Select Window > Actions.
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn how to insert non-recordable tasks into actions in Adobe Illustrator using the Actions panel menu.
Not all tasks in actions can be recorded directly. For example, you can’t record commands in the Effects and View menus, commands that display or hide panels, and use of the Selection, Pen, Paintbrush, Pencil, Gradient, Mesh, Eyedropper, Live Paint Bucket, and Scissors tools.
If the name of the command or tool doesn’t appear after you record and perform the task, you may still be able to add the task using commands in the Actions panel menu .
Insert a non-recordable menu command
Select an item within the action after which you want to insert the task.
In the Actions panel, select Actions panel menu icon and then select
Insert Menu Item.
Select the command from its menu or type the command name in the text box and select Find.
Select OK.
Insert a path
Select the path using the Selection tool.
Select Insert Select Path from the Actions panel menu.
Insert selection of an object
Select and object.
Select Window > Attributes.
In the Attributes panel, select the expand icon until the panel shows all the options.
Select Show Note from the Attributes panel menu to display the note field.
Enter a name for the object in the note field of the Attributes panel before you start recording.
In the Actions panel, Select the Begin Recording icon.
Choose Select Object from the Actions panel menu when you record the action.
In the Set Selection dialog box, type the name of the object, and then select OK.
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