Today we have prepared an overview of the best free Illustrator scripts on the market. The list is systematized and is divided into several groups according to functionality. Groups include working with paths and points, different types of distribution of shapes, generating objects, working with Layers panel, text object and so on.
Scripts Installation and running
You can install scripts into Illustrator’s Scriptfolder, which is in the following example location (the actual location will depend on your installation of Illustrator and language):
Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe IllustratorCC 2014\Presets\en_GB\Scripts
Mac OS: Applications/Adobe\Adobe Illustrator CC 2014\Presets\en_GB\Scripts
In this case, to run the script go to File> Scripts> …
You can also put the script in any other convenient location on your hard drive. In this case, to run the script go to File> Scripts> Other Script … (Cmd / Ctrl + F12).
It is very convenient to start often used scripts with the help of the Script Bay plug-in. This free plug-in gives access to the list of scripts from the panel which can always be placed in a convenient spot for you.
Now look at the list of scripts which are separated by functionality:
Scripts for working with paths, anchor points and handles
This script will twist objects selected control handles by the same amounts. After running the script you have an opportunity to choose one of five options for Handle Type, then set the parameters for Handle Lengths and Angles.
For more advanced interactive multi-handle control, please refer to the PathScribe tool as part of VectorScribe.
This script will create flowery shapes from basic shapes. Great for creating interesting patterns, logos, and so on.
This is also something often demonstrated by Astute Graphics when controlling multiple handles using PathScribe. It’s great fun!
The script merges nearly overlapped anchor points and reports how many anchor points had been reduced.
Also refer to the Remove Redundant Anchor Point function in PathScribe.
This script closes all open paths in the current document. It does not connect touching paths.
The script changes the direction of the selected paths in accordance with the direction of the top object. That means that after the script is applied all the selected paths will have the same direction.
This script copies the top most object to the position and size of all other selected objects.
Objects distributing scripts
The script fills outline shape with packed circles.
To take this result further, you may wish to look at ColliderScribe.
This script allocates the objects in equal distance from each other along the chosen path. You can allocate different objects which are located in one or a couple of groups.
This script duplicates the foreground object or group in the locations of the selected anchor points.
The script rotates the objects in the selection toward the center of the foreground object.
The script rotates randomly located objects at a certain angle of top most object.
This script colors objects in accordance with data that can be presented in absolute and percentage terms. It’s useful for the expressing of data in graphic form.
This script was designed to perform mirror reflection of object(s) relatively to the selected object(s) and the chosen coordinates.
Scripts that generate objects based on other objects or data
This script creates Metaball-like shapes.
This script draws common tangents to the selected curved lines, if it is possible.
For interactive placement of tangent and perpendicular paths, download and install the free SubScribe plug-in.
This script draws tangent lines from a selected anchor point to selected curved segments. You can use an isolated point as the starting point. In this case, the starting isolated point is removed after drawing tangents.
Again, the free SubScribe plug-in would also be of interest with this.
The script allows generating QR code in Illustrator.
With this script you can create a calendar in just a few clicks. Select the year, name the months and days and you are done. There are some languages integrated: UK, RU, DE, UA.
Scripts with Random functions
This script demonstrates an easy way of randomizing the selection of a given number of objects. The user can specify a percentage of up to how many objects should be considered relative (percent) to the number of objects in the current selection.
The script randomly paints the objects into the colors that have been selected in the Swatches panel.
The script randomly changes the opacity of selected objects within the range 0% -100%.
The script randomly rotates a linear gradient angle of all selected objects.
The script places the selected objects in random stacking order in the Layers panel. I used this script for Realistic Vector Sand and Pebble Texture Tutorial.
Scripts for working in the layers panel
This script deletes all layers which do not have content in the current document.
This script automatically exports each layer in a document as separate PNG or PDF files.
Scripts for working with colors
This script allows you to change the color swatches for fill and stroke to the other color swatches.
This script will give you the closest match of a PMS color from a selected CMYK color.
Illustrator CS3 users and later should also take a good look at the Live Color (renamed Recolor Artwork in later versions of Illustrator) function found native in Illustrator. It is much more complex to operate than John’s plug-in, but also offers greater functionality.
Scripts for working with text objects
This script divides multi-line text fields into separate text frame objects.
This script will join selected text frames together.
The script allows you to reset the text objects and bitmap images to horizontal position. The script removes the transformation as Scale, Rotate, and Shear for bitmap objects, and Rotate and Shear for text objects.
For the straightening of objects including images, also try the Orient tool found free in SubScribe plug-in.
The script merges text (including text on a path) into one text object, while retaining the style attributes of the individual pieces, including character styles as well as paragraph styles.
This script generates polyline text.
Iaroslav Lazunov is a graphic designer from Zhytomyr, Ukraine who has found the job that allows him to share his extensive knowledge and experiments with Adobe Illustrator and plug-ins from Astute Graphics. Iaroslav was also a key author over at Vector Tuts+ as well as his own website Vectorboom
FAQs
Similar Maker Light is a script for Adobe Illustrator which allows you to replace objects with another, mix objects and swap them. This script will do routine tasks instead of you and will redesign your illustrations fast and easy. There are three functions for working with objects: Replace, Random, Move.
How do I create a script in Illustrator? ›
Follow these steps:
- Start any text editor (for example, Notepad).
- Type the following code: Rem Hello World Set appRef = CreateObject("Illustrator. ...
- Save the file as text-only in a folder of your choice, using the file extension . vbs .
- To test the script, do one of the following:
If you write Illustrator-specific scripts that use the Illustrator JavaScript DOM directly, you will create ExtendScript files, which are distinguished by the . jsx extension.
Can you automate Adobe Illustrator? ›
There are many ways to automate tasks in Illustrator by using actions, scripts, and data-driven graphics. A series of tasks that we play on a file or a batch of files is called action, such as - menu commands, panel options, tool actions, and so on.
How to convert AI to SVG without Illustrator? ›
Start Inkscape on your computer, go to File > Open, on the Select file to open box, locate and select the Ai file you want to convert to SVG, click Open from the bottom, on the next box that appears, leave all the settings to their defaults, and click OK to open the SVG file in Inkscape.
Where are Illustrator scripts? ›
General startup scripts folder
| Windows | /Program Files/Common Files/Adobe/Startup Scripts CC/Illustrator |
|---|
| Mac OS | /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Startup Scripts CC/Illustrator |
How to Write a Script – Top 10 Tips
- Finish your script. This is so important. ...
- Read along as you watch. ...
- Inspiration can come from anywhere. ...
- Make sure your characters want something. ...
- Show. ...
- Write to your strengths. ...
- Starting out - write about what you know. ...
- Free your characters from cliché
What is the difference between AI and EPS files? EPS files are older, larger, and more flexible than AI files. AI files, on the other hand, are smaller, yet more detailed, than EPS files. If you want to manage your file sizes, AI may be your go-to file format.
What language is used in Adobe Scripts? ›
ExtendScript is a scripting language and an associated toolkit developed by Adobe Systems, intended for use with Creative Suite and Technical Communication Suite products. It is a dialect of the ECMAScript 3 standard and therefore similar to JavaScript and ActionScript.
What file is best for Illustrator? ›
AI files are the native vector file type for Adobe Illustrator. With an AI file, designers can scale their graphics, drawings, and images infinitely with no impact on resolution.
According to the support document, Adobe says that the reason behind the removal of the apps is because most of the features has since been brought over to its Fresco app. “Everything you love in Photoshop Sketch and Illustrator Draw has been combined and more in Adobe Fresco.
Why is Adobe Illustrator shutting down? ›
Lack of RAM and limited storage on your computer will not only slow down the program but can also cause crashes. The minimum RAM requirement to run Adobe Illustrator is 8GB, but it's highly recommended to have 16GB memory especially if you do professional projects and use other design software as well.
Do professionals use Adobe Illustrator? ›
Adobe Illustrator is often considered the gold standard of software programs in a variety of creative professions. It enables users to create detailed and scalable graphics that serve all kinds of purposes.
Which is better SVG or AI? ›
Takeaway. The greatest drawback to AI files is that they are tied to Adobe Technologies. And this makes them hard to access using other editing tools. With the rising demand for scalable and responsive image formats for web use, SVG has become the more recommended option.
What is the difference between SVG and EPS vs AI? ›
Short answer: AI is more capable than SVG. EPS and PDF are final, compact, one way file format. Its purpose is to be consumed as a document, either for screen or for print. It is not intended as a 'working' document.
Can Inkscape open AI files? ›
Inkscape natively supports opening or importing many different formats, such as SVG, SVGZ (gzipped SVG), PDF, EPS, and AI (Adobe Illustrator) formats.
Can you digitize in Illustrator? ›
You could, of course, draw on an iPad or a drawing tablet. But if you don't have access to either—or you just love the feel of pencil and paper—you need a way to turn your paper drawings into digital art. Luckily, this is as simple as scanning and uploading them into a vectorizing software, such as Adobe Illustrator.
How do I digitize my own embroidery designs? ›
The basic steps of digitIzing
- Step 1: Upload Your Logo to the Digitizing Software…
- Step 2: Set Embroidery Design Size…
- Step 3: Choose Your Stitch Type…
- Step 4: Set Stitch Direction…
- Step 5: Set Your Embroidery Thread Colors…
- Step 6: Transfer the File to Your Embroidery Machine...
Screenplays and Scripts on the Open Web
- BBC Script Library.
- Drew's Script-o-Rama.
- The Internet Movie Script Database.
- The Script Lab.
- Shore Scripts - TV Series Bibles.
- Simply Scripts.
- TV Writing.
- Vintage Radio Script Library.
To run a script using the default engine:
Double click the script in Windows Explorer or on the desktop. Click Start, select Run, and enter the script name.
Scripting language support in Adobe Illustrator
Illustrator scripting supports VBScript and JavaScript scripts for Windows, and AppleScript and JavaScript scripts for Mac OS.
Where can you access all the Illustrator panels from? ›
By default, Illustrator has a basic set of tools in the toolbar, but that can leave a lot of important tools in the dark. Head up to Window > Toolbars and switch to the Advanced option to show a complete set of tools in the toolbar.
Where can I find freelance illustrators? ›
Where can I look for an illustrator?
- Fiverr.
- Guru.
- AIGA Design Jobs.
- 99designs.
- Freelancer.
- Boonle.
- Designhill.
- Toptal.
Start a new Creative Cloud Library by clicking the plus button inside the Libraries panel in Adobe Illustrator (Window > Libraries).
Is scripts app free? ›
Google Apps Script is a javascript cloud scripting language and it is free to use as long as you do not need higher quotas than defined here: https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/services/quotas If you need higher quotas than listed there - I would suggest you take into consideration to build your own ...
How much does it cost to make a script? ›
Shorter episodes tend to cost less but some writers have a fixed episode rate and charge per episode while others will have a fixed rate to produce all episodes for a series or season. Very generally speaking, TV episode scripts garner between $50,000 and $120,000 per episode based on WGA minimums.
Are EPS files outdated? ›
EPS is still in use, but it is essentially an outdated file format that no longer evolves. For exchanging logos or drawings, it has been replaced by the native file formats of Adobe applications. Adobe has made it easy to drop a native Illustrator or Photoshop file in an InDesign document.
How do I convert a JPEG to an EPS or AI file? ›
Adobe Illustrator is a commonly used program to convert files to EPS.
...
In a nutshell, it works like this:
- Open the JPG, PNG or other file format (see list above) in Illustrator.
- Trace the image by hand. This involves tracing each shape in the image and filling it with a color.
- Save the file as an EPS file.
Designer supports two scripting languages, each geared towards the needs of a particular type of form developer.
Does Adobe use C++? ›
C++ allows Adobe engineers to continue creating code without losing backward compatibility, meaning old features can easily be incorporated into the new code.
Adobe Illustrator
| Adobe Illustrator CC running on macOS High Sierra |
|---|
| Stable release | 2023 (27.0) / October 18, 2022 |
| Written in | C++, ActionScript |
| Operating system | Windows 10 and macOS 10.12 Sierra and later |
| Type | Vector graphics editor |
7 more rows1. The pen tool. The pen tool is a versatile feature in Illustrator and can not only be used to create all sorts of shapes but also to trace hand-drawn sketches and effectively create quick and editable drawings.
What is considered as the most powerful tool in Adobe Illustrator? ›
The most powerful drawing tool found in Illustrator is the Pen tool. With the Pen tool, you can create and precisely edit anchor points to make paths.
Is PNG or JPEG better for Illustrator? ›
Because of their different compression processes, JPEGs contain less data than PNGs — and therefore, are usually smaller in size. Unlike JPEGs, PNGs support transparent backgrounds, making them preferred for graphic design.
How to buy Illustrator forever? ›
No, there isn't a one-time purchase option for Adobe Illustrator, as it's subscription-only software.
How much is Illustrator 2023? ›
For the Single App paid month to month, the cost is $31.49, but the yearly commitment is discounted to $20.99 per month. If you choose to be charged upfront, you pay $239.88.
Is Adobe going out of business? ›
Adobe isn't going out of business.
Is there Adobe Illustrator 2023? ›
The latest/most current version of Adobe Illustrator on the desktop is April 2023 release, version 27.5, and Illustrator on the iPad is October 2022 release, version 3.0. To learn about new features in Illustrator on the desktop and iPad, see What's New.
Is Illustrator free forever? ›
No, the free trial is only available for desktop and iPad. Adobe does offer a collection of free mobile apps for both iOS and Android. Explore all Creative Cloud products for mobile.
Why is Adobe Illustrator so expensive? ›
From Photoshop to Illustrator, Adobe provides a robust range of tools for designers to utilize when crafting digital mock-ups, webpages, & user data. However, with that range comes a hefty price tag. The reason Adobe software has gotten so expensive is due to its unmatched ability for innovation.
Across the United States and the globe, illustrators earn a great living. Whether freelancer or in-house, with the right skills and experience, you can carve out your own piece of this lucrative field.
Is Illustrator a valuable skill? ›
Regardless of your overall goals, learning Illustrator is a valuable and impressive skill to add to your resume.
Is Illustrator still relevant? ›
Illustrator was initially released in 1987 and it continues to be updated at regular intervals, and is now included as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. Illustrator is widely used by graphic designers, web designers, visual artists, and professional illustrators throughout the world to create high quality artwork.
How do you replace similar objects in Illustrator? ›
Copy the object you want to replace with, then select one of many copies you want to replace and use Select > Start Global Edit command. Using Shift, unmark those copies you don't want to affect. Isolate the targeted copy. Paste the copied object and position it correctly relatively the old object.
What is better than Illustrator? ›
Best Adobe Illustrator alternatives
- Inkscape.
- Vectr.
- Apache OpenOffice Draw.
- GIMP.
- Pixlr.
- Vectee*zy.
- Boxy SVG.
- Affinity Designer.
First launched in 1989, CorelDRAW is an Illustrator alternative that has a big following among artists and illustrators.
How do you global edit in Illustrator? ›
Select an object and click Start Global Edit in the Quick Actions section of the Properties panel. All similar objects will now be selected. You can deselect any object in the group that you don't want to edit by holding down the Shift key and clicking it.
How do you manipulate shapes in Illustrator? ›
Shift-drag a bounding box handle to resize the shape proportionally. Press Option+Shift (MacOS) or Alt+Shift (Windows) and drag to scale proportionally from the center. To rotate an ellipse, move the pointer away from a bounding box handle until you see the Rotate icon.
How do you make an object look vintage in Illustrator? ›
Apply an opacity mask to the artwork
- Open the Transparency panel by choosing Window > Transparency. ...
- Drag the traced texture on top of the artwork.
- Select the artwork and the texture that will become the opacity mask.
- Click Make Mask. ...
- If your traced artwork is black, deselect Clip to see the mask applied to the artwork.
