Select File > Scripts.
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn how to run and install scripts in Illustrator to automate tasks and extend functionality.
When you run a script, your computer performs a sequence of operations. These operations may involve only Adobe Illustrator or other applications, such as word-processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs.
Illustrator supports multiple scripting environments, including Microsoft Visual Basic, AppleScript, JavaScript, and ExtendScript. You can use Illustrator’s built in scripts or add your own to File > Scripts.
Sample scripts are installed in the Adobe Illustrator <version number>/Scripting/Sample Scripts folder.
Run scripts
Select a script in the submenu.
To execute a script, select a JSX file from C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <version number>\Scripting\Sample Scripts.
Note
This isn’t a recommended or secure way. A warning dialog box is presented to alert you to prevent accidental actions.
To suppress the warning dialog box and run the script, do the following:
- Create a JSX file with the following content: app.preferences.setBooleanPreference("ShowExternalJSXWarning", false)
- Save the JSX file.
- Select File > Scripts > Other Script, and then select the newly saved JSX file.
Tip
If you edit a script while Illustrator is running, you must save your changes for them to take effect.
Install scripts
Copy the script file to your computer’s hard drive.
To install the script permanently, place the script file in Adobe Illustrator’s Scripting folder.
Note
The script appears directly in the File > Scripts submenu. If the script is saved outside the Illustrator’s Scripting folder, run the script by selecting File > Scripts > Other Script. If added to the Scripting folder while Illustrator is running, restart Illustrator to view it in the Scripts submenu.
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