Select by Stroke Weight
Script for Adobe Illustrator
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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.
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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.
- 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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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By providing flexible selection scopes, this menu enhances workflow efficiency, allowing designers to target specific areas of their Illustrator files with precision.
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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.
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- 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.
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This feature is especially useful for designers who frequently use the same stroke weight selection criteria, providing a more efficient and personalized experience.
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➍ Start Selection
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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.
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➎ Additional Functionality
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Opening the User Guide
- Click the ⏼ icon in the script UI to open the online user guide.
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Progress Bar
- Displays progress when processing large documents, ensuring transparency during selection.
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Auto-Zoom to Selection
- Automatically adjusts the view to fit selected objects, making them immediately visible after execution.
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Keyboard Shortcuts
- Users can fine-tune stroke weight values using Arrow keys (↑ / ↓) for small adjustments.
- Shift + Arrow keys (⇧ + ↑ / ↓) for larger changes.
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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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