All Illustrator Files Reference to a Master?

Is there a way to link many Illustrator files (say about 200) to the styles of a single master?
The goal is to set up all of the 200 files in such a way that they can all be modified by a master setting. For example, I would like to control font size, line weight, etc. in this "master". It could simple be a file with settings or another AI file.
I would also need to "break the link" at some point (or just have it such there is not dependency that would make it unusable). That way I could disseminate each file without the need for the master.
Does any of this make sense or seem reasonable?

You could do this quite easily in InDesign. You would just have to add all your document to an InDesign book file. If you then set all you parameters in Styles (Object stlyles, Paragraph Styles, Character Styles), you could update all files to your master with just one click. The updates would not happen automatically, just when you chose to do them..

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All Illustrator File Icons are White on mac os desktop and HD?

All Illustrator File Icons are White on mac os desktop and HD? System MacOs 10.10.1 Same thing in Adobe CS 6 and system 10.8. I create a new user and result was the same.

From the Finder menu View>View Options check show icon previews

How to delete all offline file references in a catalog?

I backed up and restored my entire photo archive to a new computer. I've never used offline files, but somehow I now have hundreds (if not thousands) of offline file icons, right next to the exact same file date and time, except the images are now named [filename]-1.jpg
I've tried the "reconnect files" and delete, but it tells me I have no files to reconnect.
I'd wipe and reinstall, but I have a sneaking suspicion those "offline files" are embedded into my last backup, and I'd just be doing all that work for nothing.
How can I go through and bulk-select and delete *all* references to offline files?
Thanks in advance.
- Bruce.

Hi John...
Thanks for the reply. I just have a couple of comments to make on results:
(1) HMBM is listed as being in a DVD drive , I know the disk, but that drive is currently empty.
(2) E: could certainly be one of my backup drives, but the file pathe (for 2004) seems to be off, as most of the missing / duplicate files are from 2007. (It currently is not attached.)
Thanks for looking ino this.
psedbtool version 1.07
Opening catalog C:\Users\Bruce\Pictures\My Catalog 1\catalog.pse7db
Photoshop Elements version:      7
Total files               : 24230
Total files missing       :    340
Total files offline       :   8489
Total files wrong volume :      0
PSE Volume Table
Path used by PSE        : [E:]
Type                    : removable_drive
Status                  : offline
Total files             : 8489
Total files missing     : 0
Total files wrong volume: 0
Description             : E:
Serial                  : E:/Photos/2004_10_26
Drive_path_if_builtin   :
Id                      : 89620
Path used by PSE        : C:
Type                    : builtin_drive
Status                  : online
Total files             : 15741
Total files missing     : 340
Total files wrong volume: 0
Description             : C:
Serial                  : 2C3B-D057
Drive_path_if_builtin   : C:
Id                      : 4009
Path used by PSE        : [USB-KEY]
Type                    : removable_drive
Status                  : offline
Total files             : 0
Total files missing     : 0
Total files wrong volume: 0
Description             : USB-KEY
Serial                  : 7614-7214
Drive_path_if_builtin   :
Id                      : 167027
Path used by PSE        : C:\Users\Bruce\Pictures\My Catalog 1
Type                    : database_relative_drive
Status                  : online
Total files             : 0
Total files missing     : 0
Total files wrong volume: 0
Description             : database relative
Serial                  : amoc:database_relative_volume
Drive_path_if_builtin   :
Id                      : 2
Path used by PSE        : [HMBM]
Type                    : readonly_drive
Status                  : offline
Total files             : 0
Total files missing     : 0
Total files wrong volume: 0
Description             : HMBM
Serial                  : 355B-10D5
Drive_path_if_builtin   :
Id                      : 3359
Windows Drives
Drive Type             Serial     Path
C:     builtin_drive    2C3B-D057
D:     readonly_drive   0000-0000
E:     removable_drive 0000-0000
F:     removable_drive 0000-0000
G:     removable_drive B6B2-7BCF
H:     builtin_drive    0200-6B71

Importing layered Illustrator files

Hello
I'm on an Intel Power Mac. Premiere 4.1.0
Importing layered Illustrator files does not work properly. It doesn't provide the pop up option box, to tell you what you want to do with the layers - either bring them in individually, or as a sequence, etc. All it does is simply imports the file with all the elements grouped in one file. Photoshop layered files are OK.
I have done everything Adobe has suggested. Please see following -
1. Done a disk permissions check, with disk utility
2. Deleted all Premiere preference files.
3) Uninstalled software
4) Did a cleanup script (provided by adobe)
5) Reinstalled software - to Premiere 4.0 (tried this version and still no good).
6) Uninstalled and reinstalled, clean script, just to make sure (still no good)
7) Upgraded again to premiere 4.1.0 (still no good)
Has anyone had this problem before?
Many thanks
Danny

The problem is that the Help file, and any marketing literature for that matter, is not a good indication of what the software actually does or does not do. Danny, I realize that you want to torch Adobe HQ over this issue, but the fact of the matter is that mistakes happen. And I can guarantee you 100% that when you installed the software and accepted the EULA, you acknowledged that those mistakes do happen, whether they are software bugs or erroneously-advertised features, and you absolve Adobe of any liability. I'm certainly not suggesting complacency--feel free to call the BBB or organize a class-action lawsuit or get the pitchfork-wielding mob to storm the castle--but I think it's a waste of time and energy. Adobe's not going to cop to any bug or missing feature--end of story. And the folks you're talking to at customer support really have, at most, a rudimentary understanding of the software. If you want to be active and proactive, file a feature request/bug report. It's not a guarantee of satisfaction, but it's more likely to bring you to that point than any of the above options.
Not to belabor the point, but the way the Help file is written...
"...you can import a layered Photoshop or Illustrator file as a
sequence, enabling you to set up graphics in these applications and
then import them into an Adobe Premiere Pro project."
...suggests that both layered Photoshop files and Illustrator files will be recognized as sequences when imported. No, it does not specifically say "layered Illustrator file," but from the context of "as a sequence" implies that the layers would be recognized and imported thusly. At present, all Illustrator files, whether they are layered or not, are flattened on import. I would be inclined to believe that this is not so much a bug, as it is a feature that was planned but not implemented, and somewhere along the line the memo between the programming group and the marketing group to this effect was misplaced. Whichever it is, it doesn't matter: this is not a workflow option.
Here are a couple of legitimate workflow options:
Export your AI file (don't use Save As, use Export) to a PSD file. You can maintain the layers as well as text editability by doing this, and the layered PSD will subsequently import as a sequence into Premiere Pro.
Stop using Illustrator for video graphics. Photoshop really is better suited for video graphics, in my view, than Illustrator is. Illustrator is fine for building logos and such, and even doing some text layout that's not possible or at least not easily done in Photoshop, but vector artwork is a poor match for the world of video. Your vector artwork (whether its sourced from Illustrator, Photoshop, or wherever else) is automatically rasterized when imported into Premiere, so I feel it's better to start in Photoshop where you can control this to a greater extent than you can in Illustrator.
As I've mentioned previously, use After Effects to build a comp from your layered AI file, and either render a movie out for use in Premiere, or use Dynamic Link to keep it live between AE and PPro.

How can I delete all the files in the Adobe CS4 Master Collection from my machine?

How can I delete all the files in the Adobe CS4 Master Collection from my machine. I have tried Control Panel but it will not do anything, there are no error messages, it is like as if it is ignoring my instruction. Why should it be so difficult to delete programs one does not want. Any ideas please.

Moved from Cloud forum to Downloading, Installing forum
Try running the Adobe Cleaner Tool
http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/cs5-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

When saving my illustrator file to a pdf it doesnt show all the artwork ie boxes are hidden in the pdf or only showing part of them. How can I fix this?

when saving my illustrator file to a pdf it doesnt show all the artwork ie boxes are hidden in the pdf or only showing part of them. Even some text is hidden. I have flattened the artwork so everything is in one layer. How can I fix this?

Hi John
I have indicated on the attached jpeg where the problem is, basically a line of text is missing at the top and part of the feeding diagram is missing. I created the artwork in different layer and then flattened. All text has been converted to outlines, however the areas being affected have no transparency, I have used solid fills or no fills. I get the same result when I export the file as a jpeg. Hope you can help.

How to open multiple artboard illustrator file in illustrator. Coz, whenever we open a multiple artboard file, illustrator provide an option to chose one artboard but does not allow opening of all artboards. Somebody may explain it

How to open multiple artboard illustrator file in illustrator. Coz, whenever we open a multiple artboard file, illustrator provide an option to chose one artboard but does not allow opening of all artboards. Somebody may explain it

Doug's got it right. It sounds like you are trying to open a later version file in an earlier version. This will always be handled as opening the PDF portion of the file. Try Googling AI_openMultiPagePDF for a script to open these or Resave from the newer version to the older.

All v8 files saved from Illustrator CC seem to be corrupt - anyone else see this?

Hi There,
I've tried searching for this but couldn't find anything. I'm trying to import an illustrator file into Cinema4D which requires me to save a v8 eps - but when I try to import, nothing happens.
At first I hought it was a C4D issue but if I:
Create a new Illustrator file in CC
Export v8 eps
Try to open the newly created v8 eps in Illustrator CC
Then I see the following error:
"Can't open the Illustration. The illustration contains an illegal operand. Offending operator: {eps_metadata_stream} Context: ZA"
I've tried the following steps to reproduce the issue on two different Macs (10.8.4 and 10.8.5) and see the same error each time:
Create a new blank file (print intent)
Create a text box and type some text
Convert all text to paths
Save as Illustrator v8
Does anyone else see this issue in Illustrator CC?
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers
Ben

I'm having this same issue.
Sadly HDave387's fix doesn't work for me. I have Universal Type client instead.
What does seem to work though is "Save as Copy". For some reason that's perfectly fine, but "Save As" throws out an error when trying to reopen the v8 .eps.

How can I auto-update all book file links after making a new copy of my project?

Using Indesign CC 2014,
Windows 7x64.
I've created a catalog, using a book file (.indb) which connects 20 Indesign files (.indd) together (so page numbering is continuous, etc).
Each of the 20 Indesign files all have numerous art asset links and cross references. In total, ~200 files are involved.
Once finished with the whole thing, I made a copy of the entire folder structure and placed it elsewhere, because I now need to create a modified version of this catalog project for a different company.
In the end I need to wind up with 2 different, but very similar catalogs.
Here's my problem: when I made the copy of the entire project and opened the copied over book file, I've found that it's still referencing the older 20 Indesign files back in the first folder structure.
It's not using the new stuff.
Same goes for all the art asset links inside each Indesign file.
Looks like absolute paths only.
What's the standard operation procedure here? What can I do to avoid having to manually re-link numerous art assets, etc?
Surely, this is a common need among Indesign users.

Hey, Peter!
I've delayed my response here.
Been dinking around, trying things.
That's a smart suggestion, but the Package command will round up all assets into a nice compact folder structure ready for production. It's not really what I need.
I need to keep things as they are, fully editable and unaltered - my folder structure is carefully crafted as is, and I definitely don't need all the fonts dumped into a folder.
Here's what I'm doing now - I make a complete new copy of the folder structure in question. It includes all InDesign files and linked artwork, etc. Everything.
I then CHANGE the name of root folder of the folder structure I initially copied. This breaks all the absolute paths of the copy.
Then I open each InDesign file and the CORRECT links are still automatically found because it looks inside the new folder structure I just made by creating the copy. So all links get "fixed".
Thank goodness InDesign is far more intelligent about finding missing links than Illustrator.
This is the best solution I've found. It's not perfect, but nothing ever is.

If I save an Illustrator file as PDF, isn't it still vector?

I was asked to send a logo to someone who wanted to wanted to forward it to someone else to use (possibly a printer or maybe even a newspaper or magazin)e, so I sent it to them in PDF format.
The person I sent it to just emailed me and asked me to provide it as vector.
So I sent the original Illustrator version as well as an EPS version.
Still, I thought this was odd. When I worked at a newspaper, we worked with PDF files that clients provided with no problem. The policy there was to open them in Acrobat Pro and re-save as TIFF. But I also often open them in Illustrator to make changes and it has never been a problem. When I open with Illustrator, they are indeed vectors.
Maybe they don't have Acrobat Pro or Illustrator, but even then, can't most DTP programs place PDF files now?
Sorry if these are stupid questions.

When sending a logo after completion to a client, I give a wide range of files for the exact reasons you mentioned. I have no idea what programs they have, or will have in the future. giving them a "package" allows them to have a great set to send to all areas of their company without having to come back and requesting more files.
I found great articles as reference in case you are interested:
http://designinstruct.com/print-design/create-a-logo-design-from-start-to-finish/
http://www.thedesigncubicle.com/2009/01/what-should-you-get-from-your-logo-designer/
http://99designs.com/designer-blog/2011/05/18/file-types-logo-design/
They advise:
1 x original Illustrator file (.AI) – Containing flat colour, graded and B&W logos (File > Save As…)
3 x Illustrator 8 EPS files – Separate flat colour, graded, and B&W logos (File > Save As…)
3 x PDF files – Separate flat colour, graded, and B&W logos (File > Save As…)
3 x High resolution JPEG images – Separate flat colour, graded, and B&W logos (File > Export…)
The following files are often used when saving print designs:
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a file format developed by Adobe Systems that can be universally downloaded and viewed by any computer that has the Adobe Acrobat plug-in. Today, PDFs are widely favored by most designers — it can be saved as an editable file which is great for clients.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript file) is a vector format of your logo. It can be re-sized without losing image quality. Due to it’s high quality, it is commonly used with print elements such as business cards or brochures. If you ever question when to use it, ask yourself, “Will this be used for a high quality print?”
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is widely supported and works in almost any program. It produces a higher quality image than a JPG or PNG, but is not a vector format like EPS. It is widely used among publishing industries and photographers. It is best used in common things like invoices, page layouts or letterheads.
I hope that helps, Please post back with any other questions
Janelle

Cant Open illustrator Files Memmory Error

Firstly I have researched this online and foudn many postings dating back 3 years with no resoultion or even a work around. I dont normally like to post on these forums but there isnt anything else to try.
Firstly computer specs
I7 CPU
16 GB DDR3 RAM
250 SSD drive
1tb sata drive
Currently Virtual Memmory is set to be able to use 16 gb of addition ram from the hard drive.
So I had Adobe Design Premium trail 5.5 installed, I then removed then ran teh adobe clean up tool, ran CC cleaner to clear the registry and re installed CS5.5 full version with lisence. The issue happens on both version of the install.
This is also a new computer and only 2 weeks old, no font manager, no extra fonts.
When ever various files are opened ranging from 10 mb - 40 mb in illustrator, it instanly comes up with an out of memmory error. However I have watched this happen and monitored the memmory use whilst it is happening and the memmory in use was only 2.2 GB total on the machine. THe hard drive activity is minimal as well.....
I have tried this on the above computer, then tried it on teh same spec computer running Design Standard, then on a laptop with less memory ( 4gb) running master collection and also a virtual machine i set up that had 8 gb ram running Design Premium all 5.5.
I had the same error on all 4 machines when opening a 20 mb file, i have also tried several other files ( 6) and none of them work, however they did used to work on CS5.
There are apparantly no work arounds or fixes for this and its extremely irritating as you know what marketing and design people can be like ! Why has adobe not released a fix for this after 3 years and does any one know of a work around or fix to do this. Comlexity is not an issue in the fix.
cheers
daniel

Hi,
Well up untill we upgraded to CS5.5 these files were working, im aware that its only a 32 bit application and i thought that it only used up to 2.5 gb of memmory, the file is pretty much a basic illustrator file with a link to some images in it, any more detail and im not sure as im not a designer.
I will say however, the file used to work, since the adobe upgrade it doesnt work on multiple computers with multiple version of CS5.5. Whilst i appreciate that illustrator is only 32 bit, that shouldnt make a difference considering the file used to work in previous version of adobe.
Also when i look at the memmory use whilst trying to open the file, its only using about 2.2gb of the total ram, which isnt even all the RAM avaliable for a 32 bit app. The RAM has been tested and is working fine, when using photoshop it can use plenty of RAM with no issue.
If you read all the forum posts over the last 3 years, you can see that this is clearly a bug from teh adobe product and not one thread has been resolved, or even given a work around. I have tried resetting preferences, changing settings to lower settings when open file, cleared registry, cleared cache font etc.
Im fairly sure this is a bug so if you can provide some kind of work around for now and an ETA on a fix it would be great
im also happy to email you the file and see if you can open it if you ahve time
kind regards

Combining Illustrator Files -

I am sure this is too easy - but how to combine two Illustrator files together. I have two files of maps for Namibia, each with several layers (one of them being a linked layer to a TIF file). How do I combine those into one file so I can turn on and off appropriate layers. Sorry this is probably intuitively obvious, but I can not seem to find the answer. Thanks for your help.

@Monika,
Thank you for your time ~
Interesting idea, I'll see if that works without losing any editability...
Maybe it's worth it to give everyone an "overall" idea. The OP's workflow is basically it - but in my case, I'm part of a team - there is a "master" template and is shared by X people. Each is assigned a "portion" of the overall project.
Ergo at the end of the "scrum" each person submits their part....now its time to consolidate for output (Catalyst -> Flash Builder, some sections will be print, etc.)....
So with all these files, while its workable to keep selecting each and every piece of artwork in a layer, then copy/paste with "remember layers", it would be really nice to simply:
select a layer and drag it (to the "main consolidated document")
or, at least select a layer which then (auto-selects) all its contents - this is a sub-question to the forum - can't seem to do this either...it seems you really need to select each "part" (artwork) of the layer and copy/paste it.....
Monika Gause wrote:
In CS5 you could first create a symbol (it's possible to preserve layer structure) and then drag an instance of that symbol
Ed

Linking and updating colors across multiple illustrator files

Is there a way to link and automatically update color swatches across multiple illustrator files (CS4)?
I've saved swatches into an ASE file, and opened the ASE file into multiple illustrator files, but the secondary files don't seem to reference back to the ASE file, when a new version with changes to the swatches has been made.
Thanks for any advice.

@SP/RAA
Jean posted perhaps the best solution for your problem.
A template is an Illustrator document for startup. You can create a document...place all the colors you want to the Swatches panel....insert contents to symbol, brushes, graphic styles and so on. Then you can go File > Save as Template.
Now...when you want to start a new document..you could File > New from Template. Then new document will have all the stuffs of the template, including other specifications like rulers viewed...guides...
But even using template you cannot update a batch of documents...The template is only a document for start...and it does not keep linked to new documents based on it.
Or you try via script (do not know how further it would help) or try the alternative given by Jean.
Gustavo.

Best way to save illustrator files to place in Indesign

Hello,
I have played with many options. but can someone tell me the best way to save an illustrator file, so I can place it InDesign and it will print faster yet still hold true to quality and color?
Is it .ai, eps, pdf, tiff, or .png ..I didn't like .gif, or jpeg.....
The place time and print time is brutal in InDesign and when I a create PDF file the redraw in acrobat is terrible, if they were placed .ai files.
So just looking for the best case scenario to have faster printing and placing in InDesign and no redraw in PDF files.
Just looking for some guidance and advise.
thanks!
babs

iBabs2 wrote:
Hello,
What exactly is that flattening doing? I see it puts everything in one layer...is that all it does?
When I place them in InDesign, the performance is about the same and when I make the PDF, they still rebuild there.
Are there any options for flattening, or just the flatten from the layers menu?
maybe I am missing something.
thanks!!
babs
Flattening is not just a reference to layers, it is a reference to transparency effects (opacities, soft masks such as drop shadows, and blend modes). Flattening makes a mess of the file. If you don't have to flatten, don't.
If you do have to flatten, do it from InDesign. This means placing the native Illustrator file saved with PDF compatibility (default behavior)
Again, never flatten unless you have to, and save it for last. If you don't need to flatten, output from InDesign using PDF/X-4. When you preserve transparency, output time is sped up considerably, and you don't end up with stitching artifacts (white lines) in the PDF.

Variables for all .fm files on the .book

Is it possible to create a variable for displaying a date over all .fm files contained on a .book?
My .book structure is the next:
Catalog.book
-Title.fm
-Index.fm
-Content.fm
Each time I need to update the date of the catalog, I should edit the master page of index, and both master pages (left/right) of the content.
Is there an easier way to make those changes?
By the time I have a variable called 'revision_date' in both files, but I must change them twice.
Thanks in advance

1. Educate him. Point out that the system variable is intended to overcome human mistakes....
2. a. Either in one of your working files or In a new, separate file, create a unique paragaph tag -- ModDate, for instance --. Insert the Modification Date variable as the only content.
b. Insert a cross-reference from your working file(s) to the ModDate para tag.
c. Whenever you open and Save the file with the date-controlling variable, the change should ripple into all files that use that as the source for the cross-reference.

All Illustrator Files Reference to a Master?

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