How Illustrator does it
In Illustrator you open Window, Variables, bind text objects to variables, and import data sets from an XML file or, in recent versions, a CSV. Each data set is one record. Saving each record as its own file usually needs an Action, the Batch command or a script. Fitting long names per size is left to you, often with scripts or manual checks.
How AJILE does it
AJILE runs inside CorelDRAW. Paste the roster from Excel or a CSV and it builds every player's pieces, fits names per size, creates shorts and sleeves and exports JPG files named and sorted by size or category.
Side by side
| Illustrator Variables | AJILE in CorelDRAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Fill names from a list | Yes | Yes |
| Data format | XML, CSV | Paste from Excel or CSV |
| One file per player | With Actions or scripts | Yes built in |
| Per-size name fitting | Manual or scripted | Yes |
| Shorts, sleeves, stickers, size charts | Manual | Yes |
| Software cost | Adobe subscription | CorelDRAW you own + AJILE plan |
A 20-player order, both ways
In Illustrator: bind the name and number text to variables, import the roster as data sets, then record an Action that exports the current data set as JPG and run it with Batch for all 20 records. Check each long name on the small sizes and fix those by hand. If the order has several sizes with different panel widths, repeat the process per size with a resized artboard. Shorts need a separate document and their own data sets.
In CorelDRAW with AJILE: open the template, paste the roster, run. Fronts, backs and shorts for all 20 players are built at their sizes, long names are shrunk only where they overflow, and Quick Export writes every piece named by size and part.
Which one should you use?
Stay with the program your designers know. Retraining a CorelDRAW team on Illustrator costs more time than any automation saves, and the reverse is also true. If you are already in CorelDRAW, AJILE is the shorter route. If you are already in Illustrator, invest in scripts for the Variables panel or a tool built for Illustrator.
Questions
Can Illustrator automate jersey names?
Yes, with the Variables panel and data sets, usually combined with Actions or a script to save each data set as a file.
Should I switch from CorelDRAW to Illustrator for this?
Only if you were moving to Illustrator anyway. Most Indian sportswear shops already use CorelDRAW, where AJILE covers the full jersey workflow.
Does AJILE work in Illustrator?
No. AJILE runs only inside CorelDRAW on Windows.
Try AJILE free for 7 days
Install it on your own CorelDRAW, load one real roster and see the time saved before you pay anything.