Move Objects to Layer

Move Objects to Layer

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

The Move Objects to Layer script is a powerful Adobe Illustrator automation tool that streamlines the process of organizing artwork by moving or copying selected objects between layers. This script provides an intuitive interface for managing layer organization with advanced features like search filtering, hierarchical layer display, and the ability to create new layers on-the-fly.

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Key Features

  • Dual Operation Modes: Choose between moving objects (relocating them) or copying objects (duplicating to target layer while preserving originals)
  • Smart Layer Selection: Browse all layers and sublayers with visual indicators for lock status and visibility
  • Search Functionality: Quickly filter layers by name to find target destinations in complex documents
  • New Layer Creation: Create new layers at the top or bottom of the layer stack without leaving the dialog
  • Automatic Layer Management: Automatically unlock and make visible locked/hidden target layers with user confirmation
  • Batch Processing: Handle multiple selected objects simultaneously while preserving their relative positions

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Installation

1. Download the Move Objects to Layer.jsx script file.

2. Place the script in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:

⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts

⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts

3. Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running.

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Run the Script

  • Open your Illustrator document containing the objects you want to organize
  • Select the objects you want to move or copy to another layer
  • Run the script via File > Scripts > Move Objects to Layer.
  • The script dialog will open automatically:

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image gallery

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➊ Choose Operation Mode

In the Operation Mode panel at the top:

  • Move: Select this to relocate objects from their current layer to the target layer (objects disappear from original location)
  • Copy: Select this to duplicate objects to the target layer while keeping originals in place

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➋ Select Target Layer

1. Browse the layer list in the "Select target layer" panel:

  • Layers are displayed with hierarchical numbering (1, 2, 3 for main layers; 1.1, 1.2 for sublayers)
  • Visual indicators show ⚿ = Locked layer
  • ⬭ = Hidden layer; ⮑ = Sublayer

2. Use the search box to filter layers by name:

  • Type part of a layer name to narrow down the list
  • Click the ✖ button to clear the search

3. Select your target layer by clicking on it in the list

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➌ Create New Layer

  1. Check "Create new layer" in the bottom panel
  2. Enter a name for your new layer (defaults to "New Layer")
  3. Choose position:
  4. Top: Creates the new layer at the top of the layers panel
  5. Bottom: Creates the new layer at the bottom of the layers panel

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➍ Execute the Operation

  1. Click "OK" to proceed with the move/copy operation
  2. Handle locked/hidden layers: If your target layer is locked or hidden, you'll be prompted to automatically unlock/show it:
  3. Click "OK" to proceed and automatically fix layer properties
  4. Click "Cancel" to abort the operation

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Tips and Best Practices

  • Unlock layers before moving objects to avoid processing errors
  • Make layers visible to see your objects after moving them
  • Use descriptive layer names to make searching easier

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Move Objects to Layer

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

Download Move Objects to Layer

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

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    Tested on MacOS:

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    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)

  • Supported Versions:

    • Compatible with Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later, including Adobe Illustrator CC versions.

    Operating Systems:

    • Works on both macOS and Windows platforms.

  • End User License Agreement (EULA)

    Last Updated: 21.12.2024

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    This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you (“User” or “Licensee”) and Samolevsky.com (“Licensor”) regarding the use of the Adobe Illustrator scripts (“Software”). By downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

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    1. Grant of License

    Licensor grants the User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Software in accordance with this Agreement.

    • Free Software: If the Software is provided for free, you may use it for personal or commercial purposes without payment, subject to the restrictions outlined in this Agreement.
    • Paid Software: If the Software is provided for a fee, you may use it only after payment has been made in full.

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    2. Usage Rights

    You are permitted to:

    • Install and use the Software on devices you own or control.
    • Use the Software in your personal or commercial projects, subject to compliance with this Agreement.

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    3. Restrictions

    You may NOT:

    • Reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying ideas, or algorithms of the Software.
    • Reuse, incorporate, or integrate any portion of the Software into any other software, product, or project, except as expressly permitted by the Licensor in writing.
    • Resell, redistribute, or share the Software, whether in its original or modified form, without prior written consent from the Licensor.
    • Claim ownership of the Software or its underlying code.
    • Use the Software in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.

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    4. Ownership

    The Software and all intellectual property rights therein remain the exclusive property of the Licensor. This Agreement does not transfer ownership of the Software or any intellectual property rights to the User.

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    5. Disclaimer of Warranties

    THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

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    6. Limitation of Liability

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, Licensor shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Software.

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    7. Termination

    This Agreement is effective until terminated. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach any term of this Agreement. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.

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    8. Updates and Support

    Licensor is not obligated to provide updates, support, or maintenance for the Software. However, updates may be provided at the sole discretion of the Licensor.

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    9. Governing Law

    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

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    10. Entire Agreement

    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Licensor concerning the Software and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter.

    By using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.

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    For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

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Introducing ScriptBox

Your Complete Adobe Illustrator Productivity Hub

Install Extension

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Access to 200+ pre-built scripts organized in categories.

➋ Script Launcher

Load and manage third-party scripts from custom folders.

➌ Panel Manager

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➍ Favourites

Save frequently used scripts and panels for quick access.

➎ Code Editor

Write, edit, and execute custom ExtendScript/JavaScript code.

➏ Task Manager

An integrated to-do list that helps you track design tasks and jot down your ideas.

➐ Video Player

Create your own personal video library and watch YouTube videos right within the extension.

➑ Image Gallery

A visual moodboard allowing you to keep inspiration and reference materials right in your workspace while you design.

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Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

Learn more

Adobe Illustrator is a professional vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by designers, illustrators, and artists for creating a variety of digital artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and complex design layouts. Illustrator is known for its precision and scalability, allowing users to create high-quality graphics that can be resized without losing clarity. Its features include powerful drawing tools, customizable brushes, advanced typography options, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Illustrator is a go-to tool for creative professionals working on projects for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

  • 🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder

    To install a Move Objects to Layer.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator
can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:

    1. MacOS:
      Open Finder and navigate to:
      Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
    2. Windows:
      Open File Explorer and navigate to:
      C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
    3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
    4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).

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    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Move Objects to Layer.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
    2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
    3. Restart Adobe Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

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    Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

    1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
    2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
    3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
    4. Click the Move Objects to Layer script to run it.
    5. The Move Objects to Layer script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.

    ☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

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