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¶eter
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How to call a swatch from the library

Jul 20, 2012 8:31 AM

Tags: #library #pantone #extendscript #swatches

Hi,

 

I'm writing a script to create a new AI document with a restricted swatchbook. The designer is supposed to use only the swatches/inks provided by this script.

So far I was able to delete all current swatches and add a CMYK or RGB spotcolor swatch.

 

var inkt02 = app.activeDocument.spots.add();

inkt02.name = 'inkt 2';

inkt02.colorType = ColorModel.SPOT;

var kleur02 = new CMYKColor();

kleur02.black = 10;

kleur02.cyan = 80;

kleur02.magenta = 0;

kleur02.yellow = 90;

inkt02.color = kleur02;

var newSpotColor = new SpotColor();

newSpotColor = inkt02;

newSpotColor.tint = 100;

thePallet.addSpot(newSpotColor);

 

Often we will be dealing with Pantone colors. No need to define these, as they are inside AI already, right? But how to call them from the library?

 

I'm new to ExtendScript, but this forum (and google) helped me along nicely so far :-)  I don't have a concrete use case for this yet, but I decided on this exercise as a good way to learn about ExtendScript.

593 Views   6 Replies   Latest reply: ¶eter, Jul 22, 2012 11:48 PM
 
Replies
  • CarlosCanto
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    1. CarlosCanto,
    Jul 20, 2012 9:58 AM   in reply to ¶eter
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    there's no access to library swatches, other than the main swatches palette. You would need to add those pantones to a document, then open or place that document to have access to them.

     
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  • ¶eter
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    2. ¶eter,
    Jul 20, 2012 10:15 AM   in reply to CarlosCanto
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    Bummer. Thanks for the fast response! I'll consider the "library document"...

     
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  • Muppet Mark
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    3. Muppet Mark,
    Jul 20, 2012 10:38 AM   in reply to ¶eter
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    You picked a good topic to start your learning… Total road block, such are the frustrations of scripting…   Best to get all of these out the way in the early days… and move on…

     
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  • CarlosCanto
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    4. CarlosCanto,
    Jul 20, 2012 11:03 AM   in reply to Muppet Mark
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    correct, it'll be a bumpy road...get the chill pills ready ....but anyhow you'll enjoy it for the most part, Mark will cheer you up.

     
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  • Muppet Mark
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    5. Muppet Mark,
    Jul 20, 2012 12:59 PM   in reply to CarlosCanto
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    A bad workman can blame his tools… but here your forgiven… Why on earth would you want to re-colo(u)r art…? Never heard of it, now stop being silly…

     
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  • ¶eter
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    6. ¶eter,
    Jul 22, 2012 11:48 PM   in reply to Muppet Mark
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    I don't have a solid scripting background, but it does seem very powerful. There are limitations at everything, I'm sure I won't need the library for every exercise that pops my mind...

     

    I'm in the printing industry, not a designer myselves. The idea behind the script is a connection with the sales side. In the sales tool is defined what inks can be in the to-be designed artwork. Currently this has to be communicated (mail, order sheet...)  I thought it would be nice if the server can create upfront an AI with the limited inkset inside.  Aiming for a paperless office!

     

    Thanks for the help! I'm sure I'll visit this forum more often.

     
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