Variables Importer, SVG format

Hi Kangi,

I’ve worked with the Variable Importer script before, and from my experience, Illustrator doesn’t natively support SVG files as variable images in the same way it does with raster formats (like JPG, PNG, TIFF, etc.). That’s why you’re seeing the “image missing” error — the script is looking for a supported raster format.

A workaround you could try:

• Convert your SVGs into high-resolution PNGs or TIFFs before importing.

• Keep the converted images in a dedicated folder and point the Variable Importer path there.

• If you want to retain vector scalability, you may need to manually link SVGs into your template rather than through the variables panel.

It’s not as elegant, but it avoids compatibility issues. Unless someone rewrites parts of the script to add SVG support, this is usually the safest route.

By the way, I totally get where you’re coming from. In our line of work with custom sportswear manufacturing, we also deal with vector graphics daily — from team logos to complex design patterns. While SVG is great for scalability, most production workflows (like sublimation printing or embroidery setup) still require raster conversions at some point. So, even in apparel design, we often prep both raster and vector versions depending on the process.

Hope this helps clear things up a bit!

Cheers,
Hamid Jadoon

I'm not that steeped in AI scripting and can only tell you these things from my generic knowledge of scripting in other apps or the web. I'm sure I could figure it out, given enough time, but this is really one heck of a script to chew through and looking up the correct code for the import would be it's own research...

Mylenium 

The import options would indeed have to be adapted to use of other files by defining the importer functions and variables. In this case it seems the getScriptImage() function needs to be modified accordingly. Not sure which specific options the SVG dialog requires, though.

Mylenium