How Do I Resize a Rectangle in Illustrator?

You can resize a rectangle in Illustrator using several methods, including the Transform panel, the Free Transform tool, and by directly manipulating the bounding box. Here's a breakdown:

1. Using the Transform Panel

The Transform panel provides precise control over the dimensions of your rectangle.

1. Select the Rectangle: Use the Selection Tool (V) to click on the rectangle you want to resize.

2. Open the Transform Panel: Go to Window > Transform. This will open the Transform panel.

3. Enter New Dimensions: In the Transform panel, you'll see W (Width) and H (Height) fields. Enter the desired values for the width and height of your rectangle in these fields.

4. Reference Point: Before changing dimensions, pay attention to the reference point grid. This determines which point of the rectangle will remain fixed during the resizing. Click on a square in the grid to choose your reference point (e.g., the top-left corner, the center, etc.).

5. Maintain Proportions (Optional): To maintain the rectangle's original proportions while resizing, click the "Constrain Width and Height Proportions" link (it looks like a chain link) between the W and H fields. Now, changing either the width or height will automatically adjust the other proportionally.

2. Using the Free Transform Tool

The Free Transform tool allows for more visual and interactive resizing.

1. Select the Rectangle: Use the Selection Tool (V) to select the rectangle.

2. Activate the Free Transform Tool: Press E on your keyboard, or find it in the Tools panel.

3. Resize: Click and drag any of the bounding box handles (the small squares around the selected rectangle) to resize.

   • Resizing Proportionally: Hold down the Shift key while dragging a corner handle to maintain the rectangle's proportions.
   • Resizing from the Center: Hold down the Alt key (Option on Mac) while dragging a handle to resize from the center of the rectangle.
   • Resizing Proportionally from the Center: Hold down both Shift and Alt (Option) while dragging a corner handle to resize proportionally from the center.

3. Direct Manipulation of the Bounding Box

When an object is selected with the Selection Tool (V), it automatically displays a bounding box. You can resize by directly manipulating this box.

1. Select the Rectangle: Select the rectangle with the Selection Tool (V).

2. Resize: Click and drag any of the handles (small squares) on the bounding box. Like with the Free Transform tool, holding Shift constrains proportions and holding Alt (Option) resizes from the center.

Important Considerations

• Units: Make sure your units are set correctly (e.g., pixels, inches, millimeters) in Edit > Preferences > Units (or Illustrator > Preferences > Units on Mac).
• Transform Each: If you have multiple rectangles selected, the Transform panel and Free Transform tool will transform them all together as a group, by default. If you want to transform them individually, use the "Transform Each" command from the Object menu.