We desperately need a way of batch-exporting layers and artboards as separate files

[Therese28532590spva]

I have a file with six layers and two artboards.

Let's call the artboards TOP and SIDE, to make it simple. The layers contain different things, most importantly one with color information. Others contain different coating masks and other print-related things, also specific selection masks for retouching. Black and white stuff, mainly.

I export these layers into files that I then use to make materials in a 3d render in 3ds max, where I produce different angles of a product. I do this dozens of time each week, sometimes more. It's vital that these exports are pixel perfect, since my retouchers re-use old retouch work. Can't have a 100% white text mask that is moved 2 pixels to the right suddenly, or the render is done with a source file with slightly different resolution, or else the retouch will become all blurry and the pipeline breaks down. Even antialias-level differences is right out.

Now, I've been using a lot of scripts, first Matthew Ericssons Multiexporter, which has stopped working (I'm trying it again just now just to make sure, I started an export when I started writing this text, and it's just now ready, with errors.) Then I used another version of Multiexporter for a long time, not sure if Tom Byrne made that, it has since stopped working as well, it adds a vertical white line to the right of each exported image, not sure where that comes from, probably a pixel-rounding error or something. It depends on the size of the artboard, and appears on some ratios of artboard sizes. I briefly used Smart Export, also by the illustrious Byrne, but even though it is much more feature-rich it is now also plagued with the same dreaded white vertical line bug.

Exporting six layers x 2 artboards, manually naming each file, through "Export for screens" that is built into Illustrator is out of the question, it takes way too much time.

In short:
"Export for screens" desperately needs to be expanded to include layers, and have tags that can be re-arranged like

"ARTWORK-NAME_[ArtboardName]_[LayerName].[Ex]".

PLEASE Adobe, I'm getting desperate, and it feels like I have to start looking for another main income since I no longer can use these scripts to do my job. I'm available 24/7 to explain more, please get in touch or respond.

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @Therese28532590spva,

We are sorry for the delayed response. I understand your frustration, and it's clear that efficient batch-exporting options for layers and artboards are crucial for your workflow. While Adobe Illustrator's built-in "Export for Screens" feature is handy, it indeed lacks the capability to export layers and tag files as per your specific naming convention.

I would suggest you post this on our UserVoice page (https://illustrator.uservoice.com/), submit a feature request for improved batch-exporting options, and share it here as well after posting on UserVoice. If your idea gains support from the community & UserVoice, it may get the attention of the Illustartor product & development team.

Remember that software capabilities evolve over time, and the product team may introduce enhanced batch-exporting features in future updates of Illustrator based on user feedback and demands.

If you ever encounter any more questions or problems in the future, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to assist you.

Best,

Anshul Saini