Working with Objects > Scaling objects

Scaling objects

Scaling an object enlarges or reduces the object horizontally, vertically, or both. You can scale an object by dragging or by entering values in the Transform panel. Instances, groups, and type blocks are scaled in relation to their registration point. See Moving an object's registration point.

To scale an object by dragging:

1 Select the object.
2 Select the Arrow tool and click the Scale modifier in the Options section of the toolbox, or choose Modify > Transform > Scale.
3 Do one of the following:
To scale the object both horizontally and vertically, drag one of the corner handles.
Proportions are maintained as you scale.
To scale the object either horizontally or vertically, drag a center handle.
4 Click a blank area on the Stage or choose Modify > Transform > Scale to hide the scale handles.

Note: When you increase the size of a number of items, those near the edges of the bounding box might be moved out of the Stage. If this occurs, choose View > Work Area to see the elements that are beyond the edges of the Stage.

To scale an object with the Transform panel:

1 Select the object.
2 Choose Window > Panels > Transform.
3 Enter a scale value between 1 and 1000 for vertical, horizontal, or both.
4 Select Constrain to maintain proportions.
5 Press Enter (Windows) or Return (Macintosh).