Color List

[mikekomm]

We are using some files created by an ex-employee that have both RGB and CMYK elements. Is there somewhere in the program where a list of all the colors in a document can be seen? We are using a few different versions of Illustrator. Version 10, CS and CS3

Any help would be appreciated

 

[apepp]

...window > swatches...

...this palette displays all colors, including those unused...

...to filter out the unused colors, choose the flyout menu (top right of palette) and choose 'select unused'...

...these are then highlighted and can be moved to the trash bin (bottom right of palette)...

...an illustrator file only supports one color mode, so the swatches are either RGB or CMYK...

...spot colors remain spot colors in both color modes...

Andrew

 

[mikekomm]

I have done as you suggested and there are some "funny" results. A few colors seem to show up on every file. Colors that we never use such as "lime" and "cuban lime". Any idea why?

Is there a way to select a color on the swatch list and have it select all the instances of it in the image?

 

[apepp]

...some colors left may still be in use by symbols palette that aren't on the artboard...

...you can select part of the artwork, then choose select > same > fill color (or stroke, or both), plus other options like line stroke weight, you can't do it using the swatches palette...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...the other thing to be aware of is that of trying to change colors...

...if the swatches are global colors (indicated by a grey square symbol next to color name in list view) then it will be straight forward by double clicking a swatch color and adjusting the sliders...

...if they aren't the only way to change colors will be manually using the 'select > same' menu options...

...globals colors are created by double clicking a color swatch and checking the checkbox next to 'Global'...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...also note that deleting pantone spot colors (that are in use) from the swatches palette converts them into the color space of the document, there is no warning of this either...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...please also indicate what your ultimate goal is with this artwork, is it changing colors?

...depending on the complexity of the artwork this can sometimes be quite time consuming, but it depends ultimately how the user has set up the artwork...

Andrew