Object Sorter

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

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Description

The Object Sorter script is a powerful Adobe Illustrator tool that automatically arranges and sorts selected objects based on their position and distance relationships. This script provides multiple sorting methods to help designers organize objects efficiently, whether you're working with icons, text elements, or any other design components.

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Key Features

Multiple Sorting Methods: Choose from 7 different sorting algorithms.
Real-time Preview: See changes before applying them.
Flexible Positioning: Sort by rows, columns, center distance, or randomly.
Layer Order Management: Reverse stacking order of selected objects.
Smart Object Detection: Works with paths, groups, and compound paths

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Sorting Methods Available

Top → Bottom, Left → Right: Sorts row by row, starting from top-left
Left → Right, Top → Bottom: Sorts column by column, starting from top-left
Bottom → Top, Right → Left: Reverse row sorting from bottom-right
Right → Left, Bottom → Top: Reverse column sorting from bottom-right
Center → Outside: Sorts by distance from center, closest items on top
Outside → Center: Sorts by distance from center, farthest items on top
Reverse Stacking Order: Simply reverses the current layer order
Random Shuffle: Randomly reorders selected objects

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Installation

1. Download the Object Sorter.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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Using the Script

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➊ Select Objects

Open your Illustrator document.
Select at least 2 objects you want to sort.
Run the Object Sorter script.
Access the script via File > Scripts > Object Sorter.

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➋ Choose Sorting Method

The dialog will present several sorting options organized in panels:

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🅰 Row-Based Sorting:

Select "Top → Bottom, Left → Right" for standard reading order.
Select "Bottom → Top, Right → Left" for reverse reading order.

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🅱 Column-Based Sorting:

Select "Left → Right, Top → Bottom" for column-first arrangement.
Select "Right → Left, Bottom → Top" for reverse column arrangement.

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🅲 Distance from Center Sorting:

Select "Center → Outside" to place center objects on top.
Select "Outside → Center" to place outer objects on top.

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🅳 Layer Order:

Select "Reverse Stacking Order" to simply flip the current layer order.

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Alphabetical Sorting:

A → Z: Sorts objects by their layer names in ascending alphabetical order.
Z → A: Sorts objects by their layer names in descending alphabetical order.

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🅴 Random Order:

Select "Shuffle Objects" for random arrangement.
Use the "Randomize" button to generate new random orders.

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➌ Apply Changes

Cancel: Click "Cancel" to close dialog without changes (restores original order if preview was used).
OK: Click "OK" to apply the selected sorting method.

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Additional Options:

Enable Preview: Check the "Preview" checkbox to see changes in real-time.
Hide Edges: Check "Hide Edges" to remove object outlines for cleaner preview.
Generate New Random Orders: When using random shuffle with preview enabled, use the "Randomize" button for new arrangements.
User Guide: Available through the script's ⏼ help icon.

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This script significantly streamlines object organization in Illustrator, making it an essential tool for designers working with multiple objects that need systematic arrangement.

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#Arrange

Object Sorter

Version: 1.0.1

Updated: August 10, 2025

Download Object Sorter

1.0.0 – Initial release.
1.0.1 – Added Alphabetical Sorting: Sort objects by their layer names in ascending or descending alphabetical order.
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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

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

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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 Object Sorter.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 Object Sorter.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 Object Sorter script to run it.
5. The Object Sorter 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 Object Sorter.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 Object Sorter.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 Object Sorter script to run it.
5. The Object Sorter 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?

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