Scale an object precisely 1

[tplstar]

I am using Illustrator CS, and I would like to scale an object (rect shape in this case) to a precise size in inches. I can do this while creating a new object by using the rectangle tool and watching the Info palette as I drag to the desired size. However, once I release the mouse button, it becomes more difficult should I need to adjust the shape to a different size.

As I try to drag the corner points, the Info palette no longer updates live. Instead, it only updates once I release the mouse button. So, I have to keep blindly moving the points, releasing, and checking the info palette until I get lucky.

Alternatively, if I select the rectangle and choose Object > Transform > Scale, I can only adjust by percentage. Why doesn't Illustrator allow one to scale an object by typing specific dimensions, or at least offer live feedback on the Info palette while scaling?

Does anyone find this annoying or have a solution? I have tried using guides, but the edges of the rectangle never snap precisely to the guides. I always get objects measuring something like 3.4884 x 2.0162.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[jmgalvin]

Go to Window menu/Transform

This will give you the ability to W 7 H to the 1000th of an inch. If you see the little lines on the right connecting the W & H boxes, taht means they're tied so as to keep proportion. If you click the little symbol betwee the lines, you can dite W & H indepently. If you click the symbol again it will reconect W & H.

This window is also useful for precise positioninve via XY coordinates.

 

[jmgalvin]

Forgot something, You can also scale an object by percent by going to Object menu/Transform/Scale

 

[itchybug]

tpl:

1. Click the artboard with the rectangle tool, don't drag, then you'll see a dialog to enter dimensions directly. Alt-Click and the rectangle will use that spot as the center, same dialog;
2. Rather than checking/unchecking the constrain symbol (the chain link symbol), enter one dimension and hit Ctrl-Enter in the Transform palette to constrain (scale proportionally)

By the way, in CS you have 1/10,000 of an inch (4 digits) for accuracy, not 1/1,000.

Bert

Bert Philippus

http://www.itchybug.com

http://www.amenpackaging.com

 

[tony00]

You can also display the rulers and put guides on the drawing. This way you can draw your rectangle snapping it to the guides .

Since you've put the guides with the help of the ruler, you can put them at the exact distance. Remember to drag the origin (upper left corner of the rulers) to a place that makes your mesuring easier.

 

[tplstar]

Thanks so much for the tips. Much appreciated!