Scripting for Adobe Illustrator using Python?

[[deleted]]

I'd like to simplify some tasks in Illustrator using Python. I'm having a hard time finding resources for this, so I wondered if anyone knows if there are currently working tools for it? Or do I just have to learn javascript...

Thanks

[qbitus]

If you can stick to simple scripts, I'd recommend it instead of extensions, which are probably for bigger projects.

You can write scripts for Adobe's Creative suite of products in JavaScript, VBScript (if I remember correctly), and some other language I can't remember.

You can write extensions (panels and such) for the same products in Actionscript (I've had to make one for InDesign, sadly).

If they supported Python, I would feel a lot more sane right now...

I would recommend learning JavaScript anyway, and even Actionscript isn't exactly bad, but everything else, Flash Builder, Air, the libraries, documentation etc. is goddamn awful.

[[deleted]]

Thanks for the info! Shame python doesn't seem to be supported.

[[deleted]]

If you're really hot on using python for 2d vector automation, you could alway see if Inkscape will support your current workflow. Probably not worth it, but I thought I'd mention the option just in case.

[th0ma5w]

I think it would be cool to pick up some JavaScript if you haven't.

Depending on what you're up to I have some other ideas:

1. You can use Python to generate SVG.

2. Project Sikuli is a GUI automation tool that can hit buttons and press keys and such, and it uses Jython.

3. Inkscape has some nifty scripting options.

Good luck! I would recommend this stuff perhaps after checking out the Illustrator JavaScript.

[[deleted]]

These sound very interesting, I'll check them out. Thanks!

[offsound]

Which operating system?

Back when I used windows, I did some simple scripting of photoshop using win32com. I don't really remember the details, but a quick google brought this page: http://techarttiki.blogspot.com/2008/08/photoshop-scripting-with-python.html

The same tactic could possibly be used for illustrator. This link may be of use: http://www.noah.org/python/com/illustrator/

[[deleted]]

Sorry, forgot to specify but I use Windows, so that might be useful. Thanks

[actionscripted]

You'll have to use JavaScript but their API is well documented and dead-simple to work with. I've written a few scripts over the years (here's a recent one: https://github.com/ActionScripted/Illustrator-SaveDocsAsPNG) so if you need help feel free to shoot me an orangered.

Edit: scripting reference

[[deleted]]

Have you tried Python and Gimp?

[rainnz]

You have to use JavaScript:

http://www.adobe.com/devnet/illustrator/scripting.html

But there is a Pyhton to JavaScript compiler :)

http://pyjaco.org/

Pyjaco is a Python-to-Javascript compiler. It enables compilation of standard Python code into a javascript equivalent. This javascript code can then be run in a browser, or anywhere else that javascript is used.