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I made a large project with a bunch of layers, but I need each layer exported as it's own (.jpg/.png) image.

I know there's a way to export my project by artboards, but now It's all in separate layers (on one artboard).

What would be the easiest way for me to export all my layers (~25) without cloning each layer to a new artboard (and then dealing with all the placement etc.)?

Is it even possible? Would I have to use a script?

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    If you have Illustrator CC, there's the built in Asset Export and Illustrator Layer Exporter Extension. These are both meant for screen use. The built int asset export requires you to add each asset to the panel one by one, where as the extension uses top level layers I believe. It's been a while since I last used it. I should note the script posted by @Ovaryraptor is just as easy to use.
    – Joonas
    Commented Jan 5, 2018 at 20:25
  • Do the exports' dimensions need to match the art, or the artboard?
    – Nick Combs
    Commented Jan 5, 2018 at 23:46
  • @NickCombsn yes, preferably.
    – Welz
    Commented Jan 6, 2018 at 22:43
  • You can export a layered PSD from Illustrator using 'export as'. But it's, in my experience, unreliable. Best bet is to check 'maximum editability' which creates layer groups (folders) for each layer.
    – Jeremy S.
    Commented Jan 7, 2018 at 18:57

3 Answers 3

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You can use this nice script by Tom Byrne.

Just copy this code into a notepad and save it as all files and with the filename MultiExporter.jsx.

Then drop a copy of that into your scripts folder. It can be found under 

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator [YOUR VERSION]\Presets\en_[YOUR LANGUAGE]\Scripts

OR

C:\Program Filesx86\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator[YOURVERSION]\Presets\en_[YOUR LANGUAGE]\Scripts

Then in Illustrator, use the File > Scripts > MultiExporter option to bring up the dialogue box. From there it’s all fairly self explanatory.

enter image description here

Once you have each layer exported you can just split the pdf up and place each "page" as a new layer or whatever you need to do to recover your work!

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  • I get an syntax error, I am using Mac.. Is there a separate script for Mac?
    – driverpizza
    Commented Jan 24, 2019 at 16:16
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    Probably not, you can check the forks on GitHub to see if anyone altered the original to work on a Mac.
    – Stegathesaurus
    Commented Jan 24, 2019 at 20:10
  • Unfortunately not working in Illustrator 2021
    – doomed
    Commented Aug 31, 2021 at 20:30
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if you are using illustrator cc 2017 , you just need to use illustrator asset export feature. just right click to your layer in Artboard and select collect to export option. follow same for all layers. once you've done , go to file > export > export for screens and select assets tab (if not already selected) and check and layers you want to export and lastly click on export asset button.send layer to asset export export option

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  • I suggest that this be marked as the answer, its extremely easy to do and solves the issues outlined in the original question
    – mknopf
    Commented Dec 19, 2020 at 4:31
  • This only lets you export specific assets though, not layers as a whole. Unless I am missing something? If I want to export an entire layer, including the empty space in the artboard (to have a square png) it won't work.
    – Ryan Pergent
    Commented Aug 15, 2022 at 16:05
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The alternative is simply turning off all but the one layer and saving it as 25 files, if saving as a PDF you can then open the files in acrobat and compile them into one document

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