DirectPrefs

DirectPrefs is a completely free plug-in that seamlessly integrates into Adobe Illustrator. Access Illustrator's most useful preferences via one simple panel, plus set-up time-saving custom settings.

Learn everything there is to know about DirectPrefs in just 15 mins with these expert video tutorials.

Draw at Angles

Constrain Angle

Sadly Illustrator does not allow artboard rotation to ease drawing at an angle. This is the next best thing!

Effortlessly set and draw at any angle with the majority of native and all Astute Graphics tools. Three customisable pre-set buttons ensure quick changes, whilst integration with Dynamic Measure – part of VectorScribe, sold separately – brings even greater control.

Keyboard Nudge Distance

Keyboard Increment

Using the arrow keys on a keyboard to move, finely position and step an artwork object(s) is a common task. Normally buried in Illustrator's extensive Preference UI, DirectPrefs makes the distance setting for this operation immediately available.

With three user-definable presets for each document unit of measurement (millimetres, inches,  pixels, etc.), you can switch regularly to ensure that each object is easily positioned just-so!

Control Guides and Grid

Guides and Grid visibility, lock and snap

There are 100's of keyboard shortcuts for Adobe Illustrator. We recommend you learn essential ones to speed up your creative process.

But if your head is full and you simply want to get on with being creative, these four buttons will make your life a lot easier, allowing you to control the visibility, lock and snap status of your guides and grid!