Adjust dashes is not possible via Scripting (SVG export dashes problem)

[Harald Dev]

Hello,

it is not possible to use this function in the Stroke menu in Illustrator 2015 via Scripting:

This is the reason, why I use this Javascript function:

s.h's page : Scripts for Adobe Illustrator CS

Now I have a Problem, when I export a drawing in SVG format.

I have today a discussion in the Illustrator forum:

Export SVG changed the dashed line

The end of the discussion was, that the SVG export works, when I use the internal Illustrator function.

Unfortunately the SVG export does not work with the Javascript function.

I use the Javascript function in Illustrator. And the drawing looks fine in Illustrator:

But when I export the drawing in SVG Format, then center line is wrong:

When I adjust the dashes with the internal Illustrator function, then the SVG export looks fine.

Note: The drawing is imported in Illustrator from DWG format.

What can I do?

Can I use the internal Illustrator function in the newest Version via Scripting?

Is there an update of the Javascript function?

Any other workaround possible?

Best regards

Harald

[Loic.Aigon]

Not sure it will be the perfect answer but you could outline the paths prior to svg exports.

//Outlining stroke (given it's previously selected)

app.executeMenuCommand("OffsetPath v22");

[Disposition_Dev]

Can you save a graphic style with your preferred stroke settings and then access the graphic style via script and apply it to a path(s)?

[Loic.Aigon]

You may as well play on SVG coordinatePrecision property. Raise it to max and see if there is any changes :

https://www.indesignjs.de/extendscriptAPI/illustrator-latest/#ExportOptionsSVG.html

[Harald Dev]

1. The coordinatePrecison=7 gives also wrong result.
2. I have no experience with graphic styles for center lines.
3. When I use Object->Path->Outline stroke before SVG export it works!
   But I am not sure, if there are other negative effects?

I have done a lot of tests now!

It looks like a scaling problem, because the SVG Export works, when I open my DWG file with scaling=5 instead scaling=1.

[Disposition_Dev]

Potential negative effects include

     not having as much freedom to edit the file after it's saved (or at least not edit it in the same way as you would it it was a live stroke).

     slightly increased file size due to a larger number of anchor points.

My recommendation is to duplicate the artwork, then hide the original, expand the duplicate, export your svg, then delete the duplicate and reveal the original. that way you're not being destructive with your original file, but you still get the export results you're looking for.

[CarlosCanto]

is your script drawing the lines? or is it just exporting to svg?

[Harald Dev]

The drawing is a DWG file. My Illustrator script did:

- Open DWG file

- Align the center lines with the Javascript function I mentioned above

  Because I cannot use the internal Illlustrator function in the Stroke menu

- Export to SVG

[CarlosCanto]

Align Dashes remembers your last setting. So if you could redraw the center lines, they will inherit the setting.

[Harald Dev]

I have done several tests. The center lines are correct when I use the internal Illustrator stroke buttons:

When I did this steps manually:

- Open DWG file

- Use the stroke menu to align the dashes (not Javascript function)

- Export to SVG

Then the center lines in the SVG file are correct.

It seems, the Javascript function is not working correctly.

What can I do?