Numbering dots in illustrator - connect the dots

Question

I'd like to ask how can I automatically number dots in illustrator. I used the stroke key and dashed lines to make the dots, and I have no problem applying them to a path.

The problem I have is numbering them. I tried to follow these instructions and uploaded this script.

How to add numbers to Adobe Illustrator anchor points?

but it only numbers the first dot. When I try to run it again, it numbers the same dot, with a different number. I'd like for it to number all the dots i've created along that path.

How can i get it to work perfectly?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Perhaps I'm a gluten for punishment, but I'd do this simply with additional fills/strokes in the Appearance Panel... and the some transform Effects. This would tie the number to the circle.. and then I'd position them manually.

• Select the text with the Selection Tool (Black Arrow)
• Add a new Fill in the Appearance Panel
• Highlight that new fill and...
• Choose Effect > Convert to Shape > Ellipse from the menu and adjust (size)
• Then choose Effect > Distort & Transform > Transform from the menu and adjust the Move fields to position the circle where you want in relation to the number.

-- Repeat all the above for the stroke (or merely copy the effects from the fill tot he stroke)

Then all you need do is change the type (number). If the circle is positioned poorly, you can always readjust the fill and stroke to better accommodate the text.

Drag one of the text objects to the Graphic Styles panel and in the future, if you want the same configuration, you merely need to select a text object and click the Graphic Style in that panel.

Answer 2

Bringing the comments to life the Carlos Cantos's tips + the use of the Script to number the objects(anchors in this case)...

Here are the steps to get what you want, I think.

The code I'm using here. Create a simple txt file. Place the code and save it as .jsx.

var document = app.activeDocument;           //Use the current open Ai File
var selected = document.selection;           //Use the current selection in Ai

for (var i = 0; i < selected.length; i++) {  //Iterate over every selected object
var text = document.textFrames.add();    //Add a new text object
text.contents = i + 1;                   //Set the corresponding number text
text.top = selected[i].top - 10;         //Position the text object underneath
text.left = selected[i].left;
}

Follow the image steps: