How to programmatically create basic Adobe Illustrator files?

Question

I need to create a really basic Adobe Illustrator file on the clipboard that can be pasted into Adobe Illustrator or Expression Design. I am looking for code samples on how to programmatically create Adobe Illustrator files, preferably from C # or some other .NET language (but any language is currently available).

I found the documentation in Adobe Illustrator 3 format in PDF format, but it should digest this simple script.

I do not want to depend on the actual Adobe Illustrator program (for example, COM interoperability) to create my documents. Must be a clean code.

The code is for adding Expression Studio, and I need to create something on the clipboard that can be pasted into Expression Design. After looking at the formats that Expression Design puts on the clipboard when copying the base shape, I came to the conclusion that ADOBE AI3 is the best of them (others are made images or cfXaml that you cannot paste INTO Design).

Therefore, based on this, I cannot use SWG, which would probably be simpler.

Another idea might be to use the PDF component, as the AI ​​and PDF format should be compatible? I also find links to the Adobe Illustrator Clipboard Format (AICB) format, but cannot find the documentation in it.

Answer 1

I know that Inkscape is free and open source and can edit .ai files.

This may be the place to start. http://www.inkscape.org/

Also, I think Illustrator can handle standard svg files, so it might be much easier to generate them. (They are XML based) http://www.w3.org/Graphics/SVG/

Answer 2

Try using ExtendScript, a javascript-like scripting environment provided by Adobe (the ExtendScript editor is included in CS) that allows you to manipulate various Adobe applications with scripts. I was able to create, manipulate and save Photoshop files using ES, so I'm sure you can do it with AI too.

Answer 3

SVG is probably the way to go.