Digital graphics workshop

One source pictogram.
Hundreds of controlled variations.

Create, vary, export and distribute SVG, PNG, PDF, AI pictograms and production files from a single template. Native CMYK for print, InDesign plugin, Illustrator scripts.

See pricing Watch the demo

The problem

Stop rebuilding the same pictograms by hand.

When a pictogram exists in several texts, colors, formats and use cases, manual production quickly becomes fragile. ThePictoForge turns those variations into templates, rules and reproducible exports.

Fewer errorswhen entering text and color variations
Fewer duplicatedIllustrator files that drift out of sync
Consistencyacross web, print, catalog and InDesign
Multi-format exportsSVG, PNG, JPG, WEBP, PDF, AI on the fly
Usage trackingby license, by user, by source
SaaS or dedicateddepending on your data-sovereignty needs

Features

Everything to industrialize your pictograms

A production platform built for print, web, catalog, DAM, PIM, InDesign and EasyCatalog workflows.

Variable templates

Import your Illustrator file and turn it into a reusable template with text slots, colors and rules.

Hierarchical Lineage

Picto → Template → Master → Variations → Children. A clear structure for hundreds of variants.

Text variations

Numeric ranges, free lists, Excel imports. Automatically generate every variant you need.

Color variations

Individual or composite HEX and CMYK colors. Alpha, text outline, transparencies.

Conditional rules

Colors that change based on the text value. Ideal for energy classes, thresholds, statuses.

Multi-format exports

SVG, PNG, JPG, WEBP, PDF, AI. Native CMYK for print via TCPDF + FPDI. LOCKED CMYK pipeline preserved.

Tokenized URLs

Each variation has its own signed parameterized URL. Trackable without exposing the license.

Adobe InDesign plugin

Insert your pictograms directly into your layouts. Available from the Team plan.

Adobe Illustrator script

Prepare your source pictograms with a native Illustrator workflow. Automatic detection of TEXT/FG/BG/LOCKED layers.

How it works

From your Illustrator file to finished pictograms

Six simple steps to turn a source pictogram into an industrialized variable library.

1

Create in Illustrator

Prepare your source pictogram in Illustrator, just like your usual production workflow.

2

Export with the script

The Illustrator script automatically prepares the required files.

3

Import the template

Your pictogram becomes a reusable template you can vary endlessly.

4

Define the variations

Choose the texts, colors, rules or value lists to generate.

5

Generate your pictograms

ThePictoForge produces all the variations, ready for web, print or catalog.

6

Use them everywhere

Download, copy the URLs, export to a spreadsheet, or use them directly in InDesign.

Plans & pricing

Choose the plan that fits your volume

Three plans for different needs. ThePictoForge can also create your variable pictograms for you and set them up on your account or your instance.

Loading plans...

Comparison

Which plan for which use?

An overview of the three plans to help you choose.

Profile Starter Team Enterprise
User typeFreelancer, small studioAgency, catalog teamGroup, manufacturer
Main useOccasionalRegular productionFull production solution
Users13 includedPer contract
EnvironmentShared SaaSDedicated SaaS instanceDedicated instance or client server
Monthly volume200 files1,000 filesUnlimited
InDesign plugin—✓✓
Illustrator script✓✓✓
License dashboardLimited✓✓
API / PIM-DAM connectors—Add-on +€30/month✓ included
Pictogram creation by ThePictoForgeCustom quoteCustom quoteCustom quote
Ideal forGetting started fastProducing as a teamIntegrating into a production chain

Demonstration

See ThePictoForge in action

A video walkthrough of the main features: Illustrator import, lineage, variations, multi-format exports, InDesign plugin.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Does ThePictoForge replace Illustrator?
No. Illustrator remains the source creation tool. ThePictoForge is used to industrialize variations, exports, URLs and usage across catalog workflows.
Why is there an Illustrator script?
The script prepares the files needed for the pictogram to become a usable template in ThePictoForge. Automatic detection of TEXT/FG/BG/LOCKED layers, CMYK color extraction, text-outline propagation.
Can you use ThePictoForge without the InDesign plugin?
Yes. The InDesign plugin is not required to use the platform. It is included in Team and Enterprise for catalog and layout workflows.
Can CMYK colors be preserved?
Yes. ThePictoForge stores CMYK values separately from HEX values to preserve print output. A native LOCKED CMYK pipeline keeps color profiles intact end to end, from the source file to PDF and AI exports.
Can you create the variable pictograms for us?
Yes. ThePictoForge can prepare the variable pictograms, import them and organize them in the client account or instance. This service is quoted on request.
Can ThePictoForge be installed on our server?
Yes, with the Enterprise plan. Installation runs through an automatic 6-step wizard. Compatible with PHP 7.4+ on Apache or Nginx, with no mandatory database.
Are the URLs trackable?
Yes. URLs can embed a tokenized license to count usage without directly exposing the license number. Tracking by source (web, InDesign plugin, Illustrator, API, direct URL).
What happens if I exceed my monthly volume?
On Starter, a progressive block kicks in after 100% usage. On Team, you get a gentle alert and we offer an additional volume pack. No surprises.
Can I switch from one plan to another?
Yes. You can move Starter → Team at any time, with automatic price proration and migration of your pictograms to your new dedicated instance.

A production platform, not an icon library

ThePictoForge stands out through the combination of variable pictograms + Lineage + print CMYK + InDesign plugin + trackable URLs.