User Guide

48
Automatically converting unit values
in text boxes
If you use other than the preset unit to
enter values, Illustrator converts it to
the set unit. For example, entering “3
cm” in a text box set to inches converts
the value to 1.181 inches.
You can also add, subtract, multiply,
divide, and perform other mathematical
operations in any Illustrator text box
that accepts numeric values. Illustrator
performs the calculation and uses the
result.
For example, when specifying the size
of a rectangle, you can type “72 pt +
2 pt” for the height. When you enter a
value in a text box, you must indicate
the units after each value (for example,
mm for millimeters, pt for points, and in
for inches).
Parentheses are also allowed in expres-
sions, and units can be added onto the
resulting expression, as in “(4 + 5) in”.
Also, expressions can be arbitrarily
complex, such as “((4 + 5) / 2) in +
16 in”.