Scriptable Plugins
Astute Graphics has added scripting support across a selection of its plugins allowing Adobe Illustrator scripts to directly access plugin functionality. It is possible to access and benefit from script-based automation through the use of AI to generate scripts, or manually with knowledge of Javascript.
Why make plugins scriptable?
AI has changed everything for scripting in Illustrator. Previously, knowledge of Javascript and Illustrator’s scripting model was required. Now anybody can create very powerful workflows with the use of commonly available AI services. However, there are many complex problems that need to be repeatedly solved in universal scripting. For example, dealing with path intersections is not only a question of scripting, but also ensuring complex Bezier math is implemented correctly.
This is where Astute Graphics’ plugins can assist your automation. We have selected commonly required functions, heavily tested in our plugins for many years, and made them available as part of a broader scripting workflow. We are bringing much greater levels of quality assurance to your workflow.
Scriptable plugins functionality now available
VectorFirstAid
Geometry cleanup
Super Smart Remove Points
Remove Unneeded Points
Remove Redundant Points
Remove Unnecessary Handles
Remove Duplicate Art
Path repair
Rejoin Paths
Close Barely-Open Paths
Align Close Points
Axis-Align Paths
Document cleanup
Remove Unnecessary Clip Groups
Remove Unnecessary Compound Paths
Text operations
Combine Point Text
Replace All Missing Fonts
Change Selected Point Text Alignment
Break Selected Text Apart (paragraphs, lines, words or glyphs)
Remove Selected Text Transforms
VectorScribe
Live Effects
AG Corners
AG Shear
Path Operations
Path Intersections
SubScribe
QuickOps
Extend to Intersection
Colour
Color Stamp
Reduce Colors
Stylism
Live Effects
AG Offset
AG Block Shadow
Resources
AG Plugin Scripting Primer
The core reference guide describing the available scriptable functions, parameters, naming conventions, best practices and compatibility requirements. It is intended for modern Large Language Model (LLM) that is already capable of generating Adobe Illustrator JSX scripts, and human developers. Providing the Primer as context to an AI assistant is currently essential if you wish to generate Illustrator scripts which also make use of installed and licensed Astute Graphics plugins.
Plugin test scripts
The Astute Manager > Astute Library > Scripts page now offers an example test JSX scripts covering every currently scriptable feature. These provide working examples of parameter dialogs, validation, error handling and plugin communication, and can also serve as templates for your own scripts.
Simply quit Adobe Illustrator and install this script pack using Astute Manager. Once you restart Illustrator, you can access the scripts via Illustrator > File > Scripts > …
See Managing Scripts for more information on how to install and access scripts using the Astute Manager.
Getting Started
Getting started with scriptable plugins
Ensure you have the latest plugin updates installed.
Open or create an Illustrator file to run tests on.
Start by running the supplied test scripts to become familiar with the available functions and parameters.
Remember that the scripts are automated versions of what’s available through the plugin’s user interface. If in doubt, refer to the functions in AG Docs.
Finally, try creating your own scripts, or ask your preferred AI coding assistant (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or another modern LLM with Illustrator scripting capability) to generate new scripts using the AI Primer as its reference.
ChatGPT
Getting started with access to paid-for ChatGPT account
Being logged-in to ChatGPT/OpenAI, open ChatGPT - Illustrator + Astute Graphics plugin scripting
Use the GPT as directed. There is no need to manually upload the AI Primer as this is built-in.
Claude AI
Getting stated with Claude AI
Import to the Claude-illustrator-astute-graphics.skill file into your Claude account to create a new “Skill”.
When you next request an Illustrator script generation using that Claude account, it will make use of the Astute Graphics’ plugin functionality, where relevant.