Variables in Illustrator

Hi,
Can anyone pls teach me what is variable in Illustrator, and what is the use of this and how to use. Is there any video guide for this. pls help.
Thank you,

It is not really difficult once you have done one but needing this requires a workflow that requires it and you do need a script in most cases to out put it.
However there is another use for variables say you have two hundred business for employees and need to reprint them from time to time. Instead of having two hundred documents you can have one with the two hundred variables instead. You can then output that by going down the list of variables until you get the one you need or if you are script savvy have a script that ask for the identity of the variable, in this case probably the name savvy and it will print that variable without you searching through the list.
Setting up the variable is easy but seems like you are not doing anything at all because nothing actually seems happens.
For instance you have a design for this business and you print them 6 up on a 8.5x11 sheet of paper you then select the info that changes say the name and go to the variable panel and make that a new text string variable then you go to say the phone number and make that a variable and so on.You then make that a data set.
You then can save this document and export that data set as a variable library which will be a xml file.
You can open the variable library in illustrator as a document t see what was written you can that copy and paste the data set and change the dataset name to say data set 2 instead of data set 1 then change the name of the person and then the phone number say you have ten new cards you can do this ten times and save the xml file then open the document and import that variable library and you go to the variable panel and all your data sets will be there and if you chose say data set 4 you will see the name is changed to reflect the contents of data set 4 that is the name of the person has changed and the phone number. You can do this with graphics as well.
This can be done from a data base exported from excel of filemaker as an xml file and imported as a variable library but yu do need to know a thing or two about these applications and how to get them to export the data in the proper way.
Now variables are really good if you know how to script them so that you can print all the variables or a range of them, but that is ouside the scope of Illustrator and the tools for this are not available in Illustrator. It is not likely it ever will be as the users who need this would either learn the scripting or hire an expert to do it for them as it makes financial sense for them.
That is really all there is to it you kind of have to really think about this before you see how it works.

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Using variables in Illustrator

Hi,
I am trying to create templates which I can re-use for wireframing purposes, and I'm trying to find similar functionality as in OmniGraffle, where I can define generic fields, such as "Author", "Copyright" "Date", or "Description", and then insert them into the document.
Within the document in OmniGraffle, they are typically inserted by a variable convention that looks like this
<%CreationDate%>.
Some of those fields are then populated by the system (such as the creation date) or they can be filled in through a panel interface (such as description).
I did some research, but all I could find seems to be related to batch operations such as replacing graphics. Are there at least some basic variables that can be created?

Illustrator does have the option to use variables (Window - Variables). However the variables capabilities of Illustrator isn't nearly as robust as InDesigns and it's also a lot more difficult to use as you can't just create a nice easy to follow Excel CSV file and use that, instead it uses an XML sheet with a naming convention that is more difficult to follow. The general concensus is to avoid Illustrator's variables and use InDesign unless you absolutely must. It's rather unfortunate that Adobe has added better usable to the variables in Illustrator, it could be extremely handy.

Is there any way to add a text variable in Illustrator CS3?

To keep track of our proofs, I have a text box in Illustrator with the date and time that I would like to automatically update everytime I save the file.
This is possible in InDesign by inserting a text variable. Is there a way to do this in Illustrator?
Thanks for any tips!

The only I'm aware you can do this is with a plugin from Worker72a
(Tag72a)
http://www.worker72a.com/CS3/Tag72a.htm

How do I create multiple-up pages populated with variable data?

I am trying to create a variable data Illustrator file but with a catch, I have to create multiple points of data on one artboard. I am using a template with 36 identical shapes, and I'm trying to add a different image to each based off of using variable data. I understand the premise of creating multiple output files based off of an illustrator file and data, but I have to create a single output file using 36 points of data, all QR codes. The reason is that this 36-up 14.5" x 14.5" sheet will be printed on a large format inkjet and then be fed into another machine (not a cutter) that requires that specific layout for it's process. I cannot create individual files, I need sheets based off of my 14.5" x 14.5" 36-up template.
Any suggestions other than making each shape in the template a separate variable (even though they are all the exact same shape) would be greatly appreciated.
My goal is to populate each of these shapes with a different QR code and then output the whole sheet as a single .EPS or .PDF file.

My goal is to populate each of these shapes with a different QR code and then output the whole sheet as a single .EPS or .PDF file.
You're barking up the wrong tree for this with Illustrator's Variables palette.
Think of it like this:
Imagine a typical spreadsheet with multiple rows of the same kind of data, except for the first row which serves as the "labels" of the columns.
The on-page objects which you define as Variables in Illustrator correspond to the first row; the column labels.
The datasets correspond to the following rows of values below the label row.
Cycling through the datasets simply moves up and down the rows, revealing one row's data at a time for each of the column labels.
Your multi-up array does not fit that data model. You are essentially trying to make a layout showing all the individual cells below the single label of one column (downward across all rows). (Illustrator's Variables feature doesn't even let you put multiple instances of a single variable in the document, so that the same value occurs in multiple places.)
You're trying to build the functional equivalent of a typical "gang up" press sheet, like a 10-up layout of business cards, each showing the same kind of data (name, phone, etc.) for multiple employees, so that you don't have to do separate press runs for each employee. That's certainly a common need, and one quite appropriate to a program like Illustrator. But Illustrator's Variables feature does not do that.
Essentially, what you are wanting to do is to replicate the basic functionality of any program which is used to print labels from data (like the typical mail merge function for address labels which are ganged up with some number of different labels on a page). What you want could be done in Illustrator via a custom JavaScript, but it would be a pretty silly exercise in reinventing the wheel. If it were me, I'd probably build the solution in FileMaker Pro (a database program), depending on the specific graphics requirements. However, you should be able to do it in InDesign, using its data merge feature.
JET

Variable in Textarea

Hello Everybody,
I would like of define a variable in a textarea, for example, I have that text: "I love Joce Nunes so much", I would like to change name of Joce Nunes by variables because I Have more 100 names, but How can I do this?, when i click in "Make text Dynamic" So created variable of all text ( I love Joce Nunes so much) and I want to just Name..
Thanks
Joce

It does not matter which version of Illustrator you are using: Text variables in Illustrator are still a bit rudimentary and not very practical for your task. For example, within a type object you cannot make single words dynamic.
If you have a recent version of InDesign, try its Data Merge capabilities instead.
Or another programme that can handle it.

Illustrator Import problem

I have an AI that a client sent for me to test with and I'm unable to get it imported into Catalyst. After the "Illustrator Import Options" dialog, I get a "Error importing artwork" alert with "Unable to Import File". Not very helpful.
It's not clear (to me, at least) where the log files are but I did find this in Console Messages (OS X):
8/18/09 12:59:53 PM [0x0-0x72072].com.adobe.thermo[11490] [Fatal Error] :1272:202: XML document structures must start and end within the same entity.
8/18/09 12:59:53 PM [0x0-0x72072].com.adobe.thermo[11490] org.xml.sax.SAXParseException: XML document structures must start and end within the same entity.
8/18/09 12:59:53 PM [0x0-0x72072].com.adobe.thermo[11490] at com.sun.org.apache.xerces.internal.parsers.AbstractSAXParser.parse(AbstractSAXParser.java :1269)
8/18/09 12:59:53 PM [0x0-0x72072].com.adobe.thermo[11490] at com.adobe.thermo.importfxg.FXGImportStatsCounter.countStats(FXGImportStatsCounter.java:67 )
8/18/09 12:59:53 PM [0x0-0x72072].com.adobe.thermo[11490] at com.adobe.thermo.importnativeartwork.importer.ImportManager.importFXG(ImportManager.java: 425)
8/18/09 12:59:53 PM [0x0-0x72072].com.adobe.thermo[11490] at com.adobe.thermo.importnativeartwork.importer.ImportManager.importAI(ImportManager.java:6 58)
I'm on OS X 10.5.8, Dual Quad 2.8 Xenon, 18GB RAM.
I do not have Illustrator installed anywhere but the file does not appear to be overly complex. I won't be able to tell for sure until I get AI installed in the next day or two.
I have been able to import simple PSD files and get useful error messages when the PSD files are too complex or too large. My installation isn't completely hosed.
Is there anything I should be looking for to get around this problem?
-X

Hi,
You didnt mention what OS you have.. would be helpful to know.
We are having a similiar issue with loading an XML library of variables in illustrator CS5.
The original file was created on a Mac OS Snow Leopard in Illustrator CS5, and the variables and linked images assigned and datasets captured. On saving and re-opening the file, the datasets do not work, the links cannot be found and we get the error "filter cannot complete for unknown reasons"
The same file was then taken over to the Windows 7 PC (also running CS5) and after re-establishing the location of the links initially, it works fine!
I have taken copies of the XML and comparied them, and apart from the obvious change in file path, there is no syntax errors - yet it doesn't work after closing/reopening on a Mac..
Regards...
Meithya

How to import values from txt and pass values to variables

I need to export some variables from Indesign and import them in Illustrator. I can export a txt file from InDesign but I don't know how to import and pass the values to variables in Illustrator.
Can someone help?

Well from you ID script Im presuming that you are simply writing a few lines of info to a plain text file like so…
writeFile('SomeData');
writeFile('AnotherData');
writeFile('LastData');
function writeFile(info) {
     try     {
          var log = File('~/Desktop/ID_Data.txt');
          log.open('a');
          log.write(info + '\r');
          log.close()
     catch (e) {
          alert(e);
So you would just read this back where or when ever you need to use it in your Illustrator script…
var log = File('~/Desktop/ID_Data.txt');
log.open('r');
var a = log.readln();
var b = log.readln();
var c = log.readln();
log.close();
alert(a);

Text in bold - script

I have to create a pamphlet for work with a list of 650 different names on it. For each pamphlet I’ll be printing, a different name has to be in bold. Is there a script that would allow me to do it automatically? Do I have to create a new text object for each name?
Thanks!

Printing stickers and apply them might be easier than making 650 documents or layers/pages.
or you can paste your data into excel and convert to xml, then use variables in Illustrator
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/create-an-xml-data-file-and-xml-schema-file-f rom-worksheet-data-HA010342365.aspx

Why is Recolor Artwork panel making bad color conversion choices?

A Color Group is dbl clicked in the Swatches Panel.
The Recolor Artwork Panel opens.
Selecting the button that 'Limits the Color Group to Colors in the Swatch Library', 'Pantone+Solid Color' is chosen.
Often, a singlePantone color is badly chosen... note the 3rd and far right color choices...
is there a variable in Illustrator or a Color Profile issue that needs adjusted?

Scott W...
your last reply... my initial 'Color Group' is its own 'Harmony Rule'...
but I did try doing the same conversion using
a different and more accurate result using 'Pantone+SolidUncoated' as the destination (see below)
Still convinced it's a Color Settings issue.
I'd like the automated solution has to be more accurate... I can see the difference.

Import of variables from XML fails, diff shows no difference from Illustrator export

Hi, all,
I've got an AppleScript that I wrote to massage CSV output from Excel into a variable library that I can import into Illustrator. Because I have to maintain black and white and left and right specific image files and output files, I've tried every other solution, and this is the best I've been able to come up with.
diff reports that comparing the output to output of the identical data set exported from Illustrator is a 1-1 match. (I previously identified a place where there was an extra space.)
Illustrator rejects the file with the "The incoming variable library is invalid." error message.
If I copy and paste the contents of the output of my script into the file Illustrator exported, Illustrator reads it back, so my XML is correct.
I'm using Illustrator CS2 and 10.4.11. Does Illustrator set some kind of creator code on the file? Is there something else that could be at work?

hi, i am still having lo luck with reading the xml data back into memory, as i have said before, the netbeans profiler is telling me it is a char[] that is using 50% of the memory but i cannot see how a char[] is created, my code doesn't so it must be the xml code...plz help

Illustrator - Maximum allowed size of variable library xml file loaded from variables palette?

Hi-
One question I can’t seem to find the answer to anywhere – any idea on what the maximum size xml file one can use when making data driven graphics in Illustrator?
I can successfully batch when I load a single variable library with about 100 datasets at one time but anything much larger than that in the same xml format gives me a “the incoming variable library is invalid” error. Elsewhere on this discussion forum I have seen answers say there is no limit to the size of the XML file. (http://forums.adobe.com/thread/647934). But my experience with Illustrator CS5 says otherwise.
I have thousands I need to create. Any help would be most appreciated.
1. If there is a maximum size either in file size, number of datasets, or number of variables/values, please share what the limit is.
2. I still need to create thousands of the final document I am creating - if the limit is close to 100 and I need to create many thousands - any suggestions on either scripting or other methods to get this done?
Thanks,
Michael

yey!! now we know 1,000 is not the limit. Tested wiht 2 variables, 1122 data sets.
<v:sampleDataSet dataSetName="1121">
<ZIPPER>
6” ZIPPER
</ZIPPER>
<FLY>
1121
</FLY>
</v:sampleDataSet>
<v:sampleDataSet dataSetName="1122">
<ZIPPER>
6” ZIPPER
</ZIPPER>
<FLY>
1122
</FLY>
</v:sampleDataSet>
</v:sampleDataSets>
</variableSet>
</variableSets>
</svg>

Illustrator variables xml converter

I had a nightmare at one time trying to convert a excel file to a .xml compatible with the variables palette. So we we designed a little program converting a .csv file to .xml based on the template provided by Illustrator. If we get enough requests, we will compile it for different platforms and make it available. Please reply if you will be interested.

I'm looking all over the place for a solution where I can convert an Excel CSV file to an Illustrator variables compatible XML ..
This tool looks perfect ! Can you make it available ?
tvbogza wrote:
I had a nightmare at one time trying to convert a excel file to a .xml compatible with the variables palette. So we we designed a little program converting a .csv file to .xml based on the template provided by Illustrator. If we get enough requests, we will compile it for different platforms and make it available. Please reply if you will be interested.

Example file, illustrator file with variables linked to xml

CS5 – Where can i find an example of an illustrator files with variables, linked to an xml file. We want to export it immediately to .pdf format when the file is linked. Is this possible? The illustrator help files are not so clear about this matter.

Follow the Help documentation's steps to create at least one of each of the four supported types of variable bound objects.
Capture the DataSet.
Edit the bound objects' content.
Capture the DataSet.
Save Variable Library. That's your XML file.
JET

Illustration numbers using "chapter #" text variable

I have a curriculum that I'm updating that has illustration numbers throughout 21 lessons. The lessons are separate files that come from three separate books and are being rearranged into a new book. The illustration numbers are in a hypenated format where the first number is the lesson number and the second number counts up from 00 restarting with each lesson. I was hoping to replace the lesson number with the chapter # variable so that when I rearrange the lessons, the illustrations will automatically renumber themselves. However, I can't seem to do a find and replace for the number and replace it with the variable. As far as I can tell, I can only go through and find each number and manually insert the variable. The variables are not available for find and change, and if I try putting it on the clipboard and replacing with the clipboard contents, I get the page number rather than the chapter #. I'm using CS3, but I think CS4 may have the same short coming.
Any ideas how to do this? It seems to me to defeat the purpose of the variable if you can't do a quick find and change to put it where it can be useful. At this point, it would be faster to just do a find and change and put each lesson number in manually, even though the numbers will not automatically update if the lesson number changes. Is there something I'm missing?

I did the first illustration number manually, inserting the variable in place of the manual lesson number. Then I copied the whole thing to the clipboard and did a a search for "Illustration ^9-" and replace with clipboard contents unformatted. I got "Illustration [page number]-" I thought that was really weird since the page number is a special character and not a variable--at least as far as I know. I don't know how ID handles it on the back end, but they are inserted from different menus.

Using Illustrator variables with n-up documents

I have some Avery labels that use an Illustrator template. It's 6-up (six label per sheet). I want to put some variable text on them and use a spreadsheet so I don't have to manually enter 400 names one at a time on the labels. Is that possible with a 6-up template? Meaning, is there a way to make variable text elements populate sequentially... pull in the first six names on one sheet, put the next six names on another sheet, so on.

my instinct is no. pretty sure you could in indesign though.

Variables in Illustrator

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