Script to Create a Pattern Swatch from image, and name the swatch from image name

[ctownes]

Hoping someone has an idea how to script this out.

I have the need to create pattern swatches from placed/embedded images, preferably in bulk. OOTB AI works fine to create the pattern, but i need to NAME the swatch the same name as the image (less the file extension).

For example. 

1. Place image: cheetahprint.png

2. Embed image

3. Drag image to swatches palette to make pattern

4. By default, this just makes "new pattern swatch 1"

5. I want a script that will make the swatch name from the filename of the placed image

6. In this case, "cheetahprint" is the desired swatch name

I'm trying to prevent manual re-keying of 1000's of swatch names - which opens up risk of error. Accuracy is critical to downstream automation.

I would like the script to function like this:

1. Upon launch, open dialog, "select image files to make pattern swatches from"

2. Select one or more image files

3. Script performs the following procedurally:

• Places image
• Embeds image
• Makes new swatch
• Renames swatch with image filename (- .file extension)
• Repeats until last image file is processed

I'm not a coder, but would prefer javascript, and with Mac OS in mind (but happy if agnostic)

Hope to hear from you soon.

[J0HNNY VEGAS]

This would save hundreds of hours within our enterprise!  Please help!

[CarlosCanto]

do both of you work on the same organization?

unfortunately, we don't have access at creating pattern swatches using scripting. I was researching a workaround last night but ran out of time. 

what's your OS? both of you

[ctownes]

Hi there, 

Primarily Mac OS install base, but would be happy for a solution for either PC or Mac

[ctownes]

And really, it's more about scripting the RENAMING of a swatch vs. creation. (although both would be awsome). Part of it could be an AI action, if necessary - then use scripting to rename. What were you thinking of doing?

[CarlosCanto]

oh ok, creation of the pattern swatches is the problem. Renaming swatches is not a problem, as long you still have the embedded images in the document.

so to use the script below, 

- place your images

- embed them

- create your pattern swatches in the same order as the images stacking order in the layers panel

- deselect everything

- select your pattern swatches

- run the script

you'll go from this

to this

// rename selected pattern swatches
// carlos canto // 12-11-2019
// https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/script-to-create-a-pattern-swatch-from-image-and-name-the-swatch-from-image-name/td-p/10776408

var idoc = app.activeDocument;
var rasters = idoc.rasterItems;
var selectedSwatches = idoc.swatches.getSelected();
var arr;

for (var a = 0; a < selectedSwatches.length; a++) {
    arr = rasters[a].file.displayName.split(".");
    arr.pop();
    selectedSwatches[a].name = arr.join(".");
}

[VSAbby]

Hi! I'm trying to run this script and it keeps renaming my swatches numerically (like 1 through 8) rather than using the filenames.  Any thoughts on why?  

[CarlosCanto]

do you have the same set up as shown in my screenshots?

the systems adds 1, 2, etc, when there's already a swatch with the same name your trying to use.

[VSAbby]

Yep have the same set up as your screen shots.  Is there a character limit?  Because both of my swatches have long filenames and the first 21 characters of both filenames are the same.

[CarlosCanto]

I'm not sure if there's character limit, why don't you try with files with shorter names? just to make sure the script works.

[Silly-V]

I happened to have ran into an exercise in this for here (https://stackoverflow.com/questions/64245008/adobe-illustrator-scripting/64246542?noredirect=1).

With VBS it's possible to have a workaround:

Set AiApp = CreateObject("Illustrator.Application")
AppName = AiApp.Name
' MsgBox(AppName)
Set Doc = AiApp.ActiveDocument

Set MyGroup = Doc.GroupItems(1)
Doc.Selection = MyGroup

AiApp.DoJavaScript("app.executeMenuCommand('Adobe Make Pattern')")
Set WScriptShell =  CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
WScriptShell.SendKeys("{Escape}")