Adobe Illustrator offers a variety of tools to make your design process smoother and more efficient. One of these is the ability to select objects with the same color throughout your project. Whether you’re working on a logo, an illustration, or a complex design, this feature is a lifesaver for quickly making changes across multiple elements.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to use Illustrator’s “Select Same Fill Color” tool and other related options to streamline your workflow.
Why Use the Select Same Color Feature?
Imagine you’re working on a project and need to change all instances of a specific color—say turquoise—into a lighter blue. Instead of selecting each element manually, the “Select Same” feature allows you to make the change in seconds.
Step 1: Open Your File in Adobe Illustrator
Begin by opening your file in Adobe Illustrator. For this example, we’ll use a logo project with multiple colors.
Step 2: Use the Direct Selection Tool
- Locate the Direct Selection Tool in the toolbar on the left. This tool looks like a filled arrow.
- Click on an object with the color you want to change. For instance, select a shape filled with turquoise.
Step 3: Select Objects with the Same Fill Color
- Navigate to the top menu and click Select > Same > Fill Color.
- Illustrator will automatically select all objects in the file that share the same fill color.
Step 4: Change the Color
- Open the Swatches Panel on the left or double-click the selected object to bring up the color picker.
- Enter the hex code for your desired color or adjust it manually.
- Click OK to apply the change.
Now, every object with the selected fill color has been updated!
Step 5: Repeat for Other Colors
If you need to update another color:
- Select an object with the color you want to modify.
- Follow the same steps: Select > Same > Fill Color and adjust the color using the swatches or color picker.
- For example, to turn a blue fill to black, type “#000000” (six zeros) into the hex code field.
Bonus Tips: Other “Select Same” Options
The Select > Same menu isn’t limited to fill color. Here are some additional options:
- Fill and Stroke: Select objects with a specific combination of fill and stroke colors.
- Stroke Color: Choose objects with the same stroke color.
- Stroke Weight: Select elements with the same stroke thickness.
- Blending Mode: Pick objects with the same blending mode.
- Opacity: Quickly select elements with the same transparency level.
These options allow you to refine your selections and make precise adjustments across your design.
Why This Feature is Essential for Designers
The ability to select objects by color saves time and ensures consistency in your designs. Instead of hunting for individual elements, you can focus on making creative decisions and enhancing your work.
Using Adobe Illustrator’s “Select Same” tools can drastically improve your workflow and help you create polished, professional designs. Whether you’re adjusting colors for branding or experimenting with new palettes, this feature is a must-know for any designer.