How do I resize a shape in Illustrator without changing the stroke?

To resize a shape in Adobe Illustrator without altering the stroke weight, you need to disable the "Scale Strokes & Effects" option.

Here's how to do it:

1. Locate the Transform Panel: Go to Window > Transform to open the Transform panel.

2. Uncheck "Scale Strokes & Effects": In the Transform panel, find the checkbox labeled "Scale Strokes & Effects." Ensure that this box is unchecked. If it's checked, Illustrator will automatically scale the stroke weight proportionally when you resize the shape.

3. Resize Your Shape: With "Scale Strokes & Effects" unchecked, you can now resize your shape using the Selection tool (V) or Free Transform tool (E). The stroke weight will remain constant, regardless of how much you scale the shape.

Why is this important?

Keeping the stroke weight consistent while resizing can be crucial for maintaining visual consistency in your artwork. For example, if you have a logo with specific line thicknesses, disabling scaling ensures that the lines don't become too thin or too thick when you adjust the overall size of the logo. This is especially useful when designing icons, illustrations, or other vector graphics where precise line weights are essential.

Alternative Methods (Less Common):

While unchecking "Scale Strokes & Effects" is the most straightforward approach, there are alternative methods you could employ, although they are generally less efficient for simple resizing:

• Outline Stroke and Scale: Convert the stroke to a filled path (Object > Path > Outline Stroke). Then, scale the outlined shape as needed. This essentially treats the stroke as part of the shape's fill, so it scales accordingly. However, this method makes the stroke non-editable as a stroke anymore.

By following these steps, you can effectively resize shapes in Illustrator without unintentionally altering the stroke weight, giving you greater control over your design's appearance.