Entering values in palettes and dialog boxes


    Palettes and dialog boxes let you enter numeric values in a variety of ways. As a result, you may encounter multiple ways of entering a value in a single text box.

    Illustration of Ways to enter values with these callouts: A. Arrow buttons B. Text box C. Menu arrow D. Slider E. Dial
    Ways to enter values A. Arrow buttons B. Text box C. Menu arrow D. Slider E. Dial

    The following rules apply when entering numeric values:

    • You can change the type of units used for the numeric value. (See Changing the unit of measurement.)
    • 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 add, subtract, multiply, divide, and define percentages 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 applies the result.
    • 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.
    • 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.

To enter a value:

    Do one of the following:

    • Type a value in the text box. To apply the entry from a palette, press the Enter or Return key on your keyboard or set a value elsewhere in the palette.
    • Drag the slider to the desired value.
    • Drag the dial to the desired value.
    • Click the arrow buttons in the palette to increase or decrease the value.
    • (Windows) Click in the text box and then use the Up Arrow key and Down Arrow key on the keyboard to increase or decrease the value.
    • Choose a value from the menu associated with the text box.

    You can use the Tab key to move between text boxes.