Copy as PNG
Script for Adobe Illustrator
✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Basic Usage
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1. Select Your Artwork
- Select one or more objects in your Illustrator document
- The script will export all selected objects as a single PNG
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2. Run the Script
- Go to File > Scripts > Copy as PNG
- The script dialog will appear with multiple settings:
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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
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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
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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
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Adjusting Settings
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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×
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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
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Background
- Transparent: PNG with alpha channel (default)
- White: Solid white background
- Black: Solid black background
ㅤAnti-Aliasing
- Enabled (default): Smooth edges, best for most use cases
- Disabled: Sharp edges, useful for pixel-perfect graphics
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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
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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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