Scripts: Select an object with a note, duplicating and applying swatch

[big_smile]

I am trying to write a Javascript that can do the following:

1) Select an object whose note has <Object Name> (so its layers is also selected)

2) Duplicate the layer of that object

3) Rename the new layer to <Layer Name>

4) Apply a swatch to the object on the new layer (the object is only single colour)

5) Apply a new note to the object (over-writing the original note).

I also want to write a separate script that can do the following:

1) Select an Object whose note has <Object Name> (so its layer is selected as well)

2) Hide all other layers

3) Save a copy of the document with a specific name

I can do this as an Illustrator action. However, I need several different copies of the scripts where the Object Name, Layer Name, Swatch and File Name changes.

Re-recording the action to change the names is cumbersome.

I have looked at the Illustrator scripting reference, but cannot see any commands for select objects by their notes.

I was wondering if someone could give me some pointers on how to proceed (Or possibly, if feeling very generous, could write the script for me )

[Muppet Mark]

This will show you how to select based on object note… My example selects muppets… This is hard coded by script will let you input/change this from a dialog box where your action wouldn't…

#target illustrator
var doc = app.activeDocument;
var allMyArt = doc.pageItems;
var toSelect = Array();
for ( var i = 0; i < allMyArt.length; i++ ) {
          if ( allMyArt.note == 'muppet' ) { toSelect.push( foo ) }; 
};
doc.selection = toSelect;

I may need screen grabs to get a better understanding of your problem ( a simplified example of layers expanded is best ) B4 and after…

[big_smile]

Thank you for your help. When I run the script, it says FOO is undefined. Here is the before and after:

(I've removed some of the layers to make the screenshots more compact, but the ones left still have the attribute names)

[Muppet Mark]

That's my error changing variables before posting… I can't edit that post now but this should fix it… Plus give you a very basic UI to enter a value…

#target illustrator
var n = prompt( 'Please enter your \'Note\' string…', 'muppet', 'Note finder' );
findNote( n );
function findNote( n ) {
          var doc = app.activeDocument;
          var allMyArt = doc.pageItems;
          var toSelect = Array();
          for ( var i = 0; i < allMyArt.length; i++ ) {
                    if ( allMyArt.note == n ) { toSelect.push( allMyArt ) }; 
          };
          doc.selection = toSelect;
};

Oh I didn't mean b4 n after running a duff script… What you do with actions so I can see what objects are duplicated where then coloured…

[big_smile]

Hi Thanks for your help. I have sent you a private message.

[Muppet Mark]

I have the PM and will take a look over it tomorrom… Getting late now UK time zone…

[andyf65867865]

the line 

if ( allMyArt.note == n ) { toSelect.push( allMyArt ) }; 

in order to work, it must be as follows 

if ( allMyArt[i].note == n ) { toSelect.push( allMyArt ) }; 

[michael_mandahl]

I really like this script. I have been playing around with the note feature and I am finding that a lot can be done by applying notes to text as well as graphics.

What I would like to figure out how to do is have a script that will select a text line with a specific note and either have a simple drop down that enters text or allows me to type in a dialog that will place the text on the line for me. Something to save me a few steps of selecting a text box, selecting the text and then changing the text.