The selection tools on Adobe Illustrator are one of the most crucial aspects of learning the software. They may seem basic at first – however, with a good understanding of what selection can do on the software, you can achieve all of your preferred processes. But you may wonder how to use this software to select multiple objects.

There are many different ways to select multiple objects using Adobe Illustrator, and it all depends on the situation you are in. Using specific methods, you can select all the objects on the same layer, select them one after the other, or even choose the specific ones you need! All you need to do is use the right method in Illustrator!

If you are in the process of familiarizing yourself with the Selection Tool on Adobe Illustrator, you are in the right place! With a deep knowledge of what this tool can do, you will be prepared to handle anything that comes your way on Illustrator. So, without further ado, let’s dive into how to use the Selection tool to select multiple objects simultaneously!

How To Select Multiple Objects In Adobe Illustrator

As we mentioned above, there are many different ways that you can select multiple objects while using Adobe Illustrator. From the selection tool, all the way to keyboard shortcuts – there is something in here for everyone. 

However, methods change depending on what exactly you are looking for. So let’s look at each one in detail.

Using The Selection Tool

The first method we can use is to employ the Selection Tool. This is accessible from the toolbar, or you can use the shortcut V to select this tool. To use this tool:

1. Select the Selection Tool from the Illustrator toolbar.
2. Next, click the objects you want to select.
3. If all the objects are in the same proximity, you can click and drag around their area.
4. To select multiple objects selectively, you can hold down the shift key while selecting the objects.

These methods will allow you to select items in different styles depending on what kind of objects you need to select. Make sure to practice – you will get the hang of it!

Here’s a video that shows this process in action:

Using The Lasso Tool

Aside from the selection tool, you can also use the Lasso Tool to select various objects. To do this, you must use this tool and draw around the objects you wish to select. Unlike the selection tool, you can be selective with the shape you draw, which can allow you to avoid selecting objects you want to exclude. 

The only thing to keep in mind with this tool is that you should be careful to close out your pathway, as an open pathway can be problematic in the long run!

Using The Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand Tool allows you to select objects with the same color, opacity, blending, or even stroke. It is a great way to select items that are close together but similarly patterned or textured. 

You can use this tool from the toolbar to select one item with a specific color, let’s say, and it will locate the color on other objects and select them as well.

This can save you a lot of time, especially when you have more complicated patterns and elements going on in your project on Adobe Illustrator.

Using Layers

The final method you can use is the Layer menu to select items. This is especially beneficial when you want to select all of the items on the same layer. To do this, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Open up the layers menu.
2. Select the layer that you want all of the items selected on.
3. Click on the circle on the right to the layer name.
4. All of the elements within the layer will now be selected. 

While this is a great method to select all of the elements, it may mean more work if you need to select specific objects within the layer. 

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to select different objects in Illustrator as they are meant to be applied in different situations. Hopefully, you will now be able to select as many objects as you want, and your understanding of the selection tools in Illustrator has deepened!