Select by Name

Select by Name

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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.

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.

Using the Script

  • Once the script is executed, a dialog window will appear with various options:

 

 

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.

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.

Tip: If no matches are found, the list will remain empty.


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:

  1. Active Document – Searches for matches across the entire document.
  2. Active Selection – Limits the search to objects within the currently selected items.
  3. Active Layer – Finds objects only within the currently active layer.
  4. Active Artboard – Restricts the search to objects within the active artboard.

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.


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.

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.

Tip: Double-clicking an item in the Matching Items List functions the same as pressing 'Select', immediately highlighting that object in Illustrator.


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.

  • Checked – Includes both named and unnamed objects in the search results.
  • Unchecked – Only displays objects that have been explicitly named.


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.

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.

🅰 Resizable Dialog Window

The script’s interface is fully resizable, allowing users to adjust the window size for better visibility and workflow efficiency.

  • 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.

Tip: Resize the window when working with long object names or a large number of results to view more items at once.

🅱 ‘Close’ Button

The ‘Close’ button allows users to exit the script at any time without making a selection.

  • Clicking ‘Close’ immediately dismisses the dialog window.
  • No changes or selections are applied.

Tip: Use this option if you want to exit without altering your selection or making any changes.

🅲 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.

  • 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.


☻ 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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Select by Name

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

Use this text to share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, share announcements, or welcome customers to your store.

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 Name.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 Name.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 Name script to run it.
    5. The Select by Name 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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