Script to change numbers all at once...

[Ktorrance]

Hi,

I work with technical drawings...90% of my time is changing the numbers on the drawing.   I take the PDF that was created in UG/NX and then open that in Illustrator to make formatting changes, and number changes. 

What I would love, is to have a script that will let me take an excel file, text file (something)  the file would list the current numbers and list the new numbers, and have the illustrator script switch all the numbers at once.

I know there is the find and replace but that takes too long, and I have to worry about if I'm changing 2 to 5, that it's not going to change 20 to 50. Even with the script that would be a concern.

Is what I want even doable with a script,  and do you have any suggestions on how to get started?  I have someone who can help me with the code, just want to see if it's even possible.

Sample list would look something like,

Old number, New Number

1, 5

2, 6

3, 7

4, 8

5, 9

6, 10

7, 11

8, 12

9, 13

10,

11, 14

12, 15

13, 16

15,

16, 17

Numbers can go into the 400's

TIA

Karleen

[Silly-V]

You have come to the right place! This looks fine, provided that you will never have a case where one number is listed twice, replaced by two different numbers.

[Ktorrance]

thanks for answering me.

One number is never replaced by two different numbers. 

How would I get started working on the code?  VB, Java?   Any tips or suggestions would be great.  

Thanks!

[Silly-V]

Are you looking to spend a significant amount of time learning, or are you instead interested in a fast solution for the given task only?

[Ktorrance]

Fast solution.  .   Coding is not my thing,  I do have an intern who is in school for programming, just need to know how to direct her, I have her for another month or so.

[Silly-V]

Why not send her to here?

You already have the directions: use a text file, then go through the text frames and replace away! This will be an excellent learning opportunity for her.