FlexPageMaster Script
The FlexPageMaster script for Adobe Illustrator provides a flexible way to configure and display information such as page numbers, document names, and today’s date. Additionally, it opens up creative possibilities for workarounds that remind you of Parent/Master Pages in InDesign (you can read more about Parent/Master Pages in InDesign here or here). However, it is important to evaluate whether your project would be better suited for InDesign or if Illustrator remains the best choice.
Pre-History of the FlexPageMaster Script
The FlexPageMaster script came to life as a sibling to my PageIndexer script. It was initially created at the request of a designer who needed specific functionality for managing pages in Adobe Illustrator. While it started with a focused purpose, FlexPageMaster can be adapted for various tasks. I believe you’ll find it flexible and highly useful for your projects.
Download and Save Scripts
You can download a zip folder with my FlexPageMaster script from the Scripts Section. Inside the folder, you’ll find the FlexPageMaster script, a document listing all the placeholders, and a sample AI document to help you get started. Additionally, you can explore and download my other scripts there as well.
Installation of FlexPageMaster Script in Adobe Illustrator:
Download the ZIP Folder:
- Download the zip file from the provided link.
Extract the JSX File:
- Extract the
FlexPageMaster.jsxfile from the ZIP folder.
- Extract the
Place the FlexPageMaster.jsx File:
- Windows (64 bit): Place the file in
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator [version]\Presets\en_US\Scripts\. - Mac OS: Place the file in
/Applications/Adobe Illustrator [version]/Presets.localized/en_US/Scripts/.
- Windows (64 bit): Place the file in
Restart Illustrator:
- Close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.
Access the Script:
- The script should now be visible under
File > Scripts > FlexPageMaster.
- The script should now be visible under
Understanding the FlexPageMaster Script
This script shares many similarities with its sibling, PageIndexer, but also has notable differences. I’ll explain how FlexPageMaster works and cover these differences. Additionally, I’ll guide you through setting up a sort of Parent/Master Page in Illustrator that works with FlexPageMaster.
Similarities
Both PageIndexer and FlexPageMaster can do the same thing: index pages in Adobe Illustrator, display today’s date, and the document name, while keeping the placement and layout of this data.
Differences
Unlike PageIndexer, FlexPageMaster lets you choose which pages this information will be displayed on. However, note that this script doesn’t work with groups.
How Does It Work
Open Your Illustrator Document
- Start by opening the Illustrator document you want to work on.
Create a Layer
- Create a new layer and name it ‘Master’.
Add and Format Text
- In this ‘Master’ layer, you can place and format all text that you want to be managed by the script. You need to add ‘placeholders’ / variables to this text. These placeholders are specific letters placed within
< >. Use the following table to see what output you get from different letter combinations:
- In this ‘Master’ layer, you can place and format all text that you want to be managed by the script. You need to add ‘placeholders’ / variables to this text. These placeholders are specific letters placed within
Document Name
<name>: Displays the name of your document.<nameex>: Displays the full name of your document, including the file extension.
Page or Artboard Numbers
<p>: Displays the page number as 1, 2, 3, etc.<pp>: Displays the page number as 01, 02, 03, etc.<pps>: Displays the total number of pages in the document (e.g., 07 or 12).<ps>: Displays the total number of pages in the document (e.g., 7 or 12).
Date
<wd>: Displays the weekday.<d>: Displays the current day date as 1, 2, 3, and so on.<dd>: Displays the current day date as 01, 02, 03, and so on.<m>: Displays the current month number as 1, 2, 3, and so on.<mm>: Displays the current month number as 01, 02, 03, and so on.<month>: Displays the current month name (e.g., May, June).<lm>: Displays the current month number as a Latin numeral (e.g., I, II, XII).<yy>: Displays the last two digits of the current year.<yyyy>: Displays the full four-digit representation of the current year.
Customizing Your Configuration
Depending on your needs, you can use different configurations to get the result you want. For example, you can use <name>on the front page to display just the name of the file and <nameex> in another place to display the name of the file with the document extension, as in the image below.
Dynamics Behind the Script
In short, the script works by finding all text frames with the placeholders and changing them accordingly. For instance, if you have the text ‘This is page <p> of <ps> pages’ on page 5 in a document of 10 pages, the script will change it to ‘This is page 5 of 10 pages’. Similarly, if you have ‘Page <pp>’ on page 3, it will change it to ‘Page 03’. You can see it in the image below.
By customizing these placeholders, you can ensure that your document displays the most relevant information in the appropriate locations. Consequently, this flexibility allows you to maintain a professional and organized appearance throughout your Illustrator project. As a result, you can achieve a more streamlined and efficient workflow.
Steps to Create Parent/Master Pages in Illustrator
I’m sure many of you can find your own creative uses for this script. However, I’d like to show one example that might inspire you. As we all know, Illustrator doesn’t have the Parent/Master Page functionality like InDesign, so we cannot create true Parent/Master Pages here. But with FlexPageMaster, you can mimic this process to some extent, creating a sort of Master Pages Wannabe.
Steps to Create Master Pages Wannabe in Illustrator
Before starting, consider whether Illustrator or InDesign is better suited for your project. Here’s how you can use FlexPageMaster to simulate Master Pages in Illustrator:
Create a New Layer Named ‘Master’
- Start by creating a new layer and name it ‘Master’. This layer will serve as your pseudo-master page.
Design Your Layout on the ‘Master’ Layer
- Place and format all the common elements that you want to appear on multiple pages. This could include headers, footers, page numbers, and any other repetitive elements.
Add Placeholders/Variables
- Use the placeholders to dynamically display information such as page numbers, document names, and dates. Refer to the placeholder table provided earlier for the correct syntax.
Duplicate the Artboards
- Duplicate the artboards to create multiple pages based on your master layout.
- Duplicate the artboards to create multiple pages based on your master layout.
Make the Title Page (if needed)
- Create a title page if your project requires one.
Arrange Your Artwork
- Arrange your artwork on the artboards the way you need.
- Arrange your artwork on the artboards the way you need.
Apply FlexPageMaster
- Run the FlexPageMaster script to automatically update the placeholders with the appropriate information for each page.
- Run the FlexPageMaster script to automatically update the placeholders with the appropriate information for each page.
By following these steps, you can create a consistent and professional look across your Illustrator project. Although it’s not a perfect replacement for true Parent/Master Pages, this workaround offers a flexible and effective solution within Illustrator.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
In conclusion, FlexPageMaster offers a powerful and flexible solution for managing page elements in Adobe Illustrator. While it doesn’t fully replicate InDesign’s Master Page functionality, it provides a valuable workaround for creating consistent layouts across multiple pages in Illustrator. Customizing placeholders and automating repetitive tasks can save you time and help maintain a professional appearance in your projects.
I created this script to help designers streamline their workflow and boost productivity. I hope FlexPageMaster empowers you to bring higher efficiency and organization to your Illustrator projects.
If you found this guide helpful, please check out my other scripts. Follow me on LinkedIn for updates and more design tips. I’d love to hear your feedback—leave a comment and share how you’re using FlexPageMaster in your projects.
Thank you for reading, and happy designing!
