An Adobe Illustrator ExtendScript that automates placing external images onto selected shapes at 100% native scale — across as many shapes as you need, in a single run.
The script needs these three conditions before it runs. Each takes seconds to verify.
CS6 or any Creative Cloud version. Uses standard ExtendScript APIs — no additional plugins required.
At least one rectangle must be selected on the artboard as a target. Use the Selection Tool (V) to select your shapes.
Your image must be on your local or network drive and under 10 MB. Supported: PDF, PNG, JPG, AI.
The whole process takes under 30 seconds per batch — regardless of how many shapes you’re placing onto.
Using the Selection Tool (V), click or shift-click to highlight all the rectangles marking your target positions. The script places one image onto each.
Go to File → Scripts → Other Script… Navigate to your Illustrator Script Place.jsx and double-click to run.
A file-picker dialog opens. Select your asset. Files over 10 MB are rejected automatically. Supported: PDF, PNG, JPG, AI.
The script places your image onto every selected shape instantly. An alert confirms “Placement completed!” — click OK and you’re done.
Manually placing and aligning images across multiple shapes is slow and error-prone. This script eliminates both problems.
Place one image across 2, 10, or 50 shapes in a single run. Positioning offset is calculated automatically for every shape.
Images land at exactly their original pixel dimensions — no scaling distortion, no guesswork about what size it will render at.
All placed images go into a dedicated Artwork layer, created automatically if it doesn’t exist. Existing layers stay untouched.
Hard 10 MB file limit prevents Illustrator from hanging on oversized assets. The script terminates cleanly before any processing begins.
Mid-loop alerts are fully suppressed so the batch runs silently from start to finish. One confirmation alert at the end.
Built on standard ExtendScript — compatible with Illustrator CS6 and every Creative Cloud release. No additional plugins required.
What the script does automatically on every run to keep placements reliable and your file tidy.
Searches for a layer named Artwork layer. Creates it automatically if it doesn’t exist — keeping your document structured and predictable.
Records the first shape as a reference point, then calculates the precise x/y offset to each subsequent shape so every image lands exactly where it should.
Files over 10 MB are rejected before Illustrator begins any processing — preventing crashes or hangs on large or unoptimised assets.
Suppresses Illustrator’s mid-loop popup alerts. The script runs from start to finish uninterrupted — no repeated clicks, no accidental cancels.
The script produces one of two error messages when something isn’t right — here’s what each means and how to fix it.
Habits that keep your Illustrator files clean and placements consistent across every project.
Name target rectangles in the Layers panel. It makes re-selecting the right shapes much faster on repeat projects.
Export at 300 DPI for print, 72–150 DPI for previews. Most workflow assets come in well under 10 MB at these settings.
When placing logos or vector artwork, export as PDF. The file scales without rasterisation, keeping edges crisp at any zoom.
All placements land on the Artwork layer. Running the script twice stacks two copies — delete the older one before sending to print.
The script checks for selection immediately on launch. Always select your shapes first — switching tools mid-run won’t add to the selection.
Select all shapes you want the same image on in one selection, run the script once. Then deselect, select the next group, and repeat.
Free. No licence. Works in Illustrator CS6 and all Creative Cloud versions.
Illustrator Script Place.jsx