Select by Size
Script for Adobe Illustrator
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Description
Select by Size is a powerful script for Adobe Illustrator that allows users to select objects based on their width and height ranges. Whether working with small icons or large design elements, this tool ensures precise control over selections, saving time and effort.
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Installation
- Place the script in your Illustrator Scripts folder:
MacOS: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
- Restart Adobe Illustrator to load the script into the File > Scripts menu.
- Go to File > Scripts > Select by Size to launch the script.
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Using the Script
Once executed, a dialog window will appear, displaying multiple options:
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➊ Width Range
The Width Range Panel in the script’s UI allows users to define a minimum and maximum width for selecting objects in Adobe Illustrator.
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- 1.1 Set the minimum width (objects smaller than this will be ignored).
- 1.2 Set the maximum width (objects larger than this will be ignored).
- Use the sliders or manually enter values.
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➋ Height Range
The Height Range Panel in the script’s UI allows users to specify a minimum and maximum height for selecting objects in Adobe Illustrator.
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- 2.1 Set the minimum height (objects smaller than this will be ignored).
- 2.2 Set the maximum height (objects larger than this will be ignored).
- Use the sliders or manually enter values.
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➌ Linking Width and Height
If you want to maintain proportional selection (e.g., squares), check the Link Width & Height box.
- Adjusting the width will automatically update the height, and vice versa.
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Use the sliders or input fields to set the desired width and height ranges.
- Sliders: Drag the sliders to adjust the values.
- Input Fields: Type in the desired values manually.
- Arrow Keys: Use the up and down arrow keys to increment or decrement the values (hold Shift for larger steps).
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Tip: If you want to save your current settings for future use, check the 'Save Settings' box before clicking OK.
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➍ Choosing the Selection Scope
Use the Search In dropdown to select where the script should apply the selection criteria:
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- Active Document – Scans all objects in the document.
- Active Selection – Only checks objects that are already selected.
- Active Layer – Limits selection to objects within the current layer.
- Active Artboard – Selects items within the currently active artboard.
➎ Apply Selection
Click OK button to run the script and select objects within the specified width and height range. If you want to cancel the script, click Cancel.
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Executing the Script:
- Click OK to apply the selection criteria.
- A progress bar will appear if the document contains a large number of objects.
- Once the script completes, a confirmation message will appear, displaying the number of selected objects.
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Viewing Results:
- After the script runs, the selected objects will be highlighted in the document.
- The script will also zoom in on the selected objects for better visibility.
➏ Additional Notes
Tips:
- Units: The script automatically converts values to match the document's ruler units. Ensure your document's ruler units are set correctly before running the script.
- Proportional Selection: Use the Link Width & Height option for proportional selection, such as selecting squares or rectangles with specific aspect ratios.
- No Objects Selected: If no objects are selected, unlock and make visible all document items and double-check the width and height ranges to ensure they match the dimensions of the objects in your document.
- Tooltips: Hovering over elements provides helpful descriptions.
- User Guide: Click the ⏼ icon at the bottom right of the panel to open the online user guide.
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Overall, Select by Size is a powerful tool for designers who need to select objects based on specific dimensions, saving time and effort in complex Illustrator projects.
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