How to delete specific layers?

[davejem]

Hi,

I have a large batch of files (100+) that all have the same layer structure. The top layer is called 'Guides', the next layer is called 'Object", the next layer is called 'Shadow' and it goes on down through another 5 layers. I'd like to create a script that will select delete certain layers (eg. 'Guides') before I save out a new file as part of an action. I'm coming from a background in Photoshop, where this could all be done in actions, but appears you can't select layers in Illustrator (please correct me if I'm wrong!).

Any help in creating a script would be most appreciated!

Dave

[Qwertyfly___]

app.activeDocument.layers.getByName('guides').remove();

or you could act on all open docs.

for(var i = 0; i < app.documents.length; i++){
    app.documents.layers.getByName('guides').remove();
}

the scipt to work on a folder is a bit more work...

[Qwertyfly___]

not ideal but it works...

// Batch remove layer from files
// Qwertyfly
// 17-4-2015


// -------------------- WARNING ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// this will overwrite files - make sure you have made copies of the files before running
//------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


// these variables need to be updated before running
var workingDirectory = '~/Desktop/~~~Crap/tst';  // Add folder to process here
var fileType = 'ai';  // make sure you update the file type here
var layerToRemove = 'guides'; // and here is the layer you wish removed


var reg = new RegExp("\.("+fileType+")$", 'i'); 
var dir = Folder(workingDirectory);
var files = dir.getFiles(reg);
var log = files.length + ' Files Processed \n';
for(var i = 0; i < files.length; i++){
    var file = File(dir + '/' + files.name);
    var doc = app.open(file); 
    try{
        app.activeDocument.layers.getByName(layerToRemove).remove();
        log += files.name + ' - "'+layerToRemove+'" Layer removed \n';
    }
    catch(err){
       log += files.name + ' - Has no "'+layerToRemove+'" Layer \n';
    }
    doc.close();
    doc = null
}


txtlog = new File(workingDirectory + '/textlog.txt');
var isopen = txtlog.open("w"); //open file for editing  
if (isopen)//test file is open  
{  
   txtlog.seek(0,0);   
   txtlog.write(log);   
   txtlog.close();  
}  

[davejem]

Wow, thanks for that. I tried the first  answer you gave and that worked nicely on individual files, and tomorrow I'll try this.

Thanks very much!

Dave

[Qwertyfly___]

no problem.

make sure you make copies of your files first.

I would hate for it to Bug out and make a mess of anything.

PS. not tested on anything but ai files

[elDudereno]

Line 31  can be changed to:

    doc.close( SaveOptions.SAVECHANGES );

to avoid a dialogue box.

[Qwertyfly___]

‌good to know. Thanks.

i Was not getting any dialog box when I was running it.

may be due to only running it from ESTK

[urielt87568523]

Hi Dave,

The script work for you? how to run it? i try to run the script on AI 2019 no response....
Please advice

Thanks in advance

[pixxxelschubser]

You need a layer (not an object, not a sublayer) with name: guides.

This layer will be removed. Works in Illu CC 2019 as well.