Illustrator help to drag and drop files that contain both vector and raster objects

[CIG]

here is my dilemma and I am hoping there is an illustrator expert that can help.

I print and cut stickers. I have thousands of files that contain my designs. Each consists of one layer that is the printable image (the raster) and a layer above that containing my cutlines (the vector).

My workflow is that I open a 14x36 artboard for batch printing, then open just the design files that I need to print for that days orders. Currently I open each of the design files individually and then copy and paste both layers into the 14x36 art board. This can be very time consuming, I was hoping there is a way to be able to select and drag the files I need (either from explorer or bridge) into the 14x36 artboard. But each way I try I always end up losing the vectors.

I can make my 'sticker design files' in any format that works (.ai, eps, svg -- anything) in order to drag and drop them in to my 14x36 art board for my print/cut process.

I hope I was clear in my explaination. any suggestions would be really appreciated.

Thanks

 

[SomethingDesign]

Try to place your raster images using links on multiple art-boards in Illustrator and just replace the images in folder with the same name and print. I don't know its actually work it's just an idea.

 

[hawkeye]

Don't create an artboard first, just drag the file into Illustrator.

 

[CIG]

Thanks for the replies,

I have to create an artboard first because it is the template for my cutter.
It has registration marks and everything is sized up properly.

I just need to be able to drag files (from explorer or bridge) into illustrator that will maintain both the raster and the vector elements after being dropped.

Seems like it should be an easy thing for a powerful program like illustrator to do, but I just can't figure it out.

Thanks for the help though, I will keep trying and post my results.

 

[hawkeye]

What you describe would be a good candidate for Variables and Data Sets. It's easier to do in Photoshop, but Illustrator also allows for it although you need to set up an XML file in Illustrator. Check the help files and you can find tutorials as well.

 

[CIG]

I use variables and data set in photoshop all the time - but that doesn't really apply here.

I am simply looking for a way to be able to drag and drop (really needs to be drag and drop not an import or place) a file that contains both vector and raster into illustrator - and have it maintain BOTH raster and vector information in illustrator.

But I do appreciate the replies.

 

[hawkeye]

Unfortunately it appears that it can't be done in the manner in which you want. Back to copy and paste I suppose...