Select by Opacity Range

Select by Opacity Range

Script for Adobe Illustrator

Overviewㅤ

The Select By Opacity Range script for Adobe Illustrator allows users to quickly select objects based on their opacity levels within a defined range. The script provides an interactive dialog where users can specify the search scope (entire document, active selection, active layer, or active artboard) and define minimum and maximum opacity thresholds.

 

This tool is particularly useful for designers working with transparency effects, ensuring precise selection and editing of objects with different opacity levels. It supports batch selection and includes options for selecting groups, saving settings, and zooming into selected 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.
  • Open your document and go to File > Scripts > Select By Opacity Range to launch the script.
  • When the script runs, a dialog box appears with the following components: 

 


➊ Choosing Selection Scope

The Selection Scope in the Select By Opacity Range script determines where the opacity-based selection will be applied. This allows users to target specific areas of their Adobe Illustrator document for more precise selection and efficient workflow. 

Selection Scope Options:

 

 

 

 

Active Document

  • Functionality: Selects objects from the entire document, regardless of which layer or artboard they are on.
  • This is the broadest selection scope and includes all visible and unlocked objects.
  • Use Case: Best for applying the opacity filter to the entire artwork when cleaning up files or adjusting transparency levels globally.

Active Selection

  • Functionality: Selects only from the currently selected objects in the document.
  • Use Case: Useful when you want to refine opacity within a specific group of objects without affecting other elements in the document.
  • Ideal when working on complex illustrations where you only want to modify certain parts.

Active Layer

  • Functionality: Selects objects that belong to the currently active layer (Locked layers are ignored).
  • If multiple layers exist, only the objects inside the selected layer are affected.
  • Use Case: Helps manage transparency within a single layer without affecting objects in other layers.
  • Ideal for structured workflows where transparency adjustments are applied layer by layer.

Active Artboard

  • Functionality: Selects objects within the currently active artboard’s boundaries.
  • If an object overlaps multiple artboards, it will only be selected if its center falls inside the active artboard.
  • Use Case: Perfect for multi-artboard documents, where users want to modify transparency in only one section without affecting the rest of the file.


➋ Defining Minimum Opacity

The Opacity Range feature in the Select By Opacity Range script allows users to filter and select objects based on their opacity levels within a defined range. This gives precise control over which objects are affected, ensuring that only those meeting the specified transparency criteria are selected.

Minimum Opacity:

  • Adjust the slider or type a value (0% - 100%) to set the lowest opacity limit.
  • Objects with opacity below this value will not be selected.

 

 

 

 


➌ Defining Maximum Opacity

Maximum Opacity:

  • Adjust the slider or type a value (0% - 100%) to set the highest opacity limit.
  • Objects with opacity above this value will not be selected.

Additional Notes:

  • Hold Shift while pressing the ↑ Up / ↓ Down arrows to fine-tune values.
  • The small squares next to the sliders change color dynamically to preview the selected opacity range.

 

 

 

 


➍ Additional Selection Options

The Select Groups checkbox in the Select By Opacity Range script determines whether the script selects entire groups or individual objects within groups based on the specified opacity range.

How It Works

  • When checked, the script selects entire groups if the group’s opacity falls within the defined range.
  • When unchecked, the script selects only individual objects inside groups that match the opacity criteria, ignoring the group’s overall opacity

How Illustrator Handles Group Opacity

  • In Illustrator, a group can have an opacity value that applies to the entire group, affecting all objects inside.
  • However, individual objects within a group can have their own opacity settings, independent of the group’s opacity.

This checkbox provides control over whether the script selects full groups or only individual objects based on their opacity.


➎ Running the Selection Process

OK Button

  • Executes the selection process based on the chosen opacity range and selection scope. 
  • A progress bar will track the selection process.
  • Once completed, a summary message will display the number of selected objects/groups.
  • After selection, the script automatically zooms into the selected objects for easier visibility.

 

 

 

Cancel Button

  • Closes the dialog without making any selections or changes.


➏ Additional Functionality

In addition to the main opacity range selection, the Select By Opacity Range script includes several additional features that enhance usability and efficiency.

🅰 Select All Partially Transparent Objects

  • Functionality: Instantly selects all objects with opacity between 1% and 99% (partially transparent objects).
  • Ignores fully opaque (100%) and fully transparent (0%) objects.
  • Use Case: Useful for finding and adjusting semi-transparent overlays, shadows, or gradient effects.

 

 

 

🅱 Select All Fully Transparent Objects

  • Functionality: Selects all objects with 0% opacity (completely invisible objects).
  • Ignores objects with any other opacity level.
  • Use Case: Helps in identifying hidden objects that might be redundant or accidentally left in the document.
  • Useful for cleaning up unnecessary elements that may increase file size or clutter the workspace.

 

 

 

🅲 Save Settings Checkbox

  • Functionality: When checked, saves the user’s current opacity range and selection scope.
  • These settings are automatically loaded the next time the script is run.
  • Use Case: Saves time for users who frequently work with the same opacity selection criteria.

🅳 Open User Guide

  • Clicking the help icon ⏼ opens the user guide in a web browser.
  • Useful for new users who need a step-by-step guide on how to use the script.
  • Allows users to stay updated on any new features or improvements in future versions of the script.


The Select By Opacity Range script is a powerful tool designed to simplify the process of selecting objects in Adobe Illustrator based on their opacity levels.

Whether you need to adjust semi-transparent elements, remove fully transparent objects, or refine opacity settings, this script provides a precise and efficient way to manage transparency in your designs.

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Select by Opacity Range

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 (29.0.1)
  • 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 Opacity Range.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 Opacity Range.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 Opacity Range script to run it.
    5. The Select by Opacity Range 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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