Select all layers with selected objects?

Question

I have a file with a gazzillion layers, and I'd like to arrange the layers in a logical fashion to bring into After Effects to animate. Specifically, I want to sort the layers according to the location of it's contents on the canvas, with all layers containing objects toward the bottom of the canvas arranged toward the bottom of the layers list. Ideally, I would like to be able to box-select the bottom fifth of the canvas to select all the layers to drag them down the list, but of course this only selects the objects on the layers and not the layers themselves. Is there any way to convert a selection of objects into a selection of their layers? Thanks!
Update - This time when I selected the layers with the little boxes, it didn't deselect the objects, so at least I can use this information to help me know the right layers to select. But I'll leave the question open in case there's a better way. Thanks!

Kurt Gold · Accepted Answer

Here's a simple file to demonstrate what I mean. The first image shows the result of box-selecting multiple items on the artboard. As you can see, many objects, but only one layer, can be selected this way. The second image shows what I was hoping could be accomplished with a command or script: All layers with selected objected are highlighted. This has to be done manually, click by click, in the Layers panel, as far as i know. Which is what I did to accomplish the task, but if there's a script or something, it would be handy for next time.

Probably I'm wrong, but as per your description it is more than clear what you want to do: Select a certain number of objects on the scratch area that are located on different layers. Expected result: Each layer that is involved in that selection should be highlighted in the Layers panel for various reasons. Is that right so far?

If so, that is not possible at the moment and I doubt that you can do it with a script. It's a valid request, though.

pixxxelschubser · Answer

If I understand you correctly, you select "some" objects on the canvas.

Then open your layers panel.
In the layers panel you will see different "selection squares" - small and large.
Create a new layer and name it.
Click on the small selection square of the "old layer" and hold down the mouse button. Now move this small selection square directly upwards (or downwards) to the new layer in the layers panel.

All selected objects are now on the newly created layer.

Is this what you wanted?

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Conversely, if nothing is selected, click on the area next to the small circle in the desired layer (where the selection square is located) and everything on the layer that is not invisible or locked will be automatically selected.

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