Select by Stroke Weight

Select by Stroke Weight

Script for Adobe Illustrator

Functionality

Select by Stroke Weight is a powerful Adobe Illustrator script that allows users to quickly select objects based on a specified stroke weight range. With an intuitive interface, users can define minimum and maximum stroke values and apply the selection across the entire document, a selected area, the active layer, or the active artboard. This tool streamlines workflow efficiency, making it ideal for designers and illustrator working with complex vector graphics.

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.
  • Open your document and go to File > Scripts > Select by Stroke Weight to launch the script.
  • When the script runs, a dialog box appears with the following components: 

 

 

➊ Set Stroke Weight Range

The Set Stroke Weight Range menu in the Select by Stroke Weight script allows users to define the minimum and maximum stroke weight values for selection. This ensures that only objects within the specified stroke range are selected, providing precision and control over the selection process.

Minimum Stroke Weight

  • Defines the smallest stroke width (in points) that should be included in the selection.
  • Use the Up and Down Arrow keys in input fields for fine adjustments.

Max Stroke Weight

  • Defines the largest stroke width (in points) that should be included in the selection.

This menu provides a simple yet powerful way to filter objects based on stroke weight, making it an essential tool for refining complex vector artwork efficiently.


➋ Choose the Selection Scope

The Selection Scope menu (Search In:) in the Select by Stroke Weight script allows users to choose where to apply the stroke weight selection criteria, ensuring precise control over the selection process. This feature enables users to limit the selection to specific areas of the document, improving efficiency and workflow management.

  • Active Document
    Searches and selects all objects within the entire Illustrator document.
  • Active Selection
    Limits the search to only the currently selected objects, allowing for refined filtering within a specific selection.
  • Active Layer
    Applies the selection criteria only to objects within the currently active layer.
  • Active Artboard
    Restricts the selection to objects that are within the active artboard’s boundaries.

By providing flexible selection scopes, this menu enhances workflow efficiency, allowing designers to target specific areas of their Illustrator files with precision.


➌ Save Preferences

The Save Settings checkbox in the Select by Stroke Weight script allows users to store their preferred stroke weight range and selection scope for future use. This feature ensures a seamless workflow by automatically reloading the last-used settings when the script is run again, eliminating the need to manually reconfigure preferences each time.

  • When checked, the script saves the minimum and maximum stroke weight values set in the range selection and the selection scope option.
  • When the script is reopened, it automatically loads the saved values, restoring the user’s last-used configuration.

This feature is especially useful for designers who frequently use the same stroke weight selection criteria, providing a more efficient and personalized experience.


➍ Start Selection

OK Button

  • Filters objects according to the Min/Max Stroke Weight values.
  • Selects objects within the chosen scope (Document, Selection, Layer, or Artboard).
  • Displays a confirmation message showing the number of objects selected.
  • Auto-zooms to the selected objects for easier visibility.

 

 

Cancel Button

  • Closes the script without making any changes or selections.


➎ Additional Functionality

Opening the User Guide

  • Click the ⏼ icon in the script UI to open the online user guide.

Progress Bar

  • Displays progress when processing large documents, ensuring transparency during selection.

Auto-Zoom to Selection

  • Automatically adjusts the view to fit selected objects, making them immediately visible after execution.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Users can fine-tune stroke weight values using Arrow keys (↑ / ↓) for small adjustments.
  • Shift + Arrow keys (⇧ + ↑ / ↓) for larger changes.

The Select by Stroke Weight script is an essential tool for designers, illustrators, and technical artists working with complex vector graphics in Adobe Illustrator. By automating and refining the selection process, it significantly enhances efficiency, accuracy, and workflow speed. Whether you’re managing detailed illustrations, technical drawings, or typographic compositions, this script provides a seamless and user-friendly solution to selecting objects based on stroke weight.

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Select by Stroke Weight

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

    • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

    Tested on MacOS:

    • 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

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

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

Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

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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 Select by Stroke Weight.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).

    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Select by Stroke Weight.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 IllustratorTo refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

    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 Select by Stroke Weight script to run it.
    5. The Select by Stroke Weight 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! 

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