From chaos to order. In one click.

VERSION 1.5.0 IS AVAILABLE!

Arrange Master is a professional Adobe Illustrator plugin engineered for layout automation, material optimization, and vector nesting. It replaces manual alignment work with algorithmic layout engines, preparing complex compositions, pattern repeats, and production sheets for print production, CNC machining, and laser cutting.

Try the Free Demo Version: andrewr.online/arrangemaster/demo

The plugin provides four specialized layout engines and a dedicated True-Shape Nesting system:

1. Grid Layout (Structure & Asset Sheets)

For uniform rows and columns, icon packs, and structured asset sheets.

Square Cells Mode: Overrides standard cell proportions to create exact square grid units, automatically centering the layout within the container.
Staggered Offsets: Generates checkerboard patterns by shifting odd or even rows.
Randomization: Applies individual size scaling and rotation variations per item.
Single Item Fill: Calculates maximum capacity and populates the container with copies of a single selected object.

2. Knolling Layout (Rectangular Bounding-Box Packing)

Organizes objects into dense rectangular layouts based on the Maximal Empty Rectangles algorithm.

Fit to Container: Calculates required item scaling via quadratic equation solving to fill 100% of the usable container area.
Efficiency Control: Adjusts packing tightness (0.75 to 1.00) to balance white space and layout density.
Two-Pass Placement: Places larger items first, then fills remaining gaps with smaller elements.

3. Greedy Layout & Dense Packing (True-Shape Nesting)

Transition from bounding-box layout to true-shape vector nesting. Bypasses standard bounding boxes to analyze exact vector path geometry, interlocking irregular shapes and filling internal cavities to reduce material waste.

Genetic Algorithm (Evolution Stepper 1–50): Evolves placement sequences across multiple generations to mathematically search for the highest density score.
Vector Gravity Vectors:
X-Gravity: Pulls items vertically.
Y-Gravity: Pulls items horizontally (ideal for wide-format roll media).
X/Y-Gravity (Dual): Pulls items diagonally toward the origin corner for maximum packing density.
Rotation Constraints:
90° Turn: Orthogonal placement (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°).
180° Turn: Flips items upside-down. Maintains fabric elasticity and grain line alignment in textile production.
360° Free Rotation: Evaluates 24 angles in 15° increments for complex organic outlines.
Single Item Fill: Fills rectangular boundaries with true-shape nested duplicates, automatically deleting unplaced overflow copies.
Align Final Edge: Executes a recursive accordion stretch to align the ragged perimeter of the layout.

4. Shape Respect Layout (Custom Vector Boundaries)

Packs object sets inside non-rectangular containers, such as text outlines, brand symbols, or custom polygons with internal holes.

Boundary Analysis: Constrains object centers and perimeters strictly within custom vector boundaries.
Disjointed Compound Path Support: Accurately extracts geometry from non-continuous compound paths with physically separated subpaths.
Three Modes: Run placements in Fast, Accurate (offloaded math engine), or Chaotic (randomized coordinate dispersion) modes.
Single Item Fill: Populates custom shape geometry with nested duplicates of one object.

Production & Workflow Features

Multi-Layer Retention: Preserves complex document layer structures (e.g., CUT, PRINT, MARKS, QR layers). Overlapping objects across different layers are clustered during nesting and automatically returned to their native layers upon finalization.
Non-Destructive Session Model: Operates on temporary instances within a holding pen. Original vectors remain untouched until finalized (Ok) or reverted (Cancel).
Prepress Splitter Script Included: Comes with Prepress-Splitter.jsx to automatically distribute nested sticker groups into dedicated production layers (Magenta CUT paths, base PRINT rasters, secondary QR layers, and vector MARKS).
Universal Document Units: Synchronizes directly with Illustrator ruler units (mm, cm, in, pt, px).
Overflow Handling: Items exceeding container capacity are organized into height-sorted rows directly above the container.
Smart Caching: Geometry analysis is stored in memory, making subsequent randomization or settings adjustments within the same session near-instant.

Who is this for?

Print Shops & Sticker Makers: Optimize sheet and roll material yield for die-cut stickers and labels.
Laser Cutting & CNC Operators: Nest metal, wood, or acrylic parts based on true vector paths to reduce material waste and cut times.
Apparel & Textile Designers: Generate dense pattern repeats while controlling directional grain lines via 180° flips.
Stock Illustrators & Graphic Designers: Build asset packs, icon sets, and organic vector collages without manual positioning.
Packaging Designers: Build custom background patterns and graphics for boxes, wrappers, and labels.

What You Get:

Arrange Master Plugin for Adobe Illustrator (.zxp package + Automated Windows Installer).
Prepress-Splitter.jsx script for print production layer splitting.
Sample vector test files.
Easy Installation Guide and documentation.
Compatibility: Adobe Illustrator CC 2018 through CC 2026+ (macOS & Windows).
License Terms: One-Time Purchase, Lifetime License for all v1.x versions.

Andrew R. Tools