Select by Name
Script for Adobe Illustrator
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Functionality
The Select by Name script for Adobe Illustrator streamlines the selection process by allowing users to quickly find and select objects based on their names in the Layers Panel. Designed for efficiency, this tool is especially useful in complex projects where precise selection is essential.
Ideal for designers who organize their elements with clear naming conventions, this script eliminates the need for manual selection, providing fast and accurate access to specific objects.
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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 Name to launch the script.
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Using the Script
- Once the script is executed, a dialog window will appear with various options:

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➊ Searching for Items
The Search Bar (Find by Name:) allows users to quickly find objects by entering part or all of their names. It dynamically updates the results in real-time, displaying items that match the input.
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How It Works:
- Type a keyword – Enter part or the full name of the object you want to find.
- Live Filtering – The list updates instantly to show matching items.
- Case-Insensitive Search – The script finds matches regardless of uppercase or lowercase letters.
- Supports Partial Matches – No need to enter the full name; even fragments of a name will return results.
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Tip: If no matches are found, the list will remain empty.
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➋ Choosing the Search Scope
The Search Scope determines where the script looks for objects matching the entered name. Users can refine their search to specific areas within the Illustrator document, making selection faster and more efficient.

Available Scope Options:
- Active Document – Searches for matches across the entire document.
- Active Selection – Limits the search to objects within the currently selected items.
- Active Layer – Finds objects only within the currently active layer.
- Active Artboard – Restricts the search to objects within the active artboard.
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How It Works:
- Select a scope from the dropdown menu.
- The Matching Items List updates instantly based on the selected scope.
- Adjusting the scope does not affect the entered search term—it simply narrows or expands the search area.
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➌ Reviewing the Matching Items List
The Matching Items List displays all objects that meet the search criteria within the selected scope. It provides an organized overview of found objects, making it easy to review and select specific elements.

List Features:
- 3.1 Items – Shows the object’s name. If unnamed, it will be labeled as “Unnamed”.
- 3.2 Type – Displays the object type (e.g., Path, Group, Text Frame, Symbol).
- 3.3 Layer – Indicates the layer where the object is located.
- 3.4 Status – Shows visibility and lock status: ⚿ Locked or ⬭ Hidden.
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How It Works:
- The list updates in real-time as you type in the Search Bar.
- Clicking an item highlights it for selection.
- Use Cmd/Ctrl + Click for multi-selection.
- Use Shift + Click to select multiple contiguous items.
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Tip: Double-clicking an item in the Matching Items List functions the same as pressing 'Select', immediately highlighting that object in Illustrator.
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➍ Display Unnamed Items (optional)
The 'Display Unnamed Items' checkbox controls whether objects without assigned names appear in the Matching Items List. By default, only named objects are shown to keep the selection process more focused and efficient.
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- Checked – Includes both named and unnamed objects in the search results.
- Unchecked – Only displays objects that have been explicitly named.
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➎ Selecting Items
The ‘Select’ button finalizes the selection process by highlighting all currently selected items from the Matching Items List within the Illustrator document.
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How It Works:
- Select items in the Matching Items List.
- Click the ‘Select’ button to apply the selection in Illustrator’s workspace.
- A confirmation dialog appears, showing the total number of selected objects.
⚠︎ Note: Locked or hidden objects cannot be selected—unlock and make them visible first.

➏ Additional Features
The Select by Name script includes several extra features to enhance usability and flexibility, making the selection process more intuitive and user-friendly.
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🅰 Resizable Dialog Window
The script’s interface is fully resizable, allowing users to adjust the window size for better visibility and workflow efficiency.
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- Click and drag the window’s edges to resize it as needed.
- The list of matching items expands dynamically, making it easier to navigate large selections.
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Tip: Resize the window when working with long object names or a large number of results to view more items at once.
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🅱 ‘Close’ Button
The ‘Close’ button allows users to exit the script at any time without making a selection.
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- Clicking ‘Close’ immediately dismisses the dialog window.
- No changes or selections are applied.
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Tip: Use this option if you want to exit without altering your selection or making any changes.
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🅲 Open User Guide
A small guide icon button ⏼ provides quick access to the online user manual, ensuring users can easily reference instructions and troubleshooting tips.
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- Click the guide icon ⏼ in the bottom right corner of the dialog window.
- The script opens the official user guide webpage in your default web browser.
- This feature ensures you always have access to the latest documentation and updates.
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☻ Wrap-up
The Select by Name script is a powerful tool designed to streamline object selection in Adobe Illustrator, making it faster and more precise. With its search-based selection, flexible scope options, and intuitive interface, it eliminates the need for manual object hunting, saving time and enhancing workflow efficiency.
Whether you’re working on complex illustrations, layered compositions, or large-scale designs, this script provides quick access to named objects, ensuring a smooth and organized selection process.
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