Scaling with the Scale tool


    The Scale tool lets you scale a selected object by dragging anywhere in the document window. Objects scale relative to their center points or you can move the reference point anywhere in the document window. You can also create a scaled copy of the selected object without changing the original.

    If the object has a stroked path or a size-related effect, the stroke and effect will scale with the object if the Scale Strokes & Effects preference is selected. (See Setting scaling preferences.)

To scale an object with the Scale tool:

  1. Select the object.
  2. Select the Scale tool Scale tool .
  3. To set Scale tool options, double-click the Scale tool. For more information on the options, see Scaling with the Scale command.

  4. Do any of the following:
    • To scale relative to the object's center point, drag anywhere in the document window until the object is the desired size.
    • To scale relative to a different reference point Reference point icon , click where you want the reference point to be in the document window, move the pointer away from the reference point, and then drag until the object is the desired size.
    • To maintain the object's proportions as it scales, hold down Shift as you drag diagonally.
    • To scale the object along a single axis, hold down Shift as you drag vertically or horizontally.
    • To scale a copy of the object instead of the object itself, start dragging and then hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS).

    Tip iconFor finer control over scaling, start dragging farther from the reference point.