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May 1, 2026 2:24 PM UTC
Answered

Can you select multiple non-contiguous text ranges in a single text box in Illustrator?

Hi all,

I’m working with a single text box in Illustrator and want to select multiple separate pieces of text at the same time (similar to holding Ctrl/Cmd in Word to select different words/phrases).

The goal is to apply formatting (e.g. bold, font change, size) to multiple non-adjacent parts of the same text object in one go.

See my example below: I want to highlight “Ingredients, EN | Important, Warning” so I can edit/adjust their formatting - without having to highlight each one separately, then editing the format one-by-one

Is there a way to do this in Illustrator? Or is there a recommended workaround (e.g. styles, scripts, plugins)?

Thanks!

    Dave Creamer of IDEAS
    Dave Creamer of IDEASCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    May 1, 2026 2:38 PM UTC

    Best option is to apply Character Styles during the initial formatting. They give your consistant formatting and global updates.

    David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)

    2 replies

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    May 1, 2026 3:19 PM UTC

    You could take a look at JC Tremblay’s GREP script

    http://www.proficiografik.com/catalog_scripts.html

    Translate
    Dave Creamer of IDEAS
    Community Expert
    Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    May 1, 2026 2:38 PM UTC

    Best option is to apply Character Styles during the initial formatting. They give your consistant formatting and global updates.

    Translate
    David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)