography options, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Illustrator is a go-to tool for creative professionals working on projects for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

  • 🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder

    To install a Swap Two Objects.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator
can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:

    1. MacOS:
      Open Finder and navigate to:
      Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts.
    2. Windows:
      Open File Explorer and navigate to:
      C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
    3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
    4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).

    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Swap Two Objects.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
    2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
    3. Restart Adobe IllustratorTo refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

    Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

    1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
    2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
    3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
    4. Click the Swap Two Objects script to run it.
    5. The Swap Two Objects script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.

    ☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

Got questions?

Need help or have an idea to share? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, found a bug, have a feature request, or just want to share your feedback, reach out to us—we’re here for you! 

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