png - How to export Illustrator layers as individual images?

I have an Illustrator file that contains patterns. I'd like to export each pattern as an individual image to use in this new program that I'm trying called Sketch. Is there a batch processing script that exports layers as PNG or SVG? I'd like to have each geometric pattern available as a PNG, not as one large file.

Any thoughts?

Answer

If the patterns are indeed on individual layers, you may be able to use scripting to export each layer as an individual png.

Carlos Canto wrote a script for Illustrator and posted it in the Adobe forums.

In case of link rot, here's Carlos' script:

#target Illustrator

//  script.name = exportLayersAsCSS_PNGs.jsx;
//  script.description = mimics the Save for Web, export images as CSS Layers (images only);

//  script.requirements = an open document; tested with CS5 on Windows. 
//  script.parent = carlos canto // 05/24/13; All rights reseved
//  script.elegant = false;


/**
* export layers as PNG
* @author Niels Bosma
*/
// Adapted to export images as CSS Layers by CarlosCanto



if (app.documents.length>0) {
    main();
}
else alert('Cancelled by user');


function main() {
    var document = app.activeDocument;

    var afile = document.fullName;
    var filename = afile.name.split('.')[0];


    var folder = afile.parent.selectDlg("Export as CSS Layers (images only)...");


    if(folder != null)
    { 
        var activeABidx = document.artboards.getActiveArtboardIndex();

        var activeAB = document.artboards[activeABidx]; // get active AB        
        var abBounds = activeAB.artboardRect;// left, top, right, bottom


        showAllLayers();
        var docBounds = document.visibleBounds;
        activeAB.artboardRect = docBounds;


        var options = new ExportOptionsPNG24();

        options.antiAliasing = true;
        options.transparency = true;
        options.artBoardClipping = true;

        var n = document.layers.length;
        hideAllLayers ();
        for(var i=n-1, k=0; i>=0; i--, k++)
        {
            //hideAllLayers();
            var layer = document.layers[i];

            layer.visible = true;


            var file = new File(folder.fsName + '/' +filename+ '-' + k +".png");

            document.exportFile(file,ExportType.PNG24,options);
            layer.visible = false;
        }

        showAllLayers();

        activeAB.artboardRect = abBounds;
    }


    function hideAllLayers()
    {
        forEach(document.layers, function(layer) {
            layer.visible = false;
        });
    }



    function showAllLayers()
    {
        forEach(document.layers, function(layer) {
            layer.visible = true;
        }); 
    }



    function forEach(collection, fn)
    {
        var n = collection.length;
        for(var i=0; i        {
            fn(collection[i]);
        }
    }
}

Copy and paste this into a text file and save the text file with a .jsx suffix. Then place the .jsx file into Adobe Illustrator CS(x)/Presets/[your language]/Scripts. After relaunching Illustrator, the script should be visible via File > Scripts within Illustrator.