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run jsx from outside illustrator

Jun 21, 2012 8:58 AM

I am trying to automate the process of making business cards. I have figured out how to get variables from an xml file, now I want there to be a script that runs when either the xml file is updated or when a webpage is loaded, it should be completely independent of illustrator. So if the xml is updated it goes through and crunches out new versions of the cards and saves the pdf somwhere (I have this currently set with an action), with out me being involved.

 

I want to be finished with business cards!

386 Views   5 Replies   Latest reply: [scott w], Jun 21, 2012 11:30 AM
 
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  • [scott w]
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    1. [scott w],
    Jun 21, 2012 9:38 AM   in reply to Ineedsleep
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    Okay.

     

     

    Was there a question there?

     

    You'll want to script the OS, not illustrator, if you want zombie processess.

     
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  • Ineedsleep
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    2. Ineedsleep,
    Jun 21, 2012 10:51 AM   in reply to Ineedsleep
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    How would I do that?

     

    I want to have an illustrator based business card that can be updated by xml and then have it out put a pdf without having anything to do with illustrator so that people with no illustrator can modify and create business cards.

     
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  • [scott w]
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    3. [scott w],
    Jun 21, 2012 10:59 AM   in reply to Ineedsleep
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    Well.... that's an OS question, not an Illustrator question. And I'm not entirely certain how anyone could answer even if they wanted to since you've posted absolutely zero information about your working environment.

     

    And if Illustrator is the application being used to make edits... you can't script it for those without illustrator. You can't create PDFs from Illustrator without using Illustrator.

     
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  • Ineedsleep
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    4. Ineedsleep,
    Jun 21, 2012 11:23 AM   in reply to [scott w]
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    so I guess the only way to go is an action in illustrator?

     
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  • [scott w]
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    5. [scott w],
    Jun 21, 2012 11:30 AM   in reply to Ineedsleep
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    No. As I've posted, you can script the OS.

     

    You can configure an automated OS script to open illustrator update files, save as PDF, then close Illustrator. So it would run without you touching Illustrator specifically. In most cases, you could set the script to auto-run when the xml file is updated. But, also as I've posted, how you do this depends on whatever operating system you're running. Applescript can do it on the Mac. VBscript should havndle it okay in Windows.

     

    In either case.... you will need to have Illustrator on the machine.

     
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