Fill Text automatically into a grid of 50x50 squares in Illustrator

[Coldbby]

Hello. I'm new in Illustrator. I have a job to do and I don't know how to do it. I don't know if this is done with Illustrator. I would be glad if you help.

I've created a square of 1000px / 1000px. Then I turned it into a grid and divided it into 50x50 = 2500 small squares. Then I colored each 10x10 square with a different color with Live Paint. What I want to do is to print a color based specific letter in each of the small squares automatically. Is that possible? I have to automate this process in some way because it will take a lot of time if I do it manually in copy / paste form. I would appreciate it if you have a method in Illustrator and share it.

https://i.hizliresim.com/Nnzgq5.png

{Renamed by MOD}

[Kurt Gold]

If I try to follow your link I get a "403 Forbidden" message.

Can't you use some common file sharing provider like Google Drive?

[Coldbby]

Sory, Kurt Gold. I uploaded it again: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1CytjtDT9lhku3deZLiND1B5_qz9Ru93i

[Srishti Bali]

Hi there,

This might be possible through scripting hence moving this discussion to Illustrator Scripting​ forums.

Regards,

Srishti

[pixxxelschubser · Accepted solution]

A script is right - but IMO overdressed.

My "without-script solution":

• change ruler units to px
• create one symbol eg 20×20px (rectangle and letter A, both aligned)
• duplicate that symbol in symbol panel as often as you need it
• change the color and the contents of the text of the duplicates
• place a symbol instance and
• use transform effect horizontal
• use a second transform effect vertical
• menu: Object --> Expand Appearance
• ungroup three times
• replace the symbol instances
• select all instances
• use transform effect horizontal
• use a second transform effect vertical

Five minutes and: Done

[Srishti Bali]

You are a Rockstar. Thanks for sharing this.

[pixxxelschubser]

You're welcome.

The big advantage of this method is:

It is absolutely simple to change a 10 by 10 block - select the top left symbol (of the 10 by 10 block) and replace it with another one.

Hope the TO gives a feedback later.

[Coldbby]

Thank you so much, pixxxel schubser. That was exactly what I was looking for. And thanks to everyone. But I have another question about this topic. What can we do without a script if these little squares are irregular?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZqtyNBT5xmvJolbyAkWjFE8nbfnHqU-C (png)

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aaUvgIlQY7nzUtNelerKdbomxtowvKw9 (ai)

This is a free beaded bracelet pattern on the internet. Is this a hard job in Illustrator? Can't write letters without a script?

[CarlosCanto]

1. Expand your Live Paint Group

2. Ungroup your pattern (optional)

     create a pattern swatch

3. Select a letter, go to Type->Create Outlines

4. Select both the outlined letter and the background color and drag it to the swatches panel to create a pattern swatch

5. Select ONE yellow square in your pattern, then go to Select->Same Fill Color to select all yellow squares

6. Click on the Pattern Swatch you created on step 4 to apply swatch to all squares

7. Press Ctrl+K to open preferences and change Keyboard Increment to 0.5 pts

8. Press and Hold the Tilde key on your keyboard "~", then press the arrow keys to move the pattern until it's centered.

[renél80416020]

Bonjour CarlosCanto ,

very astucieu !

LR

[Coldbby]

Dear, CarlosCanto. It definitely works. You made my day. Thank you very much!

[pixxxelschubser]

Hi CarlosCanto​,

really nice.

Additional to this (second) topic:

There are several (older) replace scripts already exists in the www

eg

findAndReplaceGraphic by Nathaniel V. Kelso

CopyToMultipleObjects by John Wundes

These scripts are very well written and robust and should still work with actual Illustrator versions.

[renél80416020]

Bonjour,

Avec un script, il suffit d'un clic. (nouveau document RGB)

Le Cloud d'Orange

[renél80416020]

Hello, I can make your script for Illustrator, contact me by mail.

René Landry