One of MY most frequently asked questions is about Seps with AI. Honestly, I have been working on some great stuff, but a lot of it was a flying contraption that only I could fly. So, I have decided to go back to basics and made a one-color Illustrator SEP script. Multi-color next. One of the most time-consuming tasks in this field is separating artwork for print. Thankfully, we can streamline processes once done manually by combining the power of generative AI with Illustrator’s scripting capabilities.

The Magic of Illustrator Scripting

Illustrator’s scripting engine, which uses ExtendScript (a flavor of JavaScript), opens up a world of possibilities. In a recent project, I used ChatGPT’s new o3-mini high for coding to assist in writing a script to process 1-color graphics, specifically, centering the graphic, resizing it, and adding elements like registration marks and separation text.

A key part of this process was designing a script that added color spot swatches. It also handled complex tasks such as duplicating the graphic and applying under base and trap colors. The script used regular expressions to loop through the colors in the graphic and assign specific spot colors (e.g., Underbase, Trap) for print separation. It also handles Overprint fill where needed.

Automating Design Workflows

The true power of scripting lies in its ability to automate repetitive tasks. In the past, creating and seping spot colors manually for each design was a tedious process that involved interacting with each color and ensuring it was applied correctly. Once you’ve set your parameters with scripting, Illustrator handles the heavy lifting.

In this specific case, the script automatically identified all the design colors in the graphic, converted them into spot colors, and then labeled each with a letter code (A for Underbase, B for the next color, etc.). This process ensured that each color was consistently applied, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring that the final printed designs matched the digital mockups.

Registration Marks: A Crucial Detail

Illustrator scripts are great at adding registration marks—I just defined the parameters, and it applies them.

By modifying the script, I was able to create a custom registration mark consisting of a cross with a circle at the center, all in registration color. These marks are crucial for ensuring the print layers are aligned precisely, especially when dealing with multi-color designs.

The Benefits of Overprint Fill

Another key detail when working with Illustrator for screen printing is the “Overprint Fill” setting. This allows ink to overlap with other colors to keep your sep files small. The script automatically sets the “Overprint Fill” on all colors that aren’t part of the Underbase or Trap colors. These types of adjustments might seem small, but they’re incredibly important in achieving a correct screen.

Customizing and Fine-Tuning with AI

While ChatGPT provided the framework for the script, its real power comes from customization. For instance, the script can be adjusted to cater to different file naming conventions. Or using customized registration marks depending on your shop’s needs. My script asks you for the file name as a first step to the sep; this information is populated at the bottom of the sep in the Registration color next to the marks. My script also has “Trap” set as a spot color. This could be easily set to white to avoid interacting with it at the RIP.

By simply prompting ChatGPT with specific requests (e.g., adjusting registration marks and changing spot colors), I can tweak the script to fit various requirements.

The Future of AI in Screen Printing

What excites me most about the future of AI in screen printing is the potential for even more automation. Imagine a script that not only handles text generation but also automatically adjusts files for different screen sizes or automatically generates color separations for complex multi-layer prints. With the right tools, these tasks will become as simple as pushing a button.

Here is my current Script, I am still fine-tuning, so either take it over and customize it or check back for a more refined version, and if you need a reminder on how to use it check here, or here.

2/09 – I added a script that handles 1 color Distress files better (it does everything the 1 color does too)

Some Rules for using my script:

Make sure your art is one color, it will make a spot of that color.

Make sure it is ONLY 1 color, no extra colors or invisible colors, use your pathfinder and UNITE everything that is that color and eliminate everything else.

The script does not size. I will likely add that moving forward, so size your art to the preferred size.

Ok, have fun! And let me know what else to add to it. Multi-color next.