Symbols panel options

Last updated on Sep 11, 2025

Learn about the options available in the Symbols panel for managing and customizing reusable artwork.

The Symbols panel, accessible from Window > Symbols, contains both preset and custom symbols and allows you to add, organize, and modify reusable artwork. You can also expand your symbol collection by importing symbol libraries.

The Symbols panel is open with all options called out including New Symbol, Delete Symbol, and panel menu.
Manage reusable artwork in the Symbols panel by creating, editing, or deleting symbols.

A. Symbols List B. Symbol Libraries Menu C. Place Symbol Instance D. Break Link to Symbol E. Symbol Options F. New Symbol G. Delete Symbol H. Panel Menu 

UI option

Function

Symbols list

Displays all available symbols, including default, user-defined, and library symbols.

Symbol Library Menu

Allows you to access additional symbol libraries like Arrows, Nature, Maps, and more.

Place Symbol InstanceI

Allows you to add an instance of a saved symbol onto your artboard.

Break Link to Symbol

Detaches a placed symbol instance from its original definition in the Symbols panel, converting it to an independent object.

Symbol Options

Opens options to rename the symbol, set its type (static, dynamic, movie clip), and define tool behavior.

New Symbol

Adds a new symbol from selected artwork.

Delete Symbol

Removes the selected symbols from the panel.

Panel menu

Offers additional functions, like

Redefine Symbol, Reset Transformation, and view options.

Redefine Symbol

Updates the original symbol definition with new artwork, replacing it across all existing instances in the document.

Duplicate Symbol

Creates an exact copy of the selected symbol in the Symbols panel, preserving its definition and allowing for independent edits.

Edit Symbol

Allows you to enter symbol editing mode to modify the selected symbol’s artwork.

Replace Symbol

Replaces the selected symbol with another symbol from the Symbols panel.

Reset Transformation

Restores a symbol instance to its original scale, rotation, and shear based on the master symbol.

Select All Unused

Highlights symbols not used in the current document.

Select All Instances

Selects all instances of the selected symbol in the document.

Sort by Name

Arranges symbols alphabetically.

Thumbnail View

Displays symbols as thumbnails.

Small List View

Shows symbols in a compact list.

Large List View

Displays symbols in a detailed list.

Save Symbol Library

Saves selected symbols to a custom library.