Live Trace problems

[dardesar]

I have only recently started using AI and don't quite understand the Live Trace function. If I draw a line on paper, scan it and then use Live Trace and expand in AI the result is a path that goes around the outlines of my line, ie. if I then apply a small brush to that I get a kind of oval shape. Surely there is a way to make just a simple, straight path that follows my line in the middle rather than round the edges? I've tried different settings in Live Trace but haven't figured it out yet. I tried using Path > Simplify but this produced quite strange results. Or do I have to trace it manually?
Any help is much appreciated!

[TORCH511]

Live trace will create filled paths, not stroked ones. I am not a huge fan of the live-trace feature. Sometimes it does OK but even when the results look acceptable, how it achieves that result is somewhat unappealing and I end up tracing manually. After a while you get REALLY fast at it.

For something as simple as a line, I am all for manually tracing it. Once you get good with the pen tool you can do it quick. I do a lot of sketches on paper and then scan and manually trace so I feel your pain, but often find it is the quickest way. Also, don't be afraid to try the pencil tool instead of the pen tool. Once you get the settings dialed in that can be a great help in tracing lines. I also like using a tablet which also speeds things up.

[MKO]

If you uncheck "Fills" and check "Strokes" under Trace Settings LiveTrace will trace a line as a stroke as long as "Max Stroke Width" is set high enough. Otherwise it will trace a thin stroke around the shape.

[dardesar]

Fantastic, I think I have it now! Thank you so much!

[Phirefly]

Heaven. you've just made my life so much simpler!