Option
Last updated on
Oct 25, 2026
Learn how to adjust symbolism tool settings in Adobe Illustrator by controlling diameter, intensity, and density.
These settings help you fine-tune symbol instances as you spray, resize, or modify them.
To open the symbolism tool options, double-click any symbolism tool in the Tools panel. General options appear at the top of the dialog, with tool-specific settings below.
General options
These settings work across all symbolism tools and control the basic brush behavior.
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Description |
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Diameter |
Sets the size of the tool's brush area. A larger diameter affects more symbol instances. |
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Intensity |
Controls how quickly the changes apply. Higher values produce faster, more dramatic effects. |
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Density |
Determines how tightly symbol instances are packed together within the brush area. |
Symbol Sprayer options
When you select the Symbol Sprayer tool, additional options control how new symbol instances are added to sets. Each option offers two choices that determine the behavior of newly sprayed instances.
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Option |
Description |
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Scrunch |
Controls whether new instances are tightly clustered or spread apart. |
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Size |
Determines whether new instances vary in size or stay uniform. |
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Spin |
Sets whether instances rotate randomly or maintain consistent orientation. |
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Screen |
Controls whether new instances have varied transparency or uniform opacity. |
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Stain |
Determines whether new instances display color variation or consistent coloring. |
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Style |
Sets whether new instances apply graphic styles with variation or uniform styling. |
Symbol Sizer options
When you select the Symbol Sizer tool, these options control how the tool scales instances.
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Option |
Description |
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Proportional Resizing |
Maintains the density of symbol instances during resizing. |
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Resize Method |
Determines whether the tool enlarges instances at the center of the brush or affects all instances uniformly. |
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