Possible to batch print multiple AI files?

jonking

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Feb 28, 2003, 10:36:40 AM2/28/03

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I have a 48 pg catalog I've created using separate Illustrator files. In order to print a complete copy of the document(s), I have to open and print each one individually. Is there a way to automate this process?

Ian A. Wright

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Feb 28, 2003, 11:03:08 AM2/28/03

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Jonk:

Can you create PDFs and use the full Adobe Acrobat 5.05 to build a multi-page document? Or you can Place those .AI files into a page layout application like InDesign. IMHO you chose the wrong tool for that 48-page job.

Philip Peterson

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Feb 28, 2003, 10:46:56 AM2/28/03

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Does it work if you use windows explorer to drag all of the .ai files to your printer icon?

jonking

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Feb 28, 2003, 11:04:20 AM2/28/03

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I can print to a network Minolta QMS 2300 or a HP1220C Deskjet using XP and AI9; and it doesn't do anything when I drag and drop to either one.

jonking

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Feb 28, 2003, 11:07:41 AM2/28/03

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Ian...

Ya, I'm one of the oldguys that just loves AI and I have my production people or the printer paginate my projects... I guess I should buck-up and learn InDesign.

Joel Stransky

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Feb 28, 2003, 12:35:48 PM2/28/03

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Im assuming you have the latest patches for 9 installed. Also make your printer doesnt have a special XP patch, just about everything does. Also revert back to Win2k if you have that option. I print to an HP Laserjet 4Mv which only speaks appletalk, I just have to use PcMaclan to do it.

Ian A. Wright

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Feb 28, 2003, 2:46:43 PM2/28/03

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Joel:

> I print to an HP Laserjet 4Mv which only speaks appletalk, ... <<

Can you explain that statement please? I don't have any similar issues with my LJ4m.

Kevin Brenner

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Feb 28, 2003, 4:20:06 PM2/28/03

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Open your folder in your OS(win95,98,2000,or Xp) select all the files that need printing, right click and select print and there you go!
Hit "enter" after you get the Printing Dialog box in Illustator for every file printing.

Kevin Brenner

Joel Stransky

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Feb 28, 2003, 5:38:54 PM2/28/03

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Ian, you may be my savior. I run XP pro and access my HP 4Mv through my network hub. The printer itself has a: Local Talk port, 10-base T, BNC, and a serial port. I'm obviously using the ethernet. I assumed it would be no problem to access the printer when I first got it home back when I was running Win2k. Nothing worked however. The Add Printer function never found anything no matter what firmware settings I had on the HP. I had printed to this very printer for years through a Mac so I just assumed it was an appletalk only model or something. Much to my shegrin I found Win2k has an appletalk protocol. Much to my dismay it was worthless. I then remembered the success I had with PCMacLan in networking machines so I thought why not printers. Sure enough it did the trick, created an appletalk network, found the printer/driver and even made it available across the network. All running through MacLans protocol, not Microsofts. This all suited me except for one insanely nagging problem. After every print job I send to it (no matter what app or separation setup), it kicks an error page out with the text "error undefined" printed right across the middle. I print vellom for T-shirts and that is a costly waist. The only way I have conserved film is by setting the printer to default to the hand fed tray and I just reset the printer rather than feed it that error sheet. It saves film but it also means I have to hand feed each sheet I print and some separations can take 30 mins to process which I can't ever print unattended. No errands, no overnight printing, no taking a @#(*%, nothing! Trying to solve this problem is the only reason I upgraded to XP. Upon XP's launch, the current version of Maclan wouldnt even allow the comp to restart after an install. So I had a fun weekend of doing a clean install of XP only to find I had wipe and reinstall 2k just so I could open my doors on monday. Finally Mirimar Systems patched or upgraded or whatever, might of been SP1 for XP, not sure really but I can now run MacLan on XP. Not that I didnt try to get XP to automatically recognize the HP before trying Maclan again. Low and behold the error page STILL persists! I just want to print like a normal person, this has fueled my hate for windows more than any other set back I believe. At least I got on straight answer from the beast themsleves LOL.
<http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb%3ben-us%3b305989>

jonking

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Feb 28, 2003, 11:10:40 PM2/28/03

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Kevin,

I can only print one file at a time:

When I select ONE file in Explorer, right click>print, Illustrator opens, loads the file and then the print dialog opens, I select print, it prints.

If I select TWO or more files, in Explorer, right click>print, nothing happens.

Elizabeth Fenton

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Mar 2, 2003, 3:18:42 AM3/2/03

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If you want to create multiple page documents in a "draw" program. bu Corel Draw or use a page layout program to place your art work into and than create your page layout. Corel Draw will do both, not to mention edit photos and so much more......AI is the only Adobe program I don't care for. Indesign, Photoshop and Corel Draw work great together.

Ian A. Wright

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Mar 2, 2003, 8:33:51 PM3/2/03

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Joel:

I don't use any of those connections any more. Back when I had my first PS printer (Apple LaserWriter) in the 1980's I had to use a serial port. When I got my 4m I simply attached it via the parallel port. Mine is visible across my Win2K Server network and accessible from all machines. I think you're trying to make things more difficult than they need to be. Unless there's something special at your location that I don't see.

Kevin Brenner

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Mar 4, 2003, 12:44:09 AM3/4/03

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Jonking,

copy and paste this line command into the Register File types, open a windows folder,select Tool/Folder Options/File Types/Adobe Illustrator Artwork 9.0/Advance, Select New and create a new context menu. Under the Action Box name it "Print Batch" or something like this and then paste (With the Quotes)
"\Adobe\Illustrator 9.0.1\Illustrator.exe" /p "%1"
in box named Apliccation to Perforn Action.
This may help!
I Batch print 20 to 30 independent Illustrator pages at one time all the time, in all version of WIndows. I do have to keep hitting the enter key every time one of the printing dialog boxes appear under illustrator but I don't have to open every document through Illustrator and then Ctrl-P each en every one.

Good Luck

KEvin BRenner

Joel Stransky

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Mar 4, 2003, 2:07:52 PM3/4/03

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Nothing special Ian, I just want it to function normally. I will try the parallel port as soon as I track down a cable. It always functioned normally on my Mac network so I guess I'm from that crazy world that like's it when things continue to work. I just assumed via the ethernet would be the most efficiant way to print and that if I'm having trouble with that, why would a different connection work. Windows should package itself as a video game.

jonking

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Mar 15, 2003, 8:41:58 PM3/15/03

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Kevin,

I tried your batch print fix but unfortunately, the same exact thing happens... one file will print, two or more just do nothing.

Joel Stransky

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Mar 24, 2003, 2:58:30 AM3/24/03

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Just a follow up Ian, I finally was able to get Win2k to see the printer via the ethernet. I installed the appletalk protocol like normal but when I added a printer I had it search for local printers and unchecked the auto install box. Then I chose create new port and appletalk printer was one of the options. It found the printer, I captured it, I AM SO HAPPY! I can finally print and walk away again.

Ian A. Wright

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Mar 24, 2003, 4:07:22 PM3/24/03

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Joel:

I'm glad I could help ...