Picas2Points FKey allows you to enter dimensions in Adobe Illustrator’s dialog boxes in picas and points rather than just points. 14-1/2 picas, for example, could be entered as 14p6 rather than 174.
To install, you need either a resource editor such as ResEdit or a utility such as Suitcase. If you have Suitcase, check the manual—it’s a simple process. To install using ResEdit:
1. Start ResEdit.
2. Open the file “Picas2Points FKey”
3. Select the FKEY resource and copy it.
4. Open Adobe Illustrator (keep a backup copy!).
5. Paste the FKEY resource.
6. Close and save.
Start Adobe Illustrator. Now any time you’re entering text in a dialog box, you can enter dimensions in picas/points using the 0p0 format (e.g., 1p6 = 18, 2p = 24, and just 2 still equals just 2 points). Press Command-Shift-0 (Zero, not Oh) and all dimensions entered in 0p0 format will be converted to points. If you’re not in a dialog box, the FKey will look for a text item in the clipboard in 0p0 format and convert that to points. Note: this FKey deals only with whole points, no decimals!
IMPORTANT!
Picas2Points FKey is Free! I expect nothing from you, and make no promises. It’s been working fine on my equipment, but I cannot guarantee flawless performance on yours. I’ll make every effort to improve its usefulness and reliability, but please remember that I’m an illustrator, not a programmer. Save your work before using this FKey! If I receive reports of problems with the FKey, I’ll remove it from GEnie until the problem can be corrected. Please let me know if A) you like it or B) it doesn’t seem to like your Mac. May it serve you well.
