Smart Object Replacer

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

ㅤ

Description

Smart Object Replacer is a powerful Adobe Illustrator script that streamlines the process of replacing multiple selected objects with a source object. Whether you need to replace objects with clipboard content, use an existing object from your selection, or apply a document symbol across multiple targets, this script provides flexible options to automate repetitive replacement tasks.

ㅤ

Key Features

Multiple Source Options - Replace with clipboard content, selected objects, or document symbols
One-click Workflow - Automates tedious manual copy-paste-resize tasks
Smart Sizing - Fit to bounds or copy exact dimensions with aspect ratio control
Style Matching - Copy colors, opacity, and blend modes from target objects
Flexible Targeting - Replace whole groups or individual items within groups
Non-destructive Option - Keep original objects while adding replacements

ㅤ

Installation

1. Download the Smart Object Replacer.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.

ㅤ

Run the Script

Open a document in Adobe Illustrator
Select the objects you want to replace
Execute the script from the File > Scripts > Smart Object Replacer
The Smart Object Replacer dialog will appear with multiple options:

ㅤ

ㅤ

Using the Script

ㅤ

➊ Choose Your Source Object

In the "Replace Selected Objects With" panel, select one of four options:

ㅤ

🅰 Clipboard Content

When to use: When you've copied an object you want to use as replacement
How it works: Uses whatever is currently in your clipboard
Tip: Copy your desired replacement object before running the script

ㅤ

🅱 Topmost Selected Object

When to use: When you want to use the front-most selected object as your source
How it works: The object at the top of the stacking order becomes the replacement template
Note: This object won't be replaced (it becomes the source)

ㅤ

🅲 Bottommost Selected Object

When to use: When you want to use the back-most selected object as your source
How it works: The object at the bottom of the stacking order becomes the replacement template
Note: This object won't be replaced (it becomes the source)

ㅤ

🅳 Document Symbol

When to use: When you want to use a symbol from your Symbols panel
How it works: Creates instances of the selected symbol
Setup: Choose from the dropdown menu of available document symbols

ㅤ

➋ Configure Source Group Options

If your source object is a group, use the "Source Group Options" panel:

ㅤ

Unchecked: Uses the entire group as one replacement object
Checked: Uses individual items within the group as separate sources

ㅤ

When "Pick from Group" is enabled:

All in group (consecutively): Cycles through group items in order
All in group (randomly): Randomly selects items from the group for each replacement

ㅤ

➌ Set Replacement Options

Configure how replacements should be sized and positioned:

ㅤ

Sizing Options (choose one):

Fit to element size: Scales replacement to fit within target bounds (maintains aspect ratio)
Copy width & height: Makes replacement exactly the same size as target (may distort aspect ratio)
Neither checked: Uses replacement object's original size

ㅤ

Additional Options:

Keep target objects: Preserves original objects instead of deleting them
Match target colors: Applies the target's fill color to the replacement
Match target opacity: Sets replacement opacity to match the target
Match target blending mode: Applies target's blend mode to replacement

ㅤ

➍ Handle Target Groups

Use the "Target Group Options" panel when you have groups selected:

Replace groups as a whole: Treats entire groups as single replacement targets
Replace individual grouped items: Replaces each item inside groups separately

ㅤ

➎ Execute the Replacement

Click OK to start the replacement process
Watch the progress bar as replacements are made
Use Cancel to abort the operation
Use the ⏼ button to fit your selection in the current view

ㅤ

☻ Wrap-up

The Smart Object Replacer is a comprehensive tool that transforms tedious manual replacement tasks into efficient automated processes.

Its intuitive interface combined with powerful options makes it suitable for both simple replacements and complex design workflows involving groups, symbols, and precise visual matching.

ㅤ

#Arrange

Smart Object Replacer

Version: 1.0.0

Updated: September 29, 2025

Download Smart Object Replacer

1.0.0 – Initial release.
ㅤ
ㅤ
Tested on MacOS:
ㅤ
- 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
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
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.
ㅤ
For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

Browse More Scripts

More Adobe Illustrator Scripts

Explore Group by Attributes

Group by Attributes

An Adobe Illustrator script that automatically groups objects based on their visual appearance attributes such as fill color, stroke color, stroke weight, opacity, and blending mode.

Explore
Explore Group by Artboard

Group by Artboard

Group by Artboard is an Adobe Illustrator script that automatically groups all objects on selected artboards.

Explore
Explore Close Open Paths

Close Open Paths

An Adobe Illustrator script that intelligently closes open paths with smooth or straight segments, giving you precise control over how your paths are completed.

Explore

Introducing ScriptBox

Your Complete Adobe Illustrator Productivity Hub

Install Extension

➊ Toolbox

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

➋ Script Launcher

Load and manage third-party scripts from custom folders.

➌ Panel Manager

Quick access to toggle Adobe Illustrator's built-in panels

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.

☻ Info

A heartfelt "Thank You" section to recognize our amazing Patreon supporters who help make ScriptBox possible.

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 Smart Object Replacer.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).
ㅤ
🅱 Installing the Script
1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Smart Object Replacer.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.
ㅤ
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 Smart Object Replacer script to run it.
5. The Smart Object Replacer 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.

🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder
To install a Smart Object Replacer.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).
ㅤ
🅱 Installing the Script
1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Smart Object Replacer.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.
ㅤ
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 Smart Object Replacer script to run it.
5. The Smart Object Replacer 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.

Got questions?

Need help or have an idea to share? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, found a bug, have a feature request, or just want to share your feedback, reach out to us—we’re here for you!

Ask a Qestion