Arrange Master Documentation

Current Version: 1.4.4

1. Installation
2. Upgrading & Complete Uninstallation
3. Introduction
4. Activation & Connectivity Requirements
5. The Main Interface
6. The Container as an Active Tool
7. Preparing Items for Arrangement
8. The Arrangement Workflow: Understanding Sessions
9. Layout Methods
   • Grid Layout
   • Knolling Layout
   • Greedy Layout
   • Shape Respect Layout
   • Dense Packing (True-Shape Nesting)
10. Overflow Placement
11. Common Features & Best Practices
12. Prepress Splitter Script
13. Changelog

1. Installation

Windows Installer (Recommended)

For Windows users, the easiest and most reliable way to install Arrange Master is by using the provided installer.

1. Unzip the archive you downloaded after purchase.
2. Open the folder named Windows Install.
3. Run the ArrangeMaster-v1.x.x-Setup.exe file.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The installation is fully automatic and performs necessary registry configurations for the user.

ZXP Installers (macOS & Advanced Windows)

To install the ArrangeMaster.zxp file manually, you need a dedicated extension manager application.

Option 1: Anastasiy’s Extension Manager (Recommended)

This is the most popular and reliable tool for managing Adobe extensions.

1. Download and install Anastasiy’s Extension Manager from: install.anastasiy.com
2. Launch the Extension Manager.
3. Simply drag and drop your ArrangeMaster.zxp file onto the Extension Manager window.
4. The installation will complete automatically.

Option 2: ZXPInstaller

A great alternative if you encounter any issues with the first option.

1. Download and install ZXPInstaller from: zxpinstaller.com
2. Launch ZXPInstaller.
3. Drag and drop your ArrangeMaster.zxp file onto its window to install.

Option 3: aescripts + aeplugins Manager App

If the other installers cannot detect your Adobe applications for any reason, the aescripts manager is a powerful alternative that often succeeds.

1. Download and install the manager app from: aescripts.com/learn/aescripts-aeplugins-manager-app/
2. Launch the app and log in or create an account.
3. In the top menu, go to File > Install ZXP.
4. Select your ArrangeMaster.zxp file to install it.

Finding the Panel in Illustrator

After the installation is complete, you must restart Adobe Illustrator.
Once restarted, you can find the panel in the main menu under:
Window > Extensions > Arrange Master

2. Upgrading & Complete Uninstallation

When installing a new major version of Arrange Master, it is strictly recommended to completely remove the old version first to prevent file conflicts within the Adobe CEP engine.

For Windows Installer Users:

1. Open Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find "Arrange Master", click the menu, and select Uninstall.
3. Alternatively, navigate to your Start Menu, find the Arrange Master folder, and run the uninstaller.

For ZXP Manager Users (macOS & Windows):

Open Anastasiy’s Extension Manager or aeplugins Manager App, select Arrange Master from the list of Illustrator extensions, and click the Remove button. ZXPInstaller does not have an automatic uninstall feature, so you will have to manually check all possible CEP extension locations.

Manual Deletion (If all else fails):

If the plugin panel persists or the installer throws an error, you must manually delete the extension folder. Close Adobe Illustrator and delete the com.andrewrybalko.arrangemaster folder located in the following directories:

• Windows:
  C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\CEP\extensions\
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\CEP\extensions\
• macOS:
  ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/CEP/extensions/
/Library/Application Support/Adobe/CEP/extensions/

3. Introduction

Arrange Master is a professional True-Shape Nesting Plugin for Adobe Illustrator. This guide explains how to operate the software to transform raw design elements into structured compositions for print production, CNC, and Laser Cutting preparation.

Core Principles:

• The Container: The largest object in your selection is automatically treated as the layout boundary constraint.
• The Items: All other selected objects are treated as the target dataset to be processed by the nesting algorithm.
• Non-Destructive Environment: The plugin operates within a strict Session-Based Workflow. Original vectors remain intact while calculations execute entirely on generated instances.

4. Activation & Connectivity Requirements

Arrange Master utilizes an external Chromium Math Engine to calculate True-Shape Nesting coordinates without freezing Illustrator. Due to the proprietary nature of this algorithm, the core mathematics module is fetched from a secure cloud server upon initialization.

Authorization Protocol:

• During the first launch you need to enter your personal License Key (provided after purchase).
• An active internet connection is mandatory to authenticate the key and load the Dense Packing engine into your device's memory.
• Once activated, the algorithm remains cached securely on your machine for the duration of the Illustrator session.

5. The Main Interface

The interface is modular, exposing parameters relevant only to the active layout method. Panel states are clearly mapped with designated color themes.

1. Method Icons: At the top of the panel, you will find four icons. Each icon represents a different arrangement algorithm. Clicking an icon selects that method and reveals its specific settings below.
2. Dynamic Settings Area: This central part of the panel changes based on the selected method, showing only the relevant controls for your current task.
3. Action Buttons & Status Bar: The bottom section contains the main control buttons (Arrange, Randomize, Ok, Cancel) and a status bar that provides progress feedback.

6. The Container as an Active Tool

One of the most important concepts to understand in Arrange Master is that the container is not a passive artboard boundary. It is an active mechanical component of the nesting process, functioning identically to a piston.

Because the algorithm prioritizes density according to the provided boundaries, manipulating the physical edges of the container directly forces the algorithm to reconsider the layout pressure:

• Squeezing the Layout: By narrowing the width of the container using Illustrator's Selection Tool and clicking Arrange again, you increase the horizontal pressure. The algorithm will automatically push objects upward or downward, filling gaps to maintain the set minimal spacing.
• Relaxing the Layout: Expanding the container reduces pressure, allowing objects to spread out naturally or accommodating previously rejected overflow items.

7. Preparing Items for Arrangement

The efficiency of the material optimization depends on how your artwork is structured before initialization.

Preparation for Standard Methods

Standard algorithms calculate placement based exclusively on the Bounding Boxes (rectangular perimeter) of the items.

• Gaps: If an object has a complex shape with internal empty space (e.g., an "L" shaped lamp post), the standard algorithm treats that empty space as solid matter.
• Optimization: To achieve higher density in standard modes, manually group sub-elements into solid rectangular blocks before arranging them.

Preparation for Dense Packing (True-Shape Nesting)

Dense Packing bypasses bounding boxes and analyzes the True Vector Geometry of the object.

• Vector Only: Dense Packing strictly requires mathematical path data. Raster images are NOT supported in this mode. If you attempt to use Raster items with Dense Packing enabled, the plugin will throw an error or skip them.

Supported Object Types

Arrange Master processes standard Illustrator objects including Paths, Compound Paths, Groups, Text Objects, Symbols, and Raster Images (Embedded or Linked). The plugin accurately measures visible bounds, correctly parsing complex clipping masks and scaled symbols.

Multi-Layer Retention (Prepress Workflow)

Arrange Master supports arranging complex multi-layer designs (such as files divided into CUT, PRINT, MARKS, etc.) without flattening your layer hierarchy:

• Auto-Clustering: The plugin automatically identifies overlapping objects across different layers. It groups them mathematically during the session so they are moved and rotated as a single, cohesive unit.
• Layer Restoration: When you finalize the layout (clicking Ok) or cancel the session, Arrange Master automatically unpacks the clusters and distributes each child object back to its originating layer while maintaining relative stacking order.

8. The Arrangement Workflow: Understanding Sessions

Arrange Master uses a Session-Based Workflow to protect your original objects and maintain stability during complex calculations.

Starting a Session:

A session begins the very first time you click the Arrange button after making a selection.

1. It securely hides your original selected items on their native layer.
2. It creates temporary working copies of your items to perform all mathematical operations.

Working within a Session:

Once active, you can experiment freely:

• Clicking Arrange again will recalculate the layout with new settings instantly.
• Clicking Randomize will apply the same settings but shuffle the item placement order.

Note: Switching to a different Illustrator document will force the plugin to auto-terminate the session to prevent data corruption.

9. Layout Methods

Grid Layout

Divides the container into a structured grid, centering items within designated cells. Ideal for object sets and icon sheets.

Standard Settings:

• Rows & Columns: Defines the dimensions of the grid.
• Vary Rotation: Adds randomness by rotating each item (e.g., 90° rotates between -90° and +90°).
• Vary Size: Randomly scales each item. A value of x2 scales between x1 and x2.
• Offset Odd/Even Rows: Creates a staggered, "checkerboard" pattern.
• Size Limit OFF: By default, items larger than a grid cell are considered "overflow". Check this to force large items into the grid, centering them in their respective cells.
• Square Cells: Overrides proportional cell mapping, forcing cells into perfect squares and mathematically centering the resulting grid within the parent container.

Special Mode: Single Item Fill

When the Single Item Fill checkbox is enabled, the panel switches to a specialized mode. Instead of arranging a selection of different objects, it calculates the maximum capacity and fills the container with copies of one selected item.

• Spacing: The distance between duplicated items (allows 0).
• Allow 90° turn: Allows the item to be rotated orthogonally to maximize capacity.

Knolling Layout

Based on the "Maximal Empty Rectangles" algorithm, this method packs bounding boxes efficiently. It places large items first, then executes a second pass to fill remaining cavities with smaller details.

Settings:

• Fill Direction: Sets the primary horizontal packing flow (Left-to-Right or Right-to-Left).
• Min. Spacing: The minimum distance guaranteed between items.
• Fit to Container: Automatically solves a quadratic equation to scale your items proportionally so they exactly fill the container's usable area.
• Efficiency Factor: (Active when "Fit to Container" is ON). Determines how tight the scaling calculation should be (0.75 - 1.00).
• Outer Padding OFF: Disables padding between items and the container's edge.
• Allow 90° turn: Allows orthogonal rotation for a better fit.

Greedy Layout

A high-speed packing method that places items into the first available position based on their bounding box perimeters.

Settings:

• Fill Direction: Sets the vertical packing priority (Top-Down or Bottom-Up).
• Min. Spacing: Distance between items.
• X-Gravity / Y-Gravity / X/Y-Gravity: Controls the primary pull direction. X/Y-Gravity pulls items diagonally.
• Rotation (90° / 180° / 360°): Enables orthogonal, flipped, or free rotation. Note: 180° Turn and 360° Turn require Dense Packing to be active in this mode, as they provide no mathematical benefit to static bounding boxes.
• Outer Pad Off: Disables container edge padding.
• Single Item: Calculates bounds and fills the container with copies of a single selected item. Unplaced copies are automatically deleted to keep the artboard clean.
• Align Edge: Executes a recursive accordion stretch to align the ragged perimeter of the final layout.

Shape Respect Layout

This layout operates inside custom vector shapes, such as text outlines, angled polygons, or containers with internal holes.

Settings:

• Fill Direction: Top-Down or Bottom-Up placement priority.
• Min. Spacing: Gap distance.
• X-Gravity / Y-Gravity / X/Y-Gravity: Controls the pull direction during collision calculations.
• Rotation (90° / 180° / 360°): Evaluates orientations during placement. Note: 180° Turn requires Dense Packing. 360° Turn is supported natively in both Bounding Box and Dense Packing modes.
• Outer Pad Off: Disables edge margins.
• Single Item: Fills the custom container geometry with copies of one selected item. Unplaced copies are deleted.
• Chaotic: Uses a random placement coordinate algorithm instead of an ordered grid, generating natural, organic dispersion patterns.

Dense Packing (True-Shape Nesting)

Available as a checkbox in both Greedy Layout and Shape Respect Layout, this activates Arrange Master's flagship feature: the Chromium Math Engine. This transitions the plugin from a simple bounding box arranger into a professional True-Shape Nesting tool.

Dense Packing relies on deep Vector Path Analysis. Instead of drawing a box around an item, the engine calculates the exact mathematical contour. This allows items to interlock, filling concavities and isolated cavities, providing high-yield material optimization for print production, CNC, and laser cutting preparation.

How it works:

• In Greedy Layout: Evaluates exact shapes and packs them tightly inside a standard rectangular container.
• In Shape Respect Layout: Rasterizes custom vector containers (including internal holes) and performs exact shape nesting within those specific boundaries.

Dense Packing Specific Parameters:

• Evolution Stepper (1-50): Controls the Genetic Algorithm (GA). Higher values instruct the engine to evolve the packing sequence over more generations, mathematically searching for the highest density score. Values above 20 take longer but yield tighter interlocking geometry.
• Vector Gravity Control: Dense Packing allows you to control how gravity pulls items into position during placement.
  • X-Gravity pulls items vertically (perpendicular to the X-axis).
  • Y-Gravity pulls items horizontally (perpendicular to the Y-axis), which is recommended for long, rolled media workflows.
  • X/Y-Gravity (Dual) pulls items diagonally at a 45-degree angle toward the origin corner. This produces very tight and dense clusters. Resize the container to compensate for the diagonal edge created by dual gravity.
• 90° Turn: Orthogonal placement (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). Recommended for rectangular or regular shaped objects.
• 180° Turn: Allows a 180° flip. Perfect for textile nesting to maintain fabric elasticity and the grain line, or for symmetrical layouts.
• 360° Turn: Allows 360° rotation with 15° steps during the collision calculation phase. Essential for complex, organic shapes.

Understanding the Genetic Algorithm (Evolution Stepper)

Arrange Master performs True-Shape Nesting using a genetic algorithm directly within the Chromium math engine. Instead of stopping at the first valid location, the nesting algorithm generates multiple placement sequences (generations), mutates them, and calculates the density of each generation using exact vector path analysis. The sequence resulting in the maximum material optimization is selected for the final output.

Finding the optimal layout for CNC/Laser Cutting preparation requires an iterative approach. Use the Evolution Stepper in the panel as follows:

1. Begin with a low value, such as 3 or 5 generations.
2. If objects are pushed to the Overflow area, or if the layout contains noticeable gaps, increase the parameter to 7–10.
3. Observe the output. If the visual result stops changing around 10–15 generations, the algorithm has reached the optimal placement limit for the current settings.

To improve the layout beyond this mathematical limit, you must alter the physical boundaries. Change the Vector Gravity controls (switching between X-Gravitation, Y-Gravitation, or enabling both simultaneously) or manually resize the container shape. This resets the coordinate limits and forces the engine to build completely new structural patterns.

It is not recommended to use high Evolution Stepper values for complex layouts containing 300-600 or more objects, as this significantly increases processing time. For large datasets of this scale, setting the Evolution Stepper on 2 or 3 is entirely sufficient to achieve an optimized layout without unnecessary delays.

Hidden Engine Capabilities:

• Adaptive Memory Lock: The Chromium Math Engine dynamically analyzes container dimensions. For exceptionally large artboards (e.g., 5000pt+ car wrap files), it automatically downscales the internal matrix resolution. This guarantees processing stability and prevents RAM overflow while strictly enforcing the requested Min. Spacing parameter.
• Smart Caching: Once the initial Arrange execution compiles, the detailed pixel matrix (RLE) representation of your vectors is preserved in a local memory cache. Subsequent clicks on Arrange or Randomize bypass the heavy vector path extraction process, allowing you to iterate instantly with different packing sequences or genetic generations without any computational delays.

10. Overflow Placement: Handling Unplaced Items

If an item cannot fit inside the container, it is processed as an "overflow" item.

Overflow items are placed in a structured block directly above the container. They are arranged according to these rules:

• They are sorted by height, from tallest to shortest.
• They wrap to a new row once they reach the width of the main container, preventing infinite horizontal lines.
• A consistent spacing is maintained vertically and horizontally.

To fit remaining items, increase the container size, lower the "Min. Spacing", or activate Dense Packing, then click Arrange again.

11. Common Features & Best Practices

• Dynamic Document Units: The Min. Spacing parameter automatically reads and displays the active measurement units of your current Illustrator document (e.g., pt, mm, cm).
• Automatic Container Detection: You don't need to manually assign the container. The plugin automatically identifies the object with the largest area in your selection to act as the boundary.
• Automatic Z-Order: The container is automatically sent to the back of the layer stack, ensuring all arranged items remain visible on top.
• Freedom during a Session: While a session is active, your Illustrator document remains fully interactive. You can:
  • Deselect everything to get an unobstructed view of the layout.
  • Zoom and pan around your artboard to inspect details.
  • Manually resize or recolor the container object. After making changes, simply click Arrange again to immediately recalculate the layout within the updated parameters.

12. Prepress Splitter Script

The Prepress Splitter.jsx is a specialized script designed to bridge the gap between automated nesting and wide-format printing production. It distributes nested components into dedicated layers based on object type and Z-order.

Layer Distribution Logic

• CUT Layer: Identifies the primary vector clipping mask of each group and duplicates it as a non-clipping path with a 100% Magenta (E6007E) 1pt stroke. Deep mask cleaning ensures Compound Paths are styled correctly.
• PRINT Layer: Collects the base (bottom-most) raster image. Note: If a sticker is purely vector-based with no rasters, the script executes a Vector-Only Merge (Live Pathfinder Add) to generate the CUT contour, and sends the original vectors to this PRINT layer.
• QR Layer (PRINT 2): Collects all raster elements stacked above the base image, supporting multiple QR codes, spot varnishes, or floating rasters.
• MARKS Layer: Collects auxiliary vector elements that are not clipping masks.

How to Use

1. Group your design (raster/vector), cut line (clipping mask), and marks into individual sticker groups.
2. Nest the groups using Arrange Master and click Ok.
3. Select the nested groups, go to File > Scripts > Other Script..., and run Prepress-Splitter.jsx.
4. Select the required layers. Check "Keep Clipping Masks" to preserve strict mask boundaries on raster print files.

13. Changelog

Version 1.4.4 (July 16, 2026)

Feature expansion update.

• Dual Gravity Checkbox: Added the "X/Y-Gravity" checkbox for direct access to dual gravity vectors.
• 180° Rotation: Added additional rotation option - "180° Turn" for upside-down placement.
• Single Item Fill Expansion: Added the "Single Item" fill mode to Greedy and Shape Respect layouts.

Version 1.4.3 (July 8, 2026)

Maintenance update.

• Offline Focus: Removed the weekly automatic background license and core algorithm verification.
• Check for Updates: Added a "Check for Updates" command to the flyout menu. This allows users to manually fetch the latest version of the core engine algorithm.
• Onboarding Guide: Added a non-intrusive tip-window to explain the relationship between "Dense Packing" and the "Evolution Stepper" during the first panel startup (active in both full and demo versions).

Version 1.4.2 (June 30, 2026)

Maintenance update.

• Unit Conversion Fix: Resolved an issue where the "Min. Spacing" parameter was incorrectly processed as points (pt) regardless of the document's active ruler units.

Version 1.4.1 (June 20, 2026)

Maintenance update.

• Performance Optimization: Resolved critical speed degradation in documents containing 1000+ objects during Arrange, Randomize, Ok and Cancel operations.

Version 1.4.0 (June 15, 2026)

Major architectural and mathematical update introducing cloud integration and advanced nesting heuristics.

• Cloud Engine & Authentication: Introduced a secure Chromium Math Engine. Accessing Dense Packing algorithms now requires an active internet connection and a verified personal license key.
• Separated Gravitation Vectors: Replaced standard sequential filling with independent X-Gravitation and Y-Gravitation vectors, allowing precise directional packing controls.
• Genetic Algorithm: Replaced Analysis Precision with the Evolution Stepper (1-50). The nesting algorithm now mathematically mutates and evolves placement sequences over multiple generations to discover maximum density.
• Grid Layout "Square Cells": Added a constraint toggle to force proportional grids centered automatically within the parent container.
• Adaptive Memory Lock: The math engine automatically scales down RLE-matrix resolution when calculating massive artboards (e.g., > 5000pt), permanently resolving out-of-memory crashes while strictly enforcing minimum spacing rules.
• Asynchronous Optimization: The calculation queue has been exposed to the UI thread, allowing users to abort long packing processes using the Cancel button.

Version 1.3.2 (June 5, 2026)

Maintenance update.

• Align Final Edge Overhaul: Rebuilt the alignment system. The algorithm now calculates dependencies between items based on their vertical "footprint" and horizontal line-of-sight.
• Recursive "Accordion" Stretch: Implemented a recursive push calculation. This logic ensures that nested or interlocking items move as synchronized clusters, maintaining their relative positions while stretching the ragged edge toward the container boundary.

Version 1.3.1 (May 27, 2026)

Maintenance improving prepress automation.

• Multi-Layer Retention: Added full native support for preserving layer structures (e.g., CUT, PRINT, QR layers) during and after arrangement across all algorithms.

Version 1.3.0 (May 10, 2026)

Major architectural update focusing on performance and precision.

• Shape Respect True-Shape Support: Dense packing is now natively supported within custom non-rectangular containers, wrapping around isolated internal cavities and holes.
• Chromium Engine Offloading: Shape Respect (Accurate Mode) and Dense Packing mathematics are now fully processed in the Chromium Engine, increasing speed exponentially for complex documents.
• True-Shape Nesting Upgrade: Replaced bounding box optimization with a Euclidean Bin Packing system for small batches (<50 items), achieving mathematically perfect interlocking geometry.
• UI Enhancement: Introduced dynamic theme color coding linked to active layout panels.

Version 1.2.4 (April 20, 2026)

Maintenance update.

• Overflow Wrapping. Overflow items no longer form a single infinite line that exceeds Illustrator's canvas limits. They now wrap to new rows (forming a compact block) based on the container's width, making it much easier to select and manage unplaced items.
• Silhouette Recognition. Speed boost for complex vector groups (e.g., Image Trace results). Dense Packing now automatically filters out thousands of internal micro-paths and "enclosed" details to focus strictly on the object's outer contour, preventing long freezes and crashes.

Version 1.2.3 (April 17, 2026)

Maintenance performance and precision update.

• Architecture Upgrade: Chromium Math Engine. Dense Packing calculations have been moved to the high-performance background engine. This provides a massive speed boost, especially when arranging hundreds of objects.
• Improved Clipping & Compound Mask Support. Resolved coordinate shifts in complex masks and fixed issues where hidden content affected the layout density of Compound Path masks.
• Target Layer Protection. Fixed the "Target layer cannot be modified" error. Temporary groups are now strictly created on the layer containing your selection, even if other layers are locked or hidden.
• Global Input Support. All numeric fields now support both dot (.) and comma (,) as decimal separators for better international usability.

Version 1.2.2 (March 31, 2026)

Maintenance update.

• Dense Packing Optimization. Improved packing density and more accurate response to "Min. Spacing" settings.

Version 1.2.1 (March 19, 2026)

Maintenance update.

• Universal Clipping Mask Support. All arrangement methods (Grid, Knolling, Greedy and Shape Respect) now correctly process objects with Clipping Masks. The engine no longer considers hidden elements outside the mask area, focusing strictly on the mask's true bounding box.

Version 1.2.0 (March 1, 2026)

Major update featuring entirely new mathematics, real-time UI feedback and intelligent scaling.

• New Feature: Visual Progress Bar. The Status Bar now features a smooth, animated background progress filler. Long operations like Dense Packing now provide clear visual feedback that the engine is working.
• New Feature: "Fit to Container". Knolling Layout now includes a math engine that solves a quadratic equation to scale your items up or down to fill 100% of the container's usable area, automatically accounting for Min. Spacing. Includes a dynamic "Efficiency Factor" stepper (0.75 - 1.00) for tight control over the scaling aggressiveness.
• New Feature: Free Rotation (360°). Dense Packing now supports true arbitrary rotation. The algorithm evaluates 24 different angles (15° steps) for every single item to achieve maximum density.
• Architecture Upgrade: True-Shape Engine v2. The Dense Packing algorithm has been entirely rebuilt:
  • Math Engine Rasterization: Completely bypasses Illustrator's infamous bounding box inflation bug. Objects are now rotated mathematically in memory, ensuring contour hugging without false collisions.
  • Two-Pass Placement: The system now acts like an intelligent mason: Pass 1 places large objects to build the structural landscape, and Pass 2 executes a search to pour tiny objects into the remaining gaps.

Version 1.1.2 (November 22, 2025)

This update focuses on maximizing packing density, refining algorithm precision, and unifying rotation logic for Dense Packing.

• Dense Packing Optimization & Quality Boost. The True-Shape nesting engine received a major upgrade. Geometry decomposition now merges adjacent sectors, speeding up calculations by 5-10x. The "Safety Valve" has been removed, ensuring the algorithm always performs a full-quality analysis regardless of complexity.
• Enhanced Rotation Logic. The "Allow 90° turn" feature now evaluates three orientations (0°, 90°, and 270°) instead of just two, providing better fitting opportunities in Dense Packing.
• Grid Layout Fixes. Fixed a coordinate drift issue where objects would shift visually when using "Size Limit OFF" combined with large "Vary Size" values. Scaling now occurs relative to object centers to ensure perfect alignment.
• Raster & Placed Item Support. Fixed "Select at least 2 objects" errors when working with images. The plugin now includes fallback mechanisms to correctly detect bounds for Raster and Placed items.

Version 1.1.1 (October 17, 2025)

This is a major update focused on radical algorithm improvements, new features, and overall stability.

• Complete Overhaul: Dense Packing Algorithm. The true-shape nesting engine has been rewritten. It now uses a "Global Free Space Analysis" architecture, allowing it to see and utilize not only holes inside objects but also the complex empty spaces that form between multiple objects.
• New Feature: Dynamic Simplification. The Dense Packing algorithm is now equipped with a safety valve that detects and prevents computational explosions. This makes the algorithm more stable, eliminating freezes even on complex layouts or with high 'Analysis Precision' settings.
• New Feature: Single Item Fill. The Grid Layout panel now includes a special mode to fill the container with copies of a single selected item, using the Skyline algorithm for a dense pattern.
• New Feature: Staggered Grid Offsets. The Grid Layout now includes "Offset Even/Odd Rows" options to create staggered, checkerboard-style patterns.

Version 1.0.1 (October 10, 2025)

This update focuses on adding new features for organic layouts and significant performance optimizations.

• New Feature: Dense Packing ("True-Shape Nesting"). The Greedy Layout now includes an advanced mode that analyzes the true vector shape of objects, allowing for tight packing that fills concave areas.
• New Feature: Analysis Precision. A new control for Dense Packing that allows users to balance performance versus packing quality.
• New Feature: Align Final Edge. An optional post-processing step for Greedy and Dense Packing modes to clean up the final "ragged" edge of the layout.
• New Feature: Vary Rotation for Shape Respect. The Shape Respect layout now includes a "Vary Rotation" setting to add organic randomness to placements inside complex shapes.
• Optimization: The Dense Packing algorithm caches the complex geometry analysis. Subsequent clicks on "Arrange" or "Randomize" within the same session are now significantly faster.

Version 1.0.0 (September 15, 2025)

• Initial public release.
• Introduced the four core layout methods: Grid, Knolling, Greedy, and Shape Respect.
• Established the robust session-based workflow with "Ok" and "Cancel" states to protect user's original artwork.
• Implemented basic controls for each layout method, including spacing, rotation, and fill direction.