How do you keep Illustrator files organized when working on complex designs?

Hi ​@excited_Enchantmentf821,

I’ve been using Illustrator since 2000. I only use layers in very large projects - such as map illustrations, very detailed artwork, or web animations. I’ll group common items together, such as textures or groups of items that might appear within different levels (eg: trees in the foreground). Naming layers is a great habit to get into. Aside from layers, I use “Select > Same” a lot, as well as grouping, hiding/unhiding, and locking/unlocking.

One habit that helps a lot is naming every layer and group as you create them, plus color-coding layers by design section so you can spot things quickly in the Layers panel. I also save complex selections via the Select menu and lock finished sections to avoid accidental edits. For repeated elements, turning them into symbols keeps the file lighter and updates everywhere at once.

I like naming layers and keeping the order of objects and groups within each layer organized. I'll do this while the work is in progress.

Also, I keep track of assets used within the file. It's common to use linked images and certain fonts within an Illustrator document. It's easier to keep track of that stuff by storing it in a folder/sub-folder structure. If I need to send the document to a third party for some type of specialized printing I can upload the whole thing as one zipped file.

I’m using layers, sublayers and groups. Really depends on the project.

On top of that you can give your objects names that you can search in the Layers panel.

You can save selections.

Astute Graphics plugins allow you to create something that can be compared to what Photoshop calls layer sets 

​@excited_Enchantmentf821 I usually organize my work using groups. I rename each group folder as I go, which makes it much easier to find things later. I also try to keep colors organized and regularly delete unused swatches to keep the file clean and easier to manage.