Unlock the Secret: How to Reset Artboard Number in Illustrator

Illustrator’s artboards are a powerful tool for organizing your projects, allowing you to work on multiple designs within a single file. However, as you add, delete, and rearrange artboards, their numbering can become messy and confusing. This can make it difficult to navigate your project and find the specific artboard you need.
This blog post will guide you through the process of how to reset artboard number in Illustrator, providing a clear and concise solution to this common design dilemma. We’ll cover various methods to regain control over your artboard numbering, ensuring a streamlined workflow and a less chaotic design experience.

Understanding the Need for Artboard Number Reset

Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand why resetting artboard numbers is essential.

• Clarity and Organization: A consistent and sequential artboard numbering system makes it easier to identify and manage your designs.
• Efficient Workflow: When artboards are numbered logically, finding specific artboards is faster, leading to a more efficient design process.
• Collaboration: If you’re working on a project with others, a well-organized artboard system ensures everyone is on the same page.

Method 1: The Manual Renumbering Approach

This method involves manually renumbering each artboard. While it might seem tedious, it offers granular control over the numbering process.
1. Select the Artboard: Click on the artboard you want to renumber.
2. Access the Artboard Options: Go to the Artboard panel (Window > Artboards) or right-click on the artboard and select Artboard Options.
3. Change the Number: In the Artboard Options dialog box, locate the Number field and enter the desired number.
4. Repeat for All Artboards: Repeat steps 1-3 for every artboard, ensuring they are numbered sequentially.

Method 2: The “Numbering” Command

Illustrator’s “Numbering” command provides a quicker way to renumber artboards. This method is particularly useful when you need to renumber all artboards in a specific order.
1. Select All Artboards: Use the Selection Tool (V) to select all the artboards in your document.
2. Access the Numbering Command: Go to Object > Numbering.
3. Choose Numbering Options: In the Numbering dialog box, you have several options:

• Start: Enter the desired starting number for your artboards.
• Increment: Define the increment between each artboard number.
• Series: Select the type of numbering series (e.g., sequential, alphabetical).

4. Apply the Numbering: Click OK to apply the numbering changes to your artboards.

Method 3: The “Arrange” Command

The “Arrange” command offers a convenient way to reorder artboards and automatically renumber them based on their new positions.
1. Select the Artboards: Select the artboards you want to rearrange.
2. Access the Arrange Command: Go to Object > Arrange.
3. Choose Rearrangement Options: You can choose from various options like:

• Bring to Front: Moves the selected artboards to the top of the artboard stack.
• Bring Forward: Moves the selected artboards one position forward in the stack.
• Send to Back: Moves the selected artboards to the bottom of the artboard stack.
• Send Backward: Moves the selected artboards one position backward in the stack.

4. Apply the Arrangement: Illustrator will automatically renumber the artboards based on their new positions.

Method 4: The “Artboard Tool”

The “Artboard Tool” provides a visual way to rearrange artboards and automatically renumber them.
1. Select the Artboard Tool: Click on the Artboard Tool (Shift+O) in the Tools panel.
2. Drag and Drop Artboards: Click and drag the artboards to their desired positions. Illustrator will automatically renumber the artboards based on their new positions.

Method 5: Using Scripts and Actions

For more complex scenarios, using scripts and actions can be a powerful solution for resetting artboard numbers. You can find pre-made scripts online or create your own custom scripts to automate the process.
1. Find or Create a Script: Search online for scripts that can reset artboard numbers. Alternatively, you can use Illustrator’s scripting language to create your own script.
2. Run the Script: Open the script in Illustrator’s Scripting panel (File > Scripts) and run it.

Resetting Artboard Numbers: A Summary

We’ve explored various methods for resetting artboard numbers in Illustrator, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Choose the method that best suits your specific needs and design workflow.

• Manual Renumbering: Offers granular control but can be time-consuming.
• Numbering Command: Provides a quick and efficient way to renumber all artboards.
• Arrange Command: Convenient for reordering and automatically renumbering artboards.
• Artboard Tool: Offers a visual way to rearrange and renumber artboards.
• Scripts and Actions: Powerful for automating complex artboard numbering tasks.

Beyond Resetting: Maintaining Order

While we’ve focused on resetting artboard numbers, maintaining a consistent numbering system is crucial for ongoing project management.

• Plan Ahead: Before starting a new project, consider how you will organize your artboards.
• Use Consistent Naming Conventions: Employ a clear and consistent naming system for your artboards.
• Avoid Excessive Artboard Creation: Create only the artboards you need, to avoid unnecessary clutter.
• Regularly Review and Reorganize: Periodically review your artboard organization and make adjustments as needed.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I reset the artboard numbering in a specific order?
A: Yes, you can choose the starting number and the increment between artboards using the “Numbering” command.
Q: What if I accidentally delete an artboard?
A: If you delete an artboard, the numbering will automatically adjust. However, if you want to maintain the original numbering scheme, you might need to manually renumber the remaining artboards.
Q: Can I use a script to reset artboard numbers in multiple files?
A: Yes, you can use scripts to automate the artboard numbering process across multiple files.
Q: What are the advantages of using scripts and actions?
A: Scripts and actions can save you time, ensure consistency, and automate repetitive tasks.
Q: Is there a way to undo artboard numbering changes?
A: Unfortunately, there’s no specific “Undo” option for artboard numbering changes. However, you can use the Edit > Undo command to revert to the previous state before the changes were applied.
By following these tips and techniques, you can effectively manage your artboard numbers in Illustrator, ensuring a smooth and efficient design workflow. Happy designing!