Illustrator Chart Automation
The Windows-based database department at the DCA works in
Microsoft Access only, and sharing data with the Mac-based
graphics department had always been an issue. By using AppleScript,
we were able to take tab-delimited exports from Access and
use them to seamlessly build customized graphics.
With this script, it is easy for the DCA to continually update the charts as the data changes.
How Do I Learn To Do This?
The AppleScript Pro Sessions training event covers
using AppleScript with Illustrator with a specific section
on the basics of creating charts and graphs.
QuickTime Demo
(8.3 megs)
Illustrator Demo Script
(1.1 megs)
"Adobe Illustrator has one of the best implementations
of the AppleScript object model available. But for years people
asked, "Why would anyone want to script Illustrator?
It is a creative program?" This is a prime example of
how useful it can be. For previous publications, the charts
were created using Excel, and then the graphics department
went through a tedious process of opening them in Freehand,
cleaning up some problems, and saving each as EPS files. This
time, they wanted charts to be fully automated and of prepress
quality. Because of Illustrator's great scripting support,
it was the ideal choice, and once again AppleScript served
as a tool for introducing a client to another graphics program."
Ray Robertson
Scripting Events LLC
Ray Robertson
Scripting Events LLC
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Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of the products or services. All understandings, agreements, or warranties, if any, take place directly between the vendors and prospective users.