Illustrator

ie3jp182stars

MCP server for Adobe Illustrator with 63 tools — read, create, and export design data. Everything the official Illustrator MCP (beta) can do and more, on stable Illustrator.

Install Run on PlugMCP

GitHub

Run on PlugMCP

1# Illustrator

README.mdMCP server

Transport: stdio
Status: Local

Power your agent

Add this server

Install from the publisher. Not a PlugMCP endpoint.

Run on PlugMCP

Host a copy with our keys and logs.

No packaged release in the registry yet. Follow the repository README.

RepositoryPublisher installStep-by-step: add this in Claude

Remote URL or a command on your machine? How the two installs differ

Run on PlugMCP

Host a copy with our keys and logs.

A new server you create. It is not this listing's official endpoint. Use the publisher install when you want their URL and their credentials.

Launch

Server facts

Local

Transport: stdio
License: MIT
Last checked: 2026-10-28

Stars: 182
Tools: —
Uptime: —

Tools

No tool list yet. Remote servers get one after the first health check.

FAQ

Questions

How do I install Illustrator?

Copy the stdio config for Cursor, Claude Desktop, Claude Code, or VS Code on this page. It uses the publisher's install, not a PlugMCP proxy.

Does Illustrator need an API key?

No required environment variable is listed on this record.

What transport does Illustrator use?

Illustrator runs locally over stdio.

When was Illustrator last checked?

Last checked 2026-10-28. MCP server for Adobe Illustrator with 63 tools — read, create, and export design data. Everything the official Illustrator MCP (beta) can do and more, on stable Illustrator.

From the publisher

Documentation

🇯🇵 日本語の README は README.ja.md にあります。

Illustrator MCP Server

An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server for reading, manipulating, and exporting Adobe Illustrator design data — with 66 built-in tools.

Control Illustrator directly from AI assistants like Claude — extract design information for web implementation, verify print-ready data, and export assets.

Everything Adobe's official Illustrator MCP (beta) can do — and more. See the comparison.

[!NOTE] In Claude's extension directory and plugin marketplace, this project is listed as Design Bridge by IE3. Anthropic's directories don't allow other companies' brand names in listing names, so the listing name differs — it is the same project, and the npm package is still illustrator-mcp-server. If you installed the Claude Code plugin under its earlier name (illustrator@ie3jp-illustrator), see Claude Code to reinstall it.

🎨 Gallery

All artwork below was created entirely by Claude through natural language conversation — no manual Illustrator operation involved.

See detailed breakdowns below for prompts, tool usage, and artboard structure.

[!TIP] Developing and maintaining this tool takes time and resources. If it helps your workflow, your support means a lot — ☕ buy me a coffee!

🚀 Quick Start

🛠️ Claude Code

Requires Node.js 20+.

claude mcp add illustrator-mcp -- npx illustrator-mcp-server

Or install it as a plugin, which bundles the MCP server with a pre-press preflight skill (also works in Claude Cowork):

/plugin install ie3-design-bridge --marketplace ie3jp/illustrator-mcp-server

On Claude Code earlier than v2.1.275, add the marketplace first:

/plugin marketplace add ie3jp/illustrator-mcp-server
/plugin install ie3-design-bridge@ie3

If you already added the server with claude mcp add, remove it first (claude mcp remove illustrator-mcp) so it doesn't run twice.

🖥️ Claude Desktop

Download illustrator-mcp-server.mcpb from GitHub Releases
Open Claude Desktop → Settings → Extensions
Drag and drop the .mcpb file into the Extensions panel
Click the Install button

[!NOTE] The .mcpb extension does not auto-update. To update, download the new version and reinstall. If you prefer automatic updates, use the npx method below instead.

Requires Node.js 20+. Open the config file and add the connection settings.

1. Open the config file

From the Claude Desktop menu bar:

Claude → Settings... → Developer (in the left sidebar) → Click the Edit Config button

2. Add the settings

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "illustrator": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["illustrator-mcp-server"]
    }
  }
}

[!NOTE] If you installed Node.js via a version manager (nvm, mise, fnm, etc.), Claude Desktop may not find npx. In that case, use the full path:
"command": "/full/path/to/npx"
Run which npx in your terminal to find the path.

3. Save and restart

Save the file and close the text editor
Fully quit Claude Desktop (⌘Q / Ctrl+Q) and reopen it

[!CAUTION] AI can make mistakes. Do not over-rely on the output — always have a human perform the final check on submission data. The user is responsible for the results.

[!NOTE] macOS: On first run, allow automation access in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation.

[!NOTE] Most modify tools bring Illustrator to the foreground during execution. Read tools and export run without switching apps; export_pdf brings Illustrator forward only when drawing Japanese crop marks.

[!NOTE] Your files are protected by default. close_document will not throw away unsaved changes unless you explicitly choose to (save: false), and export, export_pdf, save_document (save as) and extract_design_tokens will not replace an existing file unless overwrite: true is set. If that is what you want, just tell Claude to "close without saving" or "overwrite the file".

Multiple Illustrator Versions

If you have multiple versions of Illustrator installed, you can tell Claude which version to use during conversation. Just say something like "Use Illustrator 2024" and the set_illustrator_version tool will target that version.

Supported versions: Illustrator 2024 (v28) and later are verified. Illustrator 2020–2023 (v24–v27) are expected to work — every ExtendScript API this server uses has existed since v24 — but they are not verified, so tools return a warning when running on them. Versions older than 2020 (v24) are rejected. If something breaks on an unverified version, please open an issue.

[!NOTE] If Illustrator is already running, the server connects to the running instance regardless of the version setting. The version is only used to launch the correct version when Illustrator is not yet running.

Environment Variables

Variable	Default	Description
`ILLUSTRATOR_MCP_TIMEOUT_NORMAL`	`30000`	Timeout in milliseconds for normal tools
`ILLUSTRATOR_MCP_TIMEOUT_HEAVY`	`60000`	Timeout in milliseconds for heavy tools (placing or importing files, export, preflight, style guides and color chips, size variations)

Raise these when a single call needs longer than the default: importing a large SVG with import_svg_as_editable (100+ objects), or running get_document_structure / export_pdf on a big document.

Values must be positive integers in milliseconds. Anything else (0, a negative number, a non-numeric string, or a value above 2147483647) falls back to the default. They are read once at server startup.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "illustrator": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["illustrator-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "ILLUSTRATOR_MCP_TIMEOUT_NORMAL": "60000",
        "ILLUSTRATOR_MCP_TIMEOUT_HEAVY": "180000"
      }
    }
  }
}

🎬 What You Can Do

You:    Show me all the text information in this document
Claude:  → list_text_frames → get_text_frame_detail
         There are 12 text frames in the document.
         The heading "My Design" uses Noto Sans JP Bold 48px, color #333333 ...

You:    Run a pre-press preflight check
Claude:  → preflight_check
         ⚠ 2 warnings:
         - Low resolution image: image_01.jpg (150dpi) — 300dpi or higher recommended
         - Non-outlined fonts: 3 text frames

You:    Check text for inconsistencies
Claude:  → check_text_consistency
         📝 Consistency Report:
         ⚠ "Contact Us" vs "Contact us" — capitalization mismatch
         ❌ "Lorem ipsum" (2 places) — placeholder text remaining

You:    Create banner size variations from this A4 flyer
Claude:  → get_document_info → resize_for_variation
         Created 3 size variations:
         - 728×90 / 300×250 / 160×600

🆚 Comparison with Adobe's Official Illustrator MCP

In short: everything the official MCP does, this project does too — plus a lot more. Adobe ships a built-in MCP server in Illustrator Beta (30.4+, still beta-only as of August 2026), focused on analyzing and batch-processing existing documents. This project covers those same workflows — analysis, bulk recoloring, variations, batch artboard export, font / broken-link checks — and adds what the official server doesn't have: creating artwork from scratch, saving documents, print & prepress checks, and design-system tools. And it runs on stable Illustrator, no beta required.

	This project	Adobe official MCP (beta)
Installation	npm (`npx illustrator-mcp-server`) or one-click `.mcpb` install	Built into Illustrator Beta — get an auth key + URL from the app settings, connect via `mcp-remote`
Supported versions	Illustrator 2024+ verified / 2020+ unverified (macOS / Windows)	Illustrator Beta 30.4+ only
Number of tools	66	~40
Analyzing & batch-processing existing documents	✅ Structure / color / font analysis, bulk recolor, variations & datasets, batch artboard export (`artboard:all`), font & broken-link preflight	✅ Its main focus
Creating objects from scratch	✅ Full set — documents, shapes, paths, text frames, path text, gradients	❌ No new objects, text frames, or documents *
Saving documents	✅ `save_document` (save / save-as)	❌ Export only *
Print & prepress	✅ Crop marks, preflight, overprint / separation info, outlines, color profiles	—
Design system	✅ Design tokens, WCAG contrast check, style guides, text consistency	—

* Based on user reports as of April 2026 (beta). The official server is under active development — see Adobe's documentation for the latest status.

📖 Recipes

You:    Summarize the colors and typography in this design

Claude:  → get_colors → list_text_frames → get_text_frame_detail

         ■ Color Palette
         - Primary: #1A73E8 (CMYK: 85,50,0,0)
         - Secondary: #34A853
         - Text: #202124
         - Background: #FFFFFF

         ■ Typography
         - Headings: Noto Sans JP Bold / 32px
         - Body: Noto Sans JP Regular / 16px / line-height: 1.75
         - Captions: Noto Sans JP Medium / 12px

You:    Export all artboards as SVG with outlined text

Claude:  → get_artboards → convert_to_outlines → export (repeated)

         Exported 4 artboards:
         - /output/header.svg
         - /output/hero.svg
         - /output/feature.svg
         - /output/footer.svg

You:    Check if this document is PDF/X-1a compliant

Claude:  → preflight_check (target_pdf_profile: "x1a")

         ❌ PDF/X-1a compliance errors:
         - Transparency on 3 objects (X-1a prohibits transparency)
         - RGB colors found in 2 places (X-1a requires CMYK/spot only)

         ⚠ Warnings:
         - 5 non-outlined fonts (embedding recommended)
         - Image "photo_02.jpg" at 150dpi (300dpi recommended)

You:    Check placed image quality for print

Claude:  → get_images (include_print_info: true)

         ■ Image Quality Report:
         ✅ hero.psd — CMYK, 350ppi effective
         ⚠ icon_set.png — RGB (mismatch with CMYK document), 300ppi effective
         ❌ photo_bg.jpg — CMYK, 72ppi effective (over-enlarged)
           → Replace with a 300dpi+ image at actual size

You:    Check text contrast ratios

Claude:  → check_contrast (auto_detect: true)

         ■ WCAG Contrast Report:
         ❌ "Caption" on "light gray" — 2.8:1 (AA fail)
         ⚠ "Subheading" on "white" — 4.2:1 (AA Large OK, AA Normal fail)
         ✅ "Body text" on "white" — 12.1:1 (AAA pass)

Workflow Templates

Pre-built workflow templates available in the Claude Desktop prompt picker.

Template	Description
`quick-layout`	Paste text content and Claude arranges it on the artboard as headings, body, and captions
`print-preflight-workflow`	Comprehensive 7-step pre-press check (document → preflight → overprint → separations → images → colors → text)

Tool Reference

Read Tools (21)

Tool	Description
`get_document_info`	Document metadata (dimensions, color mode, profile, etc.)
`get_artboards`	Artboard information (position, size, orientation)
`get_layers`	Layer structure as a tree
`get_document_structure`	Full tree: layers → groups → objects in one call
`list_text_frames`	List of text frames (font, size, style name)
`get_text_frame_detail`	All attributes of a specific text frame (kerning, paragraph settings, etc.)
`get_colors`	Color information in use (swatches, gradients, spot colors; each used color listed once with a usage count). `include_diagnostics` for print analysis
`get_path_items`	Path/shape data (fill, stroke, anchor points)
`get_groups`	Groups, clipping masks, and compound path structure
`get_effects`	Effects and appearance info (opacity, blend mode)
`get_images`	Embedded/linked image info (resolution, broken link detection). `include_print_info` for effective resolution per axis & color space mismatch
`get_symbols`	Symbol definitions and instances
`get_guidelines`	Guide information
`get_overprint_info`	Overprint settings on paths, text and raster images + K100/rich black detection, with a heuristic label inferred from colors only (it cannot know your intent)
`get_separation_info`	Color separation info (process and spot plates actually used, with usage counts; inks with no detected usage are listed separately)
`get_selection`	Details of currently selected objects
`find_objects`	Search by criteria (name, type, color, font, etc.)
`check_contrast`	WCAG color contrast ratio check (manual or auto-detect overlapping pairs)
`extract_design_tokens`	Extract design tokens as CSS custom properties, JSON, or Tailwind config (writing to a file never replaces an existing one without `overwrite: true`)
`list_fonts`	List fonts available in Illustrator (no document required)
`convert_coordinate`	Convert points between artboard and document coordinate systems

Modify Tools (39)

Tool	Description
`create_rectangle`	Create a rectangle (supports rounded corners)
`create_ellipse`	Create an ellipse
`create_line`	Create a line
`create_text_frame`	Create a text frame (point or area type) with optional tracking, leading and paragraph alignment. `font_name` must be the exact name from `list_fonts` — an unknown font is an error, not a silent fallback
`create_path`	Create a custom path (with Bezier handles)
`place_image`	Place a raster/PDF image file as linked or embedded (SVG is rejected — use `import_svg_as_editable`)
`import_svg_as_editable`	Import an SVG file as editable Illustrator paths/text/groups (not as a linked image)
`modify_object`	Modify properties of an existing object (incl. text tracking, leading and alignment). Fill/stroke on a group or compound path is applied to every path and text inside it
`convert_to_outlines`	Convert text to outlines
`create_document`	Create a new document (size, color mode)
`close_document`	Close the active document (with unsaved changes, it won't close unless `save` is specified)
`resize_for_variation`	Create size variations from a source artboard (proportional scaling)
`align_objects`	Align and distribute multiple objects
`replace_color`	Find and replace colors across document (with tolerance)
`manage_layers`	Add, rename, show/hide, lock/unlock, reorder, or delete layers
`place_color_chips`	Extract unique colors and place color chip swatches outside artboard
`save_document`	Save or save-as the active document (save-as won't replace an existing file without `overwrite: true`)
`open_document`	Open a document from file path
`group_objects`	Group objects (supports clipping masks)
`ungroup_objects`	Ungroup a group, releasing children
`duplicate_objects`	Duplicate objects with optional offset
`set_z_order`	Change stacking order (front/back)
`move_to_layer`	Move objects to a different layer
`delete_objects`	Delete objects by UUID (locked objects need `force_unlock`; `undo` may revert it, but undo steps follow Illustrator's history, not MCP calls)
`manage_artboards`	Add, remove, resize, rename, rearrange artboards
`manage_swatches`	Add, update, or delete swatches
`manage_linked_images`	Relink or embed placed images
`manage_datasets`	List/apply/create datasets, import/export variables
`apply_graphic_style`	Apply a graphic style to objects
`list_graphic_styles`	List all graphic styles in the document
`apply_text_style`	Apply character or paragraph style to text
`list_text_styles`	List all character and paragraph styles
`create_gradient`	Create gradients and apply to objects
`create_path_text`	Create text along a path (optional tracking and alignment; same exact-`font_name` rule as `create_text_frame`)
`place_symbol`	Place or replace symbol instances
`select_objects`	Select objects by UUID (multi-select supported)
`create_crop_marks`	Create crop marks (trim marks) with locale-based style auto-detection (Japanese double-line / Western single-line)
`place_style_guide`	Place a visual style guide outside the artboard on a non-printing layer (colors, fonts, spacing, margins, guide gaps). Measurement marks on the artboard itself are opt-in (`annotate_artboard`)
`undo`	Undo/redo operations (multi-step)

Export Tools (2)

Tool	Description
`export`	SVG / PNG / JPG export (by artboard, selection, or UUID — selection/UUID export only that object; won't replace an existing file without `overwrite: true`)
`export_pdf`	Print-ready PDF export (crop marks, bleed, selective downsampling, output intent)

Utility (4)

Tool	Description
`preflight_check`	Pre-press check (RGB mixing, broken links, low resolution, white overprint, transparency+overprint interaction, PDF/X compliance, etc.). Reports which checks were complete or only partial (`coverage`)
`check_text_consistency`	Text consistency check (placeholder detection, notation variation patterns, full text listing for LLM analysis)
`set_workflow`	Set workflow mode (web/print) to override auto-detected coordinate system
`set_illustrator_version`	Choose which Illustrator version to use when several are installed

Coordinate System

The server automatically detects the coordinate system from the document:

Document type	Coordinate system	Origin	Y axis
CMYK / Print	`document`	Bottom-left	Up
RGB / Web	`artboard-web`	Top-left of artboard	Down

CMYK documents use Illustrator's native coordinate system, matching what print designers expect
RGB documents use a web-style coordinate system that is easier for AI to work with
Use set_workflow to override the auto-detected coordinate system if needed
All tool responses include a coordinateSystem field indicating which system is active
If auto-detection fails, tools return an error instead of guessing — pass coordinate_system explicitly or call set_workflow

Example: SMPTE Test Pattern

A 1920×1080 SMPTE color bar test pattern, created entirely through natural language instructions to Claude.

Prompt:

Make a 1920x1080 video test pattern

Result:

Artboard structure (via get_document_structure):

Labels
├── title-safe-label        (text)    — "TITLE SAFE (10%)"
├── action-safe-label       (text)    — "ACTION SAFE (5%)"
├── credit-label            (text)    — "Generated by illustrator-mcp-server"
├── test-label              (text)    — "SMPTE COLOR BARS — TEST PATTERN"
├── format-label            (text)    — "Full HD — 16:9"
└── resolution-label        (text)    — "1920 x 1080"

Center Cross
├── title-safe              (path)    — 1536×864 stroke rectangle
├── action-safe             (path)    — 1728×972 stroke rectangle
├── cross-circle            (path)    — 150×150 center circle
├── cross-v                 (path)    — vertical crosshair
└── cross-h                 (path)    — horizontal crosshair

Color Bars
├── pluge-black … pluge-navy   (path ×9)  — PLUGE / grayscale bottom strip
├── rev-white … rev-blue       (path ×7)  — reverse color middle strip
└── bar-white … bar-blue       (path ×7)  — 75% SMPTE color bars

Tools used: create_document, manage_layers, create_rectangle ×23, create_line ×2, create_ellipse, create_text_frame ×6, modify_object ×4, save_document, export

Example: Twilight Geometry

An abstract geometric landscape artwork — created entirely by Claude, with no human design direction beyond "make whatever art you want."

Prompt:

Make an art piece of your own imagination in Illustrator. Take your time. Create whatever you like.

Claude's process:

I'll create "Twilight Geometry" — an abstract landscape with geometric celestial elements. A deep gradient twilight sky, layered mountain silhouettes, a crescent moon with decorative rings, and stars scattered across the canvas.

Diamond-shaped stars in different colors — warm whites, cool blues, lavender purples — each one subtly different to suggest different types of stars. Constellation lines connecting them. Wireframe triangles and a hexagon floating in the sky for a mystical atmosphere.

A water surface at the bottom with the moon's light reflected as shimmering wavy lines, fading as they descend.

Claude's reflection:

It turned out better than I expected. I think the hybrid world of geometry and nature came through well.

Result:

Tools used: create_document, manage_layers ×4, create_rectangle ×2, create_gradient ×2, create_path ×11, create_ellipse ×14, create_line ×4, create_text_frame ×2, modify_object, set_z_order, export

Known Limitations

Limitation	Details
Windows support	Windows uses PowerShell COM automation (not yet tested on real hardware)
Live effects	Drop shadow and other effect parameters can be detected but not read
Color profiles	Color profile assignment only — full conversion is not available
Bleed settings	Bleed settings cannot be read (Illustrator API limitation)
WebP export	Not supported — use PNG or SVG instead
Japanese crop marks	PDF export draws the marks temporarily on the document with the TrimMark command, exports, then removes them. Single-artboard documents only — multi-artboard documents return an error
Font embedding	Embedding mode (full/subset) cannot be controlled directly — use PDF presets
Size variations	Proportional scaling only — text may need manual adjustment afterward
SVG text glyph fallback	Illustrator does not fall back per glyph across a `font-family` list. If the first family is installed but lacks a glyph, `import_svg_as_editable` drops that character silently and still reports success. Use one font-family per text element and choose one that contains the glyphs you need. An uninstalled family is substituted instead and is unaffected; `preflight_check` covers that separate case
Object notes	Tools identify objects by a UUID stored in each object's note (Attributes panel). A note you wrote yourself is kept — the UUID is added in front of it

For Developers

Architecture

flowchart LR
    Claude <-->|MCP Protocol| Server["MCP Server\n(TypeScript/Node.js)"]

    Server -.->|generate| Runner["run-{uuid}.scpt / .ps1"]
    Server -.->|generate| JSX["script-{uuid}.jsx\n(BOM UTF-8)"]
    Server -.->|write| PF["params-{uuid}.json"]

    Runner -->|execFile| osascript
    Runner -->|execFile| PS["powershell.exe"]

    osascript -->|do javascript| AI["Adobe Illustrator\n(ExtendScript/JSX)"]
    PS -->|DoJavaScript| AI

    JSX -.->|execute| AI
    PF -.->|read| AI
    AI -.->|write| RF["result-{uuid}.json"]
    RF -.->|read| Server

Building from Source

git clone https://github.com/ie3jp/illustrator-mcp-server.git
cd illustrator-mcp-server
npm install
npm run build
claude mcp add illustrator-mcp -- node /path/to/illustrator-mcp-server/dist/index.js

Verify

npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector npx illustrator-mcp-server

Testing

# Unit tests
npm test

# E2E smoke test (requires Illustrator running)
npm run build   # E2E runs dist/index.js
npx tsx test/e2e/e2e-test.ts        # every tool (192 cases)
npx tsx test/e2e/e2e-behaviors.ts   # behavior & regression checks (91 cases)
npx tsx test/e2e/e2e-cmyk-only.ts
npx tsx test/e2e/svg-import-test.ts

The E2E suites create their own documents, never touch other open documents, and close them without saving. e2e-test.ts exercises every registered tool (RGB + CMYK, coordinate-system auto-detection); e2e-behaviors.ts checks behaviors that must hold on the real app — notes are preserved, partial failures are reported, files are not overwritten, crop marks and PDF export leave your artwork intact.

Privacy Policy

illustrator-mcp-server runs entirely on your computer. It collects no personal data, has no telemetry, and makes no network connections of its own. Tool parameters and document data go only to your local Illustrator and back to the MCP client that called the tool; temporary files are deleted after each call. See the full Privacy Policy.

Disclaimer

This tool automates many Illustrator operations, but AI can make mistakes. Extracted data, preflight results, and document modifications should always be reviewed by a person. Do not rely on this tool as your sole quality check. Use it as an assistant alongside your own manual verification, especially for print submissions and client deliverables. The authors are not responsible for any damages or losses arising from the use of this software or its outputs.

License

MIT

Illustrator

ie3jp182stars

MCP server for Adobe Illustrator with 63 tools — read, create, and export design data. Everything the official Illustrator MCP (beta) can do and more, on stable Illustrator.

Install Run on PlugMCP

GitHub

Run on PlugMCP

1# Illustrator

README.mdMCP server

Transport: stdio
Status: Local

Power your agent

Add this server

Install from the publisher. Not a PlugMCP endpoint.

Run on PlugMCP

Host a copy with our keys and logs.

No packaged release in the registry yet. Follow the repository README.

RepositoryPublisher installStep-by-step: add this in Claude

Remote URL or a command on your machine? How the two installs differ

Run on PlugMCP

Host a copy with our keys and logs.

A new server you create. It is not this listing's official endpoint. Use the publisher install when you want their URL and their credentials.

Launch

Server facts

Local

Transport: stdio
License: MIT
Last checked: 2026-10-28

Stars: 182
Tools: —
Uptime: —

Tools

No tool list yet. Remote servers get one after the first health check.

FAQ

Questions

How do I install Illustrator?

Copy the stdio config for Cursor, Claude Desktop, Claude Code, or VS Code on this page. It uses the publisher's install, not a PlugMCP proxy.

Does Illustrator need an API key?

No required environment variable is listed on this record.

What transport does Illustrator use?

Illustrator runs locally over stdio.

When was Illustrator last checked?

From the publisher

Documentation

🇯🇵 日本語の README は README.ja.md にあります。

Illustrator MCP Server

An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server for reading, manipulating, and exporting Adobe Illustrator design data — with 66 built-in tools.

Control Illustrator directly from AI assistants like Claude — extract design information for web implementation, verify print-ready data, and export assets.

Everything Adobe's official Illustrator MCP (beta) can do — and more. See the comparison.

[!NOTE] In Claude's extension directory and plugin marketplace, this project is listed as Design Bridge by IE3. Anthropic's directories don't allow other companies' brand names in listing names, so the listing name differs — it is the same project, and the npm package is still illustrator-mcp-server. If you installed the Claude Code plugin under its earlier name (illustrator@ie3jp-illustrator), see Claude Code to reinstall it.

🎨 Gallery

All artwork below was created entirely by Claude through natural language conversation — no manual Illustrator operation involved.

See detailed breakdowns below for prompts, tool usage, and artboard structure.

[!TIP] Developing and maintaining this tool takes time and resources. If it helps your workflow, your support means a lot — ☕ buy me a coffee!

🚀 Quick Start

🛠️ Claude Code

Requires Node.js 20+.

claude mcp add illustrator-mcp -- npx illustrator-mcp-server

Or install it as a plugin, which bundles the MCP server with a pre-press preflight skill (also works in Claude Cowork):

/plugin install ie3-design-bridge --marketplace ie3jp/illustrator-mcp-server

On Claude Code earlier than v2.1.275, add the marketplace first:

/plugin marketplace add ie3jp/illustrator-mcp-server
/plugin install ie3-design-bridge@ie3

If you already added the server with claude mcp add, remove it first (claude mcp remove illustrator-mcp) so it doesn't run twice.

🖥️ Claude Desktop

Download illustrator-mcp-server.mcpb from GitHub Releases
Open Claude Desktop → Settings → Extensions
Drag and drop the .mcpb file into the Extensions panel
Click the Install button

[!NOTE] The .mcpb extension does not auto-update. To update, download the new version and reinstall. If you prefer automatic updates, use the npx method below instead.

Requires Node.js 20+. Open the config file and add the connection settings.

1. Open the config file

From the Claude Desktop menu bar:

Claude → Settings... → Developer (in the left sidebar) → Click the Edit Config button

2. Add the settings

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "illustrator": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["illustrator-mcp-server"]
    }
  }
}

[!NOTE] If you installed Node.js via a version manager (nvm, mise, fnm, etc.), Claude Desktop may not find npx. In that case, use the full path:
"command": "/full/path/to/npx"
Run which npx in your terminal to find the path.

3. Save and restart

Save the file and close the text editor
Fully quit Claude Desktop (⌘Q / Ctrl+Q) and reopen it

[!CAUTION] AI can make mistakes. Do not over-rely on the output — always have a human perform the final check on submission data. The user is responsible for the results.

[!NOTE] macOS: On first run, allow automation access in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation.

[!NOTE] Most modify tools bring Illustrator to the foreground during execution. Read tools and export run without switching apps; export_pdf brings Illustrator forward only when drawing Japanese crop marks.

[!NOTE] Your files are protected by default. close_document will not throw away unsaved changes unless you explicitly choose to (save: false), and export, export_pdf, save_document (save as) and extract_design_tokens will not replace an existing file unless overwrite: true is set. If that is what you want, just tell Claude to "close without saving" or "overwrite the file".

Multiple Illustrator Versions

[!NOTE] If Illustrator is already running, the server connects to the running instance regardless of the version setting. The version is only used to launch the correct version when Illustrator is not yet running.

Environment Variables

Variable	Default	Description
`ILLUSTRATOR_MCP_TIMEOUT_NORMAL`	`30000`	Timeout in milliseconds for normal tools
`ILLUSTRATOR_MCP_TIMEOUT_HEAVY`	`60000`	Timeout in milliseconds for heavy tools (placing or importing files, export, preflight, style guides and color chips, size variations)

Raise these when a single call needs longer than the default: importing a large SVG with import_svg_as_editable (100+ objects), or running get_document_structure / export_pdf on a big document.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "illustrator": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["illustrator-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "ILLUSTRATOR_MCP_TIMEOUT_NORMAL": "60000",
        "ILLUSTRATOR_MCP_TIMEOUT_HEAVY": "180000"
      }
    }
  }
}

🎬 What You Can Do

You:    Show me all the text information in this document
Claude:  → list_text_frames → get_text_frame_detail
         There are 12 text frames in the document.
         The heading "My Design" uses Noto Sans JP Bold 48px, color #333333 ...

You:    Run a pre-press preflight check
Claude:  → preflight_check
         ⚠ 2 warnings:
         - Low resolution image: image_01.jpg (150dpi) — 300dpi or higher recommended
         - Non-outlined fonts: 3 text frames

You:    Check text for inconsistencies
Claude:  → check_text_consistency
         📝 Consistency Report:
         ⚠ "Contact Us" vs "Contact us" — capitalization mismatch
         ❌ "Lorem ipsum" (2 places) — placeholder text remaining

You:    Create banner size variations from this A4 flyer
Claude:  → get_document_info → resize_for_variation
         Created 3 size variations:
         - 728×90 / 300×250 / 160×600

🆚 Comparison with Adobe's Official Illustrator MCP

	This project	Adobe official MCP (beta)
Installation	npm (`npx illustrator-mcp-server`) or one-click `.mcpb` install	Built into Illustrator Beta — get an auth key + URL from the app settings, connect via `mcp-remote`
Supported versions	Illustrator 2024+ verified / 2020+ unverified (macOS / Windows)	Illustrator Beta 30.4+ only
Number of tools	66	~40
Analyzing & batch-processing existing documents	✅ Structure / color / font analysis, bulk recolor, variations & datasets, batch artboard export (`artboard:all`), font & broken-link preflight	✅ Its main focus
Creating objects from scratch	✅ Full set — documents, shapes, paths, text frames, path text, gradients	❌ No new objects, text frames, or documents *
Saving documents	✅ `save_document` (save / save-as)	❌ Export only *
Print & prepress	✅ Crop marks, preflight, overprint / separation info, outlines, color profiles	—
Design system	✅ Design tokens, WCAG contrast check, style guides, text consistency	—

* Based on user reports as of April 2026 (beta). The official server is under active development — see Adobe's documentation for the latest status.

📖 Recipes

You:    Summarize the colors and typography in this design

Claude:  → get_colors → list_text_frames → get_text_frame_detail

         ■ Color Palette
         - Primary: #1A73E8 (CMYK: 85,50,0,0)
         - Secondary: #34A853
         - Text: #202124
         - Background: #FFFFFF

         ■ Typography
         - Headings: Noto Sans JP Bold / 32px
         - Body: Noto Sans JP Regular / 16px / line-height: 1.75
         - Captions: Noto Sans JP Medium / 12px

You:    Export all artboards as SVG with outlined text

Claude:  → get_artboards → convert_to_outlines → export (repeated)

         Exported 4 artboards:
         - /output/header.svg
         - /output/hero.svg
         - /output/feature.svg
         - /output/footer.svg

You:    Check if this document is PDF/X-1a compliant

Claude:  → preflight_check (target_pdf_profile: "x1a")

         ❌ PDF/X-1a compliance errors:
         - Transparency on 3 objects (X-1a prohibits transparency)
         - RGB colors found in 2 places (X-1a requires CMYK/spot only)

         ⚠ Warnings:
         - 5 non-outlined fonts (embedding recommended)
         - Image "photo_02.jpg" at 150dpi (300dpi recommended)

You:    Check placed image quality for print

Claude:  → get_images (include_print_info: true)

         ■ Image Quality Report:
         ✅ hero.psd — CMYK, 350ppi effective
         ⚠ icon_set.png — RGB (mismatch with CMYK document), 300ppi effective
         ❌ photo_bg.jpg — CMYK, 72ppi effective (over-enlarged)
           → Replace with a 300dpi+ image at actual size

You:    Check text contrast ratios

Claude:  → check_contrast (auto_detect: true)

         ■ WCAG Contrast Report:
         ❌ "Caption" on "light gray" — 2.8:1 (AA fail)
         ⚠ "Subheading" on "white" — 4.2:1 (AA Large OK, AA Normal fail)
         ✅ "Body text" on "white" — 12.1:1 (AAA pass)

Workflow Templates

Pre-built workflow templates available in the Claude Desktop prompt picker.

Template	Description
`quick-layout`	Paste text content and Claude arranges it on the artboard as headings, body, and captions
`print-preflight-workflow`	Comprehensive 7-step pre-press check (document → preflight → overprint → separations → images → colors → text)

Tool Reference

Read Tools (21)

Tool	Description
`get_document_info`	Document metadata (dimensions, color mode, profile, etc.)
`get_artboards`	Artboard information (position, size, orientation)
`get_layers`	Layer structure as a tree
`get_document_structure`	Full tree: layers → groups → objects in one call
`list_text_frames`	List of text frames (font, size, style name)
`get_text_frame_detail`	All attributes of a specific text frame (kerning, paragraph settings, etc.)
`get_colors`	Color information in use (swatches, gradients, spot colors; each used color listed once with a usage count). `include_diagnostics` for print analysis
`get_path_items`	Path/shape data (fill, stroke, anchor points)
`get_groups`	Groups, clipping masks, and compound path structure
`get_effects`	Effects and appearance info (opacity, blend mode)
`get_images`	Embedded/linked image info (resolution, broken link detection). `include_print_info` for effective resolution per axis & color space mismatch
`get_symbols`	Symbol definitions and instances
`get_guidelines`	Guide information
`get_overprint_info`	Overprint settings on paths, text and raster images + K100/rich black detection, with a heuristic label inferred from colors only (it cannot know your intent)
`get_separation_info`	Color separation info (process and spot plates actually used, with usage counts; inks with no detected usage are listed separately)
`get_selection`	Details of currently selected objects
`find_objects`	Search by criteria (name, type, color, font, etc.)
`check_contrast`	WCAG color contrast ratio check (manual or auto-detect overlapping pairs)
`extract_design_tokens`	Extract design tokens as CSS custom properties, JSON, or Tailwind config (writing to a file never replaces an existing one without `overwrite: true`)
`list_fonts`	List fonts available in Illustrator (no document required)
`convert_coordinate`	Convert points between artboard and document coordinate systems

Modify Tools (39)

Tool	Description
`create_rectangle`	Create a rectangle (supports rounded corners)
`create_ellipse`	Create an ellipse
`create_line`	Create a line
`create_text_frame`	Create a text frame (point or area type) with optional tracking, leading and paragraph alignment. `font_name` must be the exact name from `list_fonts` — an unknown font is an error, not a silent fallback
`create_path`	Create a custom path (with Bezier handles)
`place_image`	Place a raster/PDF image file as linked or embedded (SVG is rejected — use `import_svg_as_editable`)
`import_svg_as_editable`	Import an SVG file as editable Illustrator paths/text/groups (not as a linked image)
`modify_object`	Modify properties of an existing object (incl. text tracking, leading and alignment). Fill/stroke on a group or compound path is applied to every path and text inside it
`convert_to_outlines`	Convert text to outlines
`create_document`	Create a new document (size, color mode)
`close_document`	Close the active document (with unsaved changes, it won't close unless `save` is specified)
`resize_for_variation`	Create size variations from a source artboard (proportional scaling)
`align_objects`	Align and distribute multiple objects
`replace_color`	Find and replace colors across document (with tolerance)
`manage_layers`	Add, rename, show/hide, lock/unlock, reorder, or delete layers
`place_color_chips`	Extract unique colors and place color chip swatches outside artboard
`save_document`	Save or save-as the active document (save-as won't replace an existing file without `overwrite: true`)
`open_document`	Open a document from file path
`group_objects`	Group objects (supports clipping masks)
`ungroup_objects`	Ungroup a group, releasing children
`duplicate_objects`	Duplicate objects with optional offset
`set_z_order`	Change stacking order (front/back)
`move_to_layer`	Move objects to a different layer
`delete_objects`	Delete objects by UUID (locked objects need `force_unlock`; `undo` may revert it, but undo steps follow Illustrator's history, not MCP calls)
`manage_artboards`	Add, remove, resize, rename, rearrange artboards
`manage_swatches`	Add, update, or delete swatches
`manage_linked_images`	Relink or embed placed images
`manage_datasets`	List/apply/create datasets, import/export variables
`apply_graphic_style`	Apply a graphic style to objects
`list_graphic_styles`	List all graphic styles in the document
`apply_text_style`	Apply character or paragraph style to text
`list_text_styles`	List all character and paragraph styles
`create_gradient`	Create gradients and apply to objects
`create_path_text`	Create text along a path (optional tracking and alignment; same exact-`font_name` rule as `create_text_frame`)
`place_symbol`	Place or replace symbol instances
`select_objects`	Select objects by UUID (multi-select supported)
`create_crop_marks`	Create crop marks (trim marks) with locale-based style auto-detection (Japanese double-line / Western single-line)
`place_style_guide`	Place a visual style guide outside the artboard on a non-printing layer (colors, fonts, spacing, margins, guide gaps). Measurement marks on the artboard itself are opt-in (`annotate_artboard`)
`undo`	Undo/redo operations (multi-step)

Export Tools (2)

Tool	Description
`export`	SVG / PNG / JPG export (by artboard, selection, or UUID — selection/UUID export only that object; won't replace an existing file without `overwrite: true`)
`export_pdf`	Print-ready PDF export (crop marks, bleed, selective downsampling, output intent)

Utility (4)

Tool	Description
`preflight_check`	Pre-press check (RGB mixing, broken links, low resolution, white overprint, transparency+overprint interaction, PDF/X compliance, etc.). Reports which checks were complete or only partial (`coverage`)
`check_text_consistency`	Text consistency check (placeholder detection, notation variation patterns, full text listing for LLM analysis)
`set_workflow`	Set workflow mode (web/print) to override auto-detected coordinate system
`set_illustrator_version`	Choose which Illustrator version to use when several are installed

Coordinate System

The server automatically detects the coordinate system from the document:

Document type	Coordinate system	Origin	Y axis
CMYK / Print	`document`	Bottom-left	Up
RGB / Web	`artboard-web`	Top-left of artboard	Down

CMYK documents use Illustrator's native coordinate system, matching what print designers expect
RGB documents use a web-style coordinate system that is easier for AI to work with
Use set_workflow to override the auto-detected coordinate system if needed
All tool responses include a coordinateSystem field indicating which system is active
If auto-detection fails, tools return an error instead of guessing — pass coordinate_system explicitly or call set_workflow

Example: SMPTE Test Pattern

A 1920×1080 SMPTE color bar test pattern, created entirely through natural language instructions to Claude.

Prompt:

Make a 1920x1080 video test pattern

Result:

Artboard structure (via get_document_structure):

Labels
├── title-safe-label        (text)    — "TITLE SAFE (10%)"
├── action-safe-label       (text)    — "ACTION SAFE (5%)"
├── credit-label            (text)    — "Generated by illustrator-mcp-server"
├── test-label              (text)    — "SMPTE COLOR BARS — TEST PATTERN"
├── format-label            (text)    — "Full HD — 16:9"
└── resolution-label        (text)    — "1920 x 1080"

Center Cross
├── title-safe              (path)    — 1536×864 stroke rectangle
├── action-safe             (path)    — 1728×972 stroke rectangle
├── cross-circle            (path)    — 150×150 center circle
├── cross-v                 (path)    — vertical crosshair
└── cross-h                 (path)    — horizontal crosshair

Color Bars
├── pluge-black … pluge-navy   (path ×9)  — PLUGE / grayscale bottom strip
├── rev-white … rev-blue       (path ×7)  — reverse color middle strip
└── bar-white … bar-blue       (path ×7)  — 75% SMPTE color bars

Tools used: create_document, manage_layers, create_rectangle ×23, create_line ×2, create_ellipse, create_text_frame ×6, modify_object ×4, save_document, export

Example: Twilight Geometry

An abstract geometric landscape artwork — created entirely by Claude, with no human design direction beyond "make whatever art you want."

Prompt:

Make an art piece of your own imagination in Illustrator. Take your time. Create whatever you like.

Claude's process:

I'll create "Twilight Geometry" — an abstract landscape with geometric celestial elements. A deep gradient twilight sky, layered mountain silhouettes, a crescent moon with decorative rings, and stars scattered across the canvas.

Diamond-shaped stars in different colors — warm whites, cool blues, lavender purples — each one subtly different to suggest different types of stars. Constellation lines connecting them. Wireframe triangles and a hexagon floating in the sky for a mystical atmosphere.

A water surface at the bottom with the moon's light reflected as shimmering wavy lines, fading as they descend.

Claude's reflection:

It turned out better than I expected. I think the hybrid world of geometry and nature came through well.

Result:

Tools used: create_document, manage_layers ×4, create_rectangle ×2, create_gradient ×2, create_path ×11, create_ellipse ×14, create_line ×4, create_text_frame ×2, modify_object, set_z_order, export

Known Limitations

Limitation	Details
Windows support	Windows uses PowerShell COM automation (not yet tested on real hardware)
Live effects	Drop shadow and other effect parameters can be detected but not read
Color profiles	Color profile assignment only — full conversion is not available
Bleed settings	Bleed settings cannot be read (Illustrator API limitation)
WebP export	Not supported — use PNG or SVG instead
Japanese crop marks	PDF export draws the marks temporarily on the document with the TrimMark command, exports, then removes them. Single-artboard documents only — multi-artboard documents return an error
Font embedding	Embedding mode (full/subset) cannot be controlled directly — use PDF presets
Size variations	Proportional scaling only — text may need manual adjustment afterward
SVG text glyph fallback	Illustrator does not fall back per glyph across a `font-family` list. If the first family is installed but lacks a glyph, `import_svg_as_editable` drops that character silently and still reports success. Use one font-family per text element and choose one that contains the glyphs you need. An uninstalled family is substituted instead and is unaffected; `preflight_check` covers that separate case
Object notes	Tools identify objects by a UUID stored in each object's note (Attributes panel). A note you wrote yourself is kept — the UUID is added in front of it

For Developers

Architecture

flowchart LR
    Claude <-->|MCP Protocol| Server["MCP Server\n(TypeScript/Node.js)"]

    Server -.->|generate| Runner["run-{uuid}.scpt / .ps1"]
    Server -.->|generate| JSX["script-{uuid}.jsx\n(BOM UTF-8)"]
    Server -.->|write| PF["params-{uuid}.json"]

    Runner -->|execFile| osascript
    Runner -->|execFile| PS["powershell.exe"]

    osascript -->|do javascript| AI["Adobe Illustrator\n(ExtendScript/JSX)"]
    PS -->|DoJavaScript| AI

    JSX -.->|execute| AI
    PF -.->|read| AI
    AI -.->|write| RF["result-{uuid}.json"]
    RF -.->|read| Server

Building from Source

git clone https://github.com/ie3jp/illustrator-mcp-server.git
cd illustrator-mcp-server
npm install
npm run build
claude mcp add illustrator-mcp -- node /path/to/illustrator-mcp-server/dist/index.js

Verify

npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector npx illustrator-mcp-server

Testing

# Unit tests
npm test

# E2E smoke test (requires Illustrator running)
npm run build   # E2E runs dist/index.js
npx tsx test/e2e/e2e-test.ts        # every tool (192 cases)
npx tsx test/e2e/e2e-behaviors.ts   # behavior & regression checks (91 cases)
npx tsx test/e2e/e2e-cmyk-only.ts
npx tsx test/e2e/svg-import-test.ts

Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

License

MIT