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MonadWorks
Participant
September 30, 2025
Question

ExtendScript API for Shape Builder Tool Automation

  • September 30, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 89 views

Dear Adobe Illustrator Team,


I would like to request a feature enhancement for Adobe Illustrator scripting. Currently, the Shape Builder Tool (Shift + M) requires manual clicking on each shape region, which prevents full automation via ExtendScript or JavaScript.

 

Problem:
When working with multiple artboards containing complex and varying designs, it is not possible to automatically unify, subtract, or merge faces using scripts.

 

Request:
Please provide an ExtendScript-compatible API that allows scripts to apply Shape Builder Tool operations (Unite, Minus, Intersect, etc.) to all selectable faces or paths automatically, without manual clicking.

 

Benefits:
Streamlines workflow for designers and developers handling batch processing.

Enables fully automated SVG export pipelines.
Saves significant time when working with complex designs or multiple artboards.

 

Many Illustrator users would greatly benefit from this functionality, especially those integrating scripting into production pipelines.

Thank you for considering this enhancement.

Best regards.

1 reply

CarlosCanto
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 30, 2025

while you wait for API updates can you post a sample of the types of shapes you wish to Unite? You can use Effects to achieve boolean operations