Outlined strokes

[Rory]

I have a compound path with a 3pt stroke on it in Illustrator CS2, and the stroke is set to "align to outside."
Every time I go to outline the stroke it actually changes where the stroke is positioned so that it has essentially outlined the stroke as though it was set to align to the centre.
Does anyone know why this is happening or how to stop it?

[warking@mac.com]

Yes, I do. You are using the filter "Outline Path" Instead us "Object>Expand Appearance"

It will solve this issue for you.

[CRWPitman]

Wow - that's good to know. I use it a lot so that problem was bound to occur...

[Rory]

Cheers Todd
I don't know why I didn't think of that.

[TORCH511]

I remember when I figured that out... wow what a lifesaver.

Expand Appearance comes in handy. For some reason a lot of our customers love to apply the most rediculous warps, effects and whatnot and it takes care of all that.

Now if I could only get them to stop adding photoshop bevels to everything.

[7dirtyshoes]

I have the same problem but it's a DASHED stroke and it is aligned to the centre but i can't choose "Expand appearance" option as it's not active. I also tried Outline Stroke and Expand but the stroke becomes solid... Can you help?

[TORCH511]

I feel your pain, no telling how many times I wished illustrator would do that. Expand>Stroke will only yield a solid like. (grumbles)

That is as of CS2, not sure about CS3.

When I need to have an expanded dashed line, I create a brush and have it follow a path. A little more time consuming, but get's the job done.

[7dirtyshoes]

I hardly use brushes... can you clarify what you mean when you say 'having your brush follow a path'? Cheers.

[warking@mac.com]

When you create a dotted or dashed line you can go to "Flatten Transparency"
When your dashed line is Aliened outside or inside you can also use "Expand Appearance"

Why it changes to using both when the alien feature is used I don't know.

As a side note, play with the rounding feature in Stokes to create stitch looking effects.

Thanks
ToddF

[TORCH511]

Cool, thanks warking.

Anyway, To answer a previous question since the technique still comes in handy from time to time.

• Create an object you would like to use as your dashed line. This can be as simple as just a dot or other simple shape, to a complex logo.
• Drag the object to the brushes pallet. A dialoge will open up, choose New Scatter Brush.
• Adjust options as needed. There is one option to make the brush relative to artboard or path. Choose path.
• Your brush will now follow the path and stay aligned to it. You can adjust the rotation, size and spacing to achieve the correct results.

[7dirtyshoes]

Thanks very much for your tips, guys.

[Mann125]

I just joined the forum. I have a question if anyone can answer me please. I just reinstalled Adobe Suite Design. When using Illustrator CS, I can't see the thext. It's all a grey block and only if I converted to outline or zoom it to like ....800% is the only way I can see what I typed. I didn't happen before, just now after I re-install. It's driving crazy. Anyone with answers/

Thanks,

[Rory]

have you tried going window> workspace>Default?
That should restore the default settings.

[pseudodigm]

I remember when I figured that out... wow what a lifesaver.

Expand Appearance comes in handy. For some reason a lot of our customers love to apply the most rediculous warps, effects and whatnot and it takes care of all that.

Now if I could only get them to stop adding photoshop bevels to everything.

Be thankful that lens flares are out of style....were they ever IN style?

[TORCH511]

LOL...

For years, back before the days of digital anything, as a photographer I (we) went through extrordinary efforts to eliminate any and all lens flares...

Fast forward a few years and everyone is ADDING them back in with photoshop. At least THAT fad went away.