Convert circle shapes to cross or x lines

[Emily26707344wb1v]

I would like to convert a large number of ellipses (representing data points) to a cross shape (either x or +). I just want the lines, I don't need it to be able to have a filled color. Is there any way to do this to all of the data points at once? 

Thanks in advance!

[Kurt Gold]

Yes, it's possible.

Can you share this Illustrator file, so one can have a look at it and provide an appropriate way?

[Emily26707344wb1v]

Sure, here it is trimmed down to just the layer I want to change: https://assets.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:71949d21-0fca-4dff-ae6c-2ac9424bc321?view=difile

[Kurt Gold]

Thanks. Unfortunately this link does not seem to work as a public download link. Access denied.

Can you make it public?

[Emily26707344wb1v]

Sorry about that, hopefully this works: https://assets.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:71949d21-0fca-4dff-ae6c-2ac9424bc321?view=difile

[Kurt Gold]

Thanks. This link is a bit better, but it only allows to comment a preview of the file, not to download it.

[Emily26707344wb1v]

I'm sorry! Obviously new to this. It should be good now: https://assets.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:71949d21-0fca-4dff-ae6c-2ac9424bc321?view=difile

[Kurt Gold]

Based on your sample file, using Global Edit works pretty well.

There are other ways (scripts, tricks), but you may give Global Edit a try.

[Emily26707344wb1v]

But how do I change the shape from a square to crossing lines? I can figure out how to make just one line (just shrink the ellipse), but how to make them cross? 

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Draw the crossing lines shape and Edit > Cut.

Then Selet one of the circles, go into Global edit. 

Paste the crossing lines and arrange. Then delete the circle.

https://youtu.be/iyEJfqWPCZM

[Emily26707344wb1v]

You are a lifesaver, thank you! That worked perfectly!

[Monika Gause]

Glad you could solve it!