Copy as PNG

Copy as PNG

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

Description

Copy as PNG is a powerful Illustrator script that streamlines the process of exporting artwork as PNG images. Whether you need to quickly copy to clipboard or save as a file, this script gives you full control over scale, background, margins, and anti-aliasing - all in one convenient dialog.

Key Features

  • Quick Export: Copy artwork to clipboard or save as PNG file
  • Dual Export Options: Choose between clipboard copy or file save with dedicated buttons
  • Flexible Scaling: Export at any scale factor (×0.1 to ×10.0) with corresponding DPI
  • Background Options: Choose between transparent, white, or black backgrounds
  • Custom Margins: Add padding around your artwork (0-1000px)
  • Anti-Aliasing Control: Toggle edge smoothing on or off
  • Live Preview: Visual margin guide shows exactly what will be exported
  • Size Preview: See output dimensions in pixels before exporting
  • Transparency Grid Toggle: Preview transparent areas while working

Installation

1. Download the Copy as PNG.jsx script file.

2. Place the script in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:

⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts

⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts

3. Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running.

4. Access the script via File > Scripts > Copy as PNG.

Basic Usage

1. Select Your Artwork

  • Select one or more objects in your Illustrator document
  • The script will export all selected objects as a single PNG

2. Run the Script

  • Go to File > Scripts > Copy as PNG
  • The script dialog will appear with multiple settings:

image gallery

3. Configure Settings

  • Size: Preview of output dimensions in pixels
  • Scale: Set export scale (×1 = 72 DPI, ×2 = 144 DPI, etc.)
  • Background: Choose Transparent, White, or Black
  • Margin: Add padding around artwork (in pixels)
  • Anti-Aliasing: Enable for smooth edges (recommended)
  • Transparency Grid: Toggle to preview transparent areas
  • Fit in Window: Zoom to selection for better preview

4. Choose Export Method

  • Copy: Copies PNG to clipboard for pasting into other apps
  • Save: Opens file dialog to save PNG directly to your computer
  • Cancel: Close dialog without exporting

5. Use Your PNG

  • If copied: Paste into any application (Photoshop, Figma, Slack, email, etc.)
  • If saved: PNG file is ready at your chosen location
  • A confirmation message shows the export details

Adjusting Settings

Scale

  • Input Field: Type any value between 0.1 and 10.0
  • Scrollbar: Drag to adjust in 0.1× increments
  • Arrow Keys: Up/Down to adjust by 0.1×, Shift+Up/Down for 0.5×
  • Right-Click Scrollbar: Reset to 1.0×

Margin

  • Input Field: Type pixel value (0-1000)
  • Scrollbar: Drag to adjust in 1px increments
  • Arrow Keys: Up/Down for 1px, Shift+Up/Down for 10px
  • Right-Click Scrollbar: Reset to 0px
  • Live Preview: Blue dashed rectangle shows margin area on canvas

Background

  • Transparent: PNG with alpha channel (default)
  • White: Solid white background
  • Black: Solid black background

Anti-Aliasing

  • Enabled (default): Smooth edges, best for most use cases
  • Disabled: Sharp edges, useful for pixel-perfect graphics

Tips & Tricks

  • Save vs Copy: Use Save for files you'll reuse, Copy for quick sharing
  • Multiple Objects: Select multiple objects to export them together as one PNG
  • Artboard Independence: Works with any selection, regardless of artboard boundaries
  • Live Preview: The blue dashed rectangle updates in real-time as you adjust margin
  • Quick Adjustments: Use keyboard shortcuts in input fields for faster workflow
  • Transparency Grid: Toggle to verify transparent areas before exporting
  • High-Resolution Export: Use ×2 or higher for Retina displays and presentations
  • Paste Anywhere: Copied PNGs work with Photoshop, Figma, Sketch, Slack, email clients, and more

Summary

Copy as PNG streamlines your Illustrator workflow by letting you instantly export selected artwork as high-quality PNG images - either to your clipboard for quick sharing or saved directly to your computer. With intuitive controls for scale, background, margins, and live preview, you get professional results in seconds without navigating complex export dialogs.

Perfect for designers who need fast, flexible PNG exports for presentations, documentation, collaboration, and design handoff.

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Copy as PNG

Version: 1.0.5

Updated:

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.
    1.0.5 – New "Save" button lets you export PNG files directly to your computer

    Tested on MacOS:

    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)
  • Supported Versions:

    • Compatible with Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later, including Adobe Illustrator CC versions.

    Operating Systems:

    • Works on both macOS and Windows platforms.
  • End User License Agreement (EULA)

    Last Updated: 21.12.2024

    This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you (“User” or “Licensee”) and Samolevsky.com (“Licensor”) regarding the use of the Adobe Illustrator scripts (“Software”). By downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

    1. Grant of License

    Licensor grants the User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Software in accordance with this Agreement.

    • Free Software: If the Software is provided for free, you may use it for personal or commercial purposes without payment, subject to the restrictions outlined in this Agreement.
    • Paid Software: If the Software is provided for a fee, you may use it only after payment has been made in full.

    2. Usage Rights

    You are permitted to:

    • Install and use the Software on devices you own or control.
    • Use the Software in your personal or commercial projects, subject to compliance with this Agreement.

    3. Restrictions

    You may NOT:

    • Reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying ideas, or algorithms of the Software.
    • Reuse, incorporate, or integrate any portion of the Software into any other software, product, or project, except as expressly permitted by the Licensor in writing.
    • Resell, redistribute, or share the Software, whether in its original or modified form, without prior written consent from the Licensor.
    • Claim ownership of the Software or its underlying code.
    • Use the Software in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.

    4. Ownership

    The Software and all intellectual property rights therein remain the exclusive property of the Licensor. This Agreement does not transfer ownership of the Software or any intellectual property rights to the User.

    5. Disclaimer of Warranties

    THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

    6. Limitation of Liability

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, Licensor shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Software.

    7. Termination

    This Agreement is effective until terminated. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach any term of this Agreement. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.

    8. Updates and Support

    Licensor is not obligated to provide updates, support, or maintenance for the Software. However, updates may be provided at the sole discretion of the Licensor.

    9. Governing Law

    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

    10. Entire Agreement

    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Licensor concerning the Software and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter.

    By using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.

    For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

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Introducing ScriptBox

Your Complete Adobe Illustrator Productivity Hub

Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a professional vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by designers, illustrators, and artists for creating a variety of digital artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and complex design layouts. Illustrator is known for its precision and scalability, allowing users to create high-quality graphics that can be resized without losing clarity. Its features include powerful drawing tools, customizable brushes, advanced typography options, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Illustrator is a go-to tool for creative professionals working on projects for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

  • 🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder

    To install a Copy as PNG.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator
can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:

    1. MacOS:
      Open Finder and navigate to:
      Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
    2. Windows:
      Open File Explorer and navigate to:
      C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
    3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
    4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).

    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Copy as PNG.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
    2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
    3. Restart Adobe IllustratorTo refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

    Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

    1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
    2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
    3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
    4. Click the Copy as PNG script to run it.
    5. The Copy as PNG script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.

    ☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

Got questions?

Need help or have an idea to share? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, found a bug, have a feature request, or just want to share your feedback, reach out to us—we’re here for you!