Expert: Amy - 5/10/2004

Question
I was wondering if there was a way to change the sensitivity of my arrow keys and/or mouse in illustrator. I am trying to move text ever-so-slightly down and everytime i go to use the arrow key or mouse- the thing jumps. I want to be able to barely move objects. I've already tried making it so they do not snap to guides. Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Stacey,

Easy answer!  YES!

Go to Edit > Preferences > General.  That first box, keyboard increment, is the "nudge factor" or the amount the arrow keys will move an object.  Type something in any measurement like .05 pt or as precise as you need it to be.  I think the default is 1 pt which is way too big. Depending on what I'm doing, I've had it set as small as .005 pt!

And turn off Snap to Guides and Snap to Point, of course, like you mentioned, so you can use the mouse as you wish, too.

Hope this helped!

-Amy Pace