Select Paths by Points Range

Select Paths by Points Range

Script for Adobe Illustrator

Functionality

The Select Paths by Points Range script for Adobe Illustrator enables users to efficiently select path objects based on their anchor point count. This tool is particularly useful for designers and illustrators who need to refine their selections by filtering paths with a specific number of points.

 

Key Features

Select Paths by Point Count:

  • Choose paths that fall within a specified minimum and maximum anchor point range.
  • Helps identify and isolate complex or simple paths for editing.

Multiple Selection Scopes:

  • Select paths from different areas of your document:
  • Active Document, Active Selection, Active Layer, or Active Artboard.

User-Friendly UI:

  • Intuitive dialog window with easy-to-use controls.
  • Sliders & Input Fields for precise point selection.
  • 'Save Settings' option retains user preferences between sessions.
  • Progress Bar displays script execution progress.

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 Paths by Points Range to launch the script.
  • When the script runs, a dialog box appears with the following components: 

 

 

➊ Set Selection Scope

The 'Select all path in:' menu in the Select Paths by Points Range script allows users to define where the script should look for paths to select. This ensures that selections are precise and limited to the desired area of the document.


 

 

 

Selection scope options include:

1. Active Document

  • Searches the entire document for paths matching the point count criteria.
  • Useful when you want to select all matching paths regardless of layers or selections.

2. Active Selection

  • Restricts the search to only the objects you have manually selected before running the script.
  • Ideal when working with specific elements in a complex design.

3. Active Layer

  • Searches only within the currently active layer in Illustrator.
  • Ignores paths in other layers, making it useful for layer-based selections.

4. Active Artboard

  • Limits the selection to paths within the currently active artboard.
  • Great for projects with multiple artboards, ensuring selections stay localized.


➋ Define Point Range

The Select Paths by Points Range script allows users to filter and select paths based on the number of anchor points they contain. This feature is useful for identifying complex or simple paths in a document, ensuring precise selection and editing.

Where to Find It?

In the script’s dialog window, look for the section labeled “With number of points:”. This section contains input fields and sliders for setting the minimum and maximum number of anchor points a path must have to be selected.

 

 

 

2.1 Minimum Points

  • Determines the lowest number of anchor points a path must have to be selected.
  • Paths with fewer anchor points than this value will be ignored.
  • Useful for filtering out very simple paths or straight lines.

2.2 Maximum Points

  • Determines the highest number of anchor points a path can have to be selected.
  • Paths with more anchor points than this value will be ignored.
  • Useful for avoiding the selection of highly complex shapes.

Set the Minimum and Maximum values:

  • Using the Sliders: Drag the Min and Max sliders to adjust the values dynamically.
  • Manually Entering Values: Click inside the Min or Max input field and type the desired number.
  • Fine-Tuning with Keyboard Shortcuts: Use the Up and Down arrow keys to increase or descrease values.


➌ Save Settings

The 'Save Settings' checkbox in the Select Paths by Points Range script allows users to retain their selection preferences for future use. When enabled, the script remembers the previously used values, eliminating the need to reconfigure settings each time the script is run.

When the checkbox is enabled:

  • The script saves the following settings: minimum and maximum points value and selection scope.
  • The next time the script is run, it will automatically load these saved values.
  • Useful for repeated workflows that require the same selection criteria.


➍ Execute the Selection

OK Button

  • Function: Executes the selection process based on the chosen settings.
  • Usage: Click OK after setting the selection scope and point range.
  • The script processes paths based on the entered values.
  • A confirmation message displays the number of selected paths.

 

 

 

Cancel Button

  • Function: Closes the dialog window without applying any changes.
  • Note: The script does not save settings if Cancel is clicked.


➎ Additional Features

Open User Guide

  • Function: Opens the script’s official user guide in a web browser.
  • Location: Bottom-right of the dialog window, represented by a small ⏼ icon.

The Select Paths by Points Range script is designed to improve workflow efficiency in Adobe Illustrator by enabling precise path filtering based on anchor point count. Its user-friendly interface and customizable settings make it a valuable tool for designers and illustrators.

Whether you’re managing complex vector files, refining selections, or automating repetitive tasks, this script provides a reliable and efficient solution.

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Select Paths by Points 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 Paths by Points 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 Paths by Points 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 Paths by Points Range script to run it.
    5. The Select Paths by Points 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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