Action to add specific dimension to left and right side of current Artboard?

[rcraighead]

I have an Action that sizes a single Artboard based on a user-defined rectangle. Later in the Action I want to automatically add 1mm to each side of the Artboard. Is this possible in an Action? I see no way to "add" to the current size since Actions have no variables. As a workaround I have tried to have the Action at least open the "Artboard Options" dialog, but this does not appear to be an "Actionable" event. Right now my only options seem to be a "STOP" directing the user to add to the Artboard size "manually" or have the redefine a rectangle that can be used to update the artboard size.

Any ideas?

[Doug A Roberts]

would it be possible to create a rectangle, use that to define the artboard size, then remove the rectangle, as part of the action? since it seems you can both set notes for objects and select objects by their note.

[rcraighead]

Hi Doug,

Yes, that'll be my workaround. I was just hoping not to force the user to input more numbers since I simply need to add a specific amount to each side of the the artboard.

Not knowing Javascript is my real challenge.

[Doug A Roberts]

ah i see. the initial artboard is not a set size.

i wish i had more time to devote to scripting too. there was a period a few years ago where i learned some basics, but never had a chance to progress further.

[rcraighead]

I know the feeling, Doug.

[Kurt Gold]

Can you share the .aia file and include some instructions?

[Kurt Gold]

Kobold Productions sincerely presents Craighead’s Artboard Extender:

craighead_artboard_extender.aia.zip - Google Drive

To test:

- Open a new document.

- Load the .aia file.

- Make sure that Align to Artboard is turned on in the Align palette.

- Play the action.

The sample action adds 5 mm to each side of the artboard. You can modify that value in action step 18.

[rcraighead]

Kurt, you're the man! This does almost exactly what I need.

I think with a tweak or two it'll be there. I am actually trying to only expand the left and right sides of the artboard. I will work with the ideas you've given me and see if I can make the adjustment needed.

It really helps to have a fresh perspective! Really appreciate it.

[Kurt Gold · Accepted solution]

There are just three modifications required to add the dimensions only to the left and right side of the artboard. Example:

artboard_extender_left_right.aia.zip - Google Drive

By the way, I realized that the most recent English versions of Illustrator have some localisation issues with actions that are made with an international non-english version of Illustrator. If the action doesn't work in CC 2017 (english) it probably has to be re-recorded in that version in order to work properly.

[Doug A Roberts]

the action works on my end, though as it keeps the German step names it can be a little hard to decipher what it is up to!

[Kurt Gold]

Not that long ago your mother country used to be pretty good at deciphering secret German code.

Sorry, couldn't resist. Thanks for reporting that it works.

[Doug A Roberts]

i wonder if one could write an Enigma machine in javascript.

[Monika Gause]

You can.

Maybe you could even incorporate that in Illustrator scripts 🙂

Enigma-Simulation in Javascript/HTML

[rcraighead]

Works like a charm, Kurt. I am in your debt. I'll try to understand just how you did it and keep learning.

[MrZZY]

Sadly, I don't seem to be able to access this. It's hidden behind some sort of controlled area.

[Kurt Gold]

It has something to do with a major change that Google introduced a while ago when it comes to access older download links. Looks like one has to first ask for some sort of unlocking the links. I will take a look for a way to generally unlock them, but that may take some time.

[MrZZY]

Thanks Kurt.