Custom scripts and automation

Beyond what actions can do

Illustrator actions are handy, but they can't make decisions, read your files or follow your rules. A PowerScript can. It works through your files intelligently, so the repetitive, error-prone set-up work is done the same way every time.

As an example, we built a PowerScript for a large printing business to prepare display banners for print. It:

• Opens single or multi-page PDF files, page by page
• Works out the size of the artwork and rescales it to the output size
• Creates bleed when the file has none, by mirroring the edges of the artwork
• Applies the right template, adds annotations and a key line
• Adds a cutting path for an automated Zünd cutter
• Makes a delivery label with a small preview of the job and sends it to a hot folder to print
• Makes an A4 job sheet with a visual and the specifications (such as the final cut size) for the press operators
• Exports a print-ready PDF to a hot folder, with the scale and PDF settings in the file name
• Saves the visual and the final PDF to the client's archive for reprints

All of it runs on one file or on a whole batch. Fewer mistakes, faster set-up, and every file done the same way.

Talks to your other tools

A custom PowerScript doesn't have to stop at the edge of Illustrator. We have built scripts for large companies that connect straight to their own systems, so the job information comes to the artwork instead of someone typing it in.

• Your job management and ordering systems: pull in order details, job specifications and artwork files, and send status updates back when a file is done.
• Your own APIs and web services: internal endpoints, third-party services or web-based platforms, whatever your workflow already uses.
• Your files and network: read from and save to the folders and network drives the user already has access to, and route finished jobs to the right hot folder or archive.
• Accounting and production data: collect the details designers and prepress operators need, so everything about the job is right there in Illustrator.

Scripts only reach the systems and folders you choose, with the access you give them.

Licensing and roll-out for companies

Your custom script runs inside PowerScripts, so it comes with the same licensing and update system our own scripts use. You don't have to build or look after any of it.

• Single or unlimited use: licence it for a few people or for the whole company, whichever suits.
• Manage your own licences online: a company account where you see every computer, and which ones are up to date.
• Revoke access at any time: when someone leaves, switch off their access to PowerScripts and your custom scripts from the website.
• Send staff everything they need: email a person their licence key, the installer link and install instructions straight from your account.
• Updates for everyone at once: when we improve your script, the update goes out to every computer automatically.

Who it's for

• Print shopsThe same set-up on every job: bleed, marks, cut paths, job sheets.
• Sign and display makersBanners, hems and eyelets, cutter files, scaled output.
• Packaging and labelsDielines, step and repeat, variable data, proofs.
• Design studiosBrand templates, exports and file checks done the same way by everyone.