@howaqrdt,
I havenāt tested this script with 2.56a as Iām using the newest builds from graphicall.org (doesnāt work for me on these). I have to say Iām a little surprised more people havenāt shown interest in this script. The SVG format is great because itās so universal, but I donāt store my vector files as SVG.
Iāve been an Illustrator user since version 7, having the ability to take out the step of exporting a SVG file to work with blender would be a great workflow boost. Over the years Iāve built a trove of vector stock art for myself and also have an enormous amount of client vector logos. Every file I have is stored as AI or PDF in my ālibraryā, to keep my library files from going out of control I always delete/archive exported formats (png/svg/eps/etc.) when Iām finished with them. So being able to import AI natively without having to first export a SVG would remove a number steps in my workflow, working smarter not harderā¦ isnāt that the end goal!
I really think this script would also help bridge a software gap for a lot of users. SVG is pretty well known format within the Open-Source crowd. But take the graphic design crowd, a lot of designers that Iāve worked with are so ingrained into all the Adobe products. When talking about Blender, the first question is ācan it import Illustrator artworkā which the answer is āYes, butā¦ā. The moment you say SVG, they just look at you puzzled. Any of them that know any 3D apps usually mention Cinema 4D because it can import native AI files (only version 8 files I believe). When I opened Blender for the first time in 2006, first thing I did was try to figure out how to import Illustrator files (that coupled with trying to figure out the interface). Having native AI import built in would help bring a number of talented users into the Blender community, in my opinion of course.
Iād love to help you out in any way I could. Unfortunately I donāt know in what capacity I would be useful, I am one of āthose designers typesā. I can read a little bit of code and understand basics, but would be of no coding use for something like this (think of a bull in a room full of wine glasses). I can provide you any test AI files with any degree of complexity (typography or artwork), or test anything for you on the newer builds (I use recent 64bit builds from filiciss on graphicall).
For what itās worth, using SVG import for my files. I always convert the curves to mesh, I use this amazing curves to uniform mesh script thatās being developed. Not sure if this would help to look at: https://github.com/decden/Blender-Curve-to-Uniform-Mesh
Also, at bit ago I ran into a very strange bug in Illustrator which is beside the point. Fixing it required using a function I never knew existed in Illustrator. Content Recovery Mode, which allows you to export a copy of an Illustrator file as an AI format, but can be opened in a text editor. You can then view all the code inside the AI file, make changes and then reopen the file in Illustrator. Maybe you might already know this, but here it is anyways if itās useful in anyway on developing this script. http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/500/cpsid_50031.html
Thanks again, I definitely appreciate what youāre doing!