Designed by Andrei Rybalko Owner of Andrew R. Tools 5.0 out of 5 stars (2) 2,122 sales
Arrange Master | Illustrator Plugin
$99
About
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.
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Square Cells Mode: Overrides standard cell proportions to create exact square grid units, automatically centering the layout within the container.
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Staggered Offsets: Generates checkerboard patterns by shifting odd or even rows.
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Randomization: Applies individual size scaling and rotation variations per item.
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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.
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Fit to Container: Calculates required item scaling via quadratic equation solving to fill 100% of the usable container area.
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Efficiency Control: Adjusts packing tightness (0.75 to 1.00) to balance white space and layout density.
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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.
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Genetic Algorithm (Evolution Stepper 1–50): Evolves placement sequences across multiple generations to mathematically search for the highest density score.
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Vector Gravity Vectors:
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X-Gravity: Pulls items vertically.
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Y-Gravity: Pulls items horizontally (ideal for wide-format roll media).
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X/Y-Gravity (Dual): Pulls items diagonally toward the origin corner for maximum packing density.
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Rotation Constraints:
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90° Turn: Orthogonal placement (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°).
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180° Turn: Flips items upside-down. Maintains fabric elasticity and grain line alignment in textile production.
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360° Free Rotation: Evaluates 24 angles in 15° increments for complex organic outlines.
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Single Item Fill: Fills rectangular boundaries with true-shape nested duplicates, automatically deleting unplaced overflow copies.
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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.
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Boundary Analysis: Constrains object centers and perimeters strictly within custom vector boundaries.
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Disjointed Compound Path Support: Accurately extracts geometry from non-continuous compound paths with physically separated subpaths.
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Three Modes: Run placements in Fast, Accurate (offloaded math engine), or Chaotic (randomized coordinate dispersion) modes.
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Single Item Fill: Populates custom shape geometry with nested duplicates of one object.
Production & Workflow Features
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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.
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Non-Destructive Session Model: Operates on temporary instances within a holding pen. Original vectors remain untouched until finalized (Ok) or reverted (Cancel).
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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).
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Universal Document Units: Synchronizes directly with Illustrator ruler units (mm, cm, in, pt, px).
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Overflow Handling: Items exceeding container capacity are organized into height-sorted rows directly above the container.
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Smart Caching: Geometry analysis is stored in memory, making subsequent randomization or settings adjustments within the same session near-instant.
Who is this for?
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Print Shops & Sticker Makers: Optimize sheet and roll material yield for die-cut stickers and labels.
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Laser Cutting & CNC Operators: Nest metal, wood, or acrylic parts based on true vector paths to reduce material waste and cut times.
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Apparel & Textile Designers: Generate dense pattern repeats while controlling directional grain lines via 180° flips.
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Stock Illustrators & Graphic Designers: Build asset packs, icon sets, and organic vector collages without manual positioning.
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Packaging Designers: Build custom background patterns and graphics for boxes, wrappers, and labels.
What You Get:
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Arrange Master Plugin for Adobe Illustrator (.zxp package + Automated Windows Installer).
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Prepress-Splitter.jsx script for print production layer splitting.
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Sample vector test files.
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Easy Installation Guide and documentation.
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Compatibility: Adobe Illustrator CC 2018 through CC 2026+ (macOS & Windows).
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License Terms: One-Time Purchase, Lifetime License for all v1.x versions.
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FAQs
- How do I install the Arrange Master `.zxp` file?
- The .zxp file is an extension package that needs a dedicated installer. You cannot open it directly. We highly recommend using Anastasiy's Extension Manager, a free and reliable industry-standard tool. Download and install Anastasiy’s Extension Manager from: install.anastasiy.com Launch the Extension Manager. Simply drag and drop your ArrangeMaster.zxp file onto the Extension Manager window to install. Alternative Installers: If for any reason Anastasiy's Extension Manager doesn't work or fails to detect your Adobe applications, you can use one of these excellent alternatives: ZXPInstaller: A simple and effective alternative: zxpinstaller.com aescripts + aeplugins Manager App: aescripts.com/aescripts-aeplugins-manager-app
- Where do I find the panel after installation?
- Once installed, you must restart Adobe Illustrator. After restarting, you can find the panel in the main menu under: Window > Extensions > Arrange Master
- The panel is blank or shows an error. What should I do?
- A: This is usually a one-time issue with the Creative Cloud syncing process. Please try these steps: Completely quit Adobe Illustrator and the Creative Cloud Desktop app. Relaunch the Creative Cloud Desktop app and ensure you are logged in. Relaunch Adobe Illustrator. The panel should now load correctly.
- Why should I pay for this when free arranger scripts exist?
- **Why choose Arrange Master over free scripts?** You're investing in a professional tool designed for speed, stability, and superior results. * **Advanced "True-Shape" Packing:** Unlike scripts that see only rectangles, our algorithms analyze the actual contours of your objects for far more natural and dense layouts. * **Pays For Itself Instantly:** The plugin automates hours of manual work, saving you far more than its cost on your very first project. * **Safe, Non-Destructive Workflow:** Experiment freely with layouts and settings. Our session system ensures your original artwork is always protected, unlike scripts that permanently alter your file. * **Professional & Stable:** A clean, intuitive UI and built-in safeguards provide a reliable workflow, preventing freezes on complex tasks. Plus, you get dedicated support and future updates.
- How does the plugin decide which object is the container?
- Arrange Master keeps it simple: it automatically identifies the object with the largest visual area in your selection and treats it as the container. All other objects in the selection become the items to be arranged.
- How does Arrange Master handle raster images (photos)?
- All layout modes can arrange raster images based on their rectangular bounding boxes. However, the advanced Dense Packing mode is an exception. Because it needs to analyze the precise vector geometry of each object, it is vector-only. If you enable Dense Packing with a selection that includes raster images, the plugin will show an error and cancel the operation to ensure predictable results.
- Does it support true-shape nesting or just bounding boxes?
- It does both! This is a core strength of Arrange Master. By default, the Grid, Knolling, and standard Greedy layouts operate on rectangular bounding boxes for maximum speed and predictability. However, when you enable the Dense Packing option in the Greedy panel, you activate a powerful "true-shape" nesting engine that analyzes the actual vector contours of your objects, allowing for far more organic and efficient packing.
- Can I use a group of objects as the container?
- No. The container must be a single, continuous path object. This can be a simple shape (like a rectangle or ellipse) or a Compound Path. If your complex container shape is a Group, you must first convert it to a Compound Path. How to fix: Select your grouped container shape and go to Object > Compound Path > Make (or press Cmd+8 / Ctrl+8).
- Does the plugin work with objects on different layers?
- Yes. Arrange Master operates on your current selection, regardless of what layers the objects are on. When the arrangement is finalized, the objects will remain on their original layers but will be positioned inside the container.
- Can the plugin rotate items to better fit inside a custom shape?
- Yes. The Shape Respect layout has two rotation options. "Allow 90° turn" gives the algorithm permission to rotate items by 90 degrees if it finds a better fit. The new "Vary Rotation" setting adds organic randomness by rotating each item by a random angle *before* placement, which is perfect for creating natural-looking compositions.
- I clicked "Arrange" but nothing happens, or I get an error. Why?
- This is almost always due to the selection. To use Arrange Master, you must select at least two objects: one object to serve as the container, and at least one item to be arranged inside it.
- Why are my items arranged in a rectangle even though my container is a circle?
- You are likely using a layout method that does not respect the container's shape, such as Grid, Knolling, or Greedy. These algorithms operate on the container's rectangular bounding box. Solution: To arrange items inside a non-rectangular shape, you must use the Shape Respect Layout method. Click the fourth icon (letter "S" with dots scattered inside) in the panel.
- Why do my items only fill a small part of the container?
- This usually means your "Min. Spacing" value is too small for the number of items you have. The algorithm places items, leaves the required spacing, and then runs out of items before it can fill the entire area. Solution: Try increasing the "Min. Spacing" value in the panel and click Arrange again.
- Some of my items are placed outside the container. Why?
- These are "overflow" items. The plugin places any item that cannot fit inside the container in a neat row above it, so you never lose your work. This can happen for two main reasons: 1. There is physically not enough space left inside the container. 2. In Grid Layout, the item (after rotation/scaling) is larger than the calculated size of a single grid cell. Solution: To fit more items, either increase the size of your container object or decrease the "Min. Spacing" value.
- In Shape Respect, my items aren't arranging inside the shape at all. What's wrong?
- This almost always happens when your complex container shape is a Group instead of a Compound Path. The Shape Respect algorithm requires a single, unified path to analyze. Solution: Select your container object. If it is a Group, ungroup it (Cmd+Shift+G / Ctrl+Shift+G) and then immediately create a Compound Path from its parts by going to Object > Compound Path > Make (Cmd+8 / Ctrl+8). Now, re-select all your items and the new Compound Path container, and run Arrange Master again.
- Why does Shape Respect (Accurate Mode) take so long to run?
- Accurate Mode is an extremely powerful but computationally intensive algorithm. It creates a dense grid of thousands of potential placement points and checks each one for every item. This produces high-quality results but can be slow with many objects. Solution: For large numbers of items (>100), it is recommended to use the default "Fast" mode or the "Chaotic Mode" for much better performance. Use "Accurate Mode" when you have fewer items and need the most precise, grid-like placement possible.
- I selected raster images and a container, but Arrange Master still says "Please select at least 2 objects." Why?
- Sometimes when arranging raster objects (bitmaps) inside a container, Arrange Master may not correctly process the selection. This is often related to the stacking order of the objects. Solution: Select the container, right-click on it, and choose Arrange > Send to Back from the context menu. Then, try the arrangement again. Arrange Master should now correctly process the selection and place the objects according to your settings.
- I clicked "Cancel", but my original objects are gone! How do I get them back?
- Don't worry, your objects are safe! The "Cancel" function works by deleting the temporary arranged copies and then making your original, hidden items visible again. If you immediately perform another action or if Illustrator is under heavy load, there might be a slight delay in the screen redraw. Solution: Simply press Cmd+Z / Ctrl+Z (Undo) once. This will refresh the document state and your original objects will reappear.
- Why can't Arrange Master create a beautiful composition with just a few objects?
- Arrange Master is a powerful packing tool, but it is not a composition artist. For its algorithms to create a dense and harmonious layout, they need a sufficient number of items to work with. Trying to arrange just 5 or 10 large, awkwardly shaped objects will often result in a sparse and unbalanced composition. The "Main Dish and Garnish" Analogy: Think of your large, important items as the "main dish" of your composition. To arrange them beautifully, you need a "garnish" — a variety of smaller, simpler items (circles, squares, simple icons) that the algorithm can use to fill the empty spaces and smooth out the edges of the layout. Solution: If your composition looks empty, try adding a set of smaller, decorative "filler" items to your selection. This will give the algorithm the material it needs to create a much tighter and more visually appealing result.
- How do I contact support?
For questions about this product, message the Shop Owner via their shop profile. For all other questions, like licensing or billing, visit our Help Center.
- How can I unzip product files?
PC: To extract a single file or folder, double-click the compressed folder to open it. Then, drag the file or folder from the compressed folder to a new location. To extract the entire contents of the compressed folder, right-click the folder, click Extract All, and then follow the instructions.
Mac: Double click the .zip file, then search for the product folder or product file.
If you continue to have trouble, check out this help article for more tips.
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