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Automatically converting unit values in text boxes


    If you use a unit other than the preset unit to enter values, Illustrator converts it to the set unit. For example, entering 3cm in a text box set to inches converts the value to 1.1811 inches.

    You can also add, subtract, multiply, divide, define percentages, and perform other mathematical operations in any Illustrator text box that accepts numeric values. For example, when specifying the size of a rectangle, you can type 72 pt + 2cm for the height. Illustrator performs the calculation and uses the result.

    The following rules apply when entering unit values:

    • You can use the following units and abbreviations in text boxes: inch, inches, in, millimeters, millimetres, mm, Qs (one Q equals 0.25 millimeter), centimeters, centimetres, cm, points, p, pt, picas, pc, pixel, pixels, and px.
    • Units are in points by default unless a different unit of measure was set in Edit > Preferences > Units & Undo (Windows and Mac OS 9) or Illustrator > Preferences > Units & Undo (Mac OS X).
    • When mixing picas and points, you can enter values as XpY, where X and Y are the number of picas and points (for example, 12p6 for 12 picas, 6 points).
    • A value without a specified unit uses the default unit for that text box, unless it follows a value with a specified unit. For example, in a text box that uses inches by default, typing 3 + 6 would equal 3 inches plus 6 inches, or 9 inches. Typing 3cm + 6 would equal 3 centimeters plus 6 centimeters, or 3.5433 inches.
    • You can use percentages in combination with units. For example, typing 3cm*50% would equal 3 centimeters multiplied by 50%, or 1.50 cm. Typing 50pt + 25% would equal 50 points plus 25% of 50 points, or 62.5 points.