posted
I draw a 2" long straight line with the pen tool, apply say a 30 pt. stroke, select the "radius" endpoints, and keep it selected. I then choose Menu > Object > Expand. The resulting expanded line is a rectangle with 4 corner points. Is it possible to create the shape of the pre-expanded line without several drawing steps?
-------------------- Curt Stenz Graphics 700 Squirrel Lane Marathon, WI 54448 Posts: 591 | From: Marathon, WI 54448 | Registered: Dec 1998
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just re-read your post... you wanted semi-circle ends right? not just a rectangle? When draw a line with a 30 pt stroke & I use expand... I just got a rectangle, but if I use object>path>outline stroke, then I get a cuttable contour with semicircles on each end.
I usually have my "general unit settings" set for inches, not points, so if I wanted a 2" x 1/4" box with semicircle on the ends, I choose the radius rectangle tool (flyout menu from regular rectangle tool) & hold alt key & click on the page to bring up a dialog box where I can enter 2" x 1/4" & 1/8" radius.
posted
Yep, about 2 years ago Mike taught me that for vectorizing all stroke paths... I can't believe I ever lived without knowing that... time I saved on that one tip will offset a lifetime of residency fees here!
I'm not sure I'm following this...can you explain what the desired outcome is? Does he just want a rectangle with rounded corners?
Please explain in detail what he's trying to achieve and how you accomplish this. This may be something new to me that I haven't tried, but could make good use of. Thanks.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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He wants to make a rectangular shape with semi-circle ends (where the diameter of the semi-circles matches the weight of the line/rectangle).
To do this you simply draw a line, could be straight or curved, doesnt matter. Find your "Stroke" palette, set the weight and click the button to radius the endcaps of the stroke.
Go to Object>Path>Outline Path and you get outlines for cutting or further manipulation.
Doug, I dunno about any tips.. I'm so used to using AI (11 years now) I don't even have to think while I'm using it. If anyone has particular questions I can probably help though!
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Mike, why wouldn't he just draw a rectangle and add the "round corners" filter, or better yet, use the rounded corner rectangle and toggle the up/down arrows till he gets the radius he wants....then turn it to an outline w/no fill?
Is this what he's looking for? This other way seems kind of going about it in an out of the way method...maybe I still am not getting the gist of it.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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Mike, your advice is what works. What I was attempting to draw is a long narrow line with the only the narrow ends radiused, but to have a true vector shape. (I was recreating the grill lines on the 'Jeep' logo) Thanks
-------------------- Curt Stenz Graphics 700 Squirrel Lane Marathon, WI 54448 Posts: 591 | From: Marathon, WI 54448 | Registered: Dec 1998
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Todd, it's just another way of doing it 'cept using this method you don't have to worry about setting a specific size for the radii or toggling the sizes - just click the "radius end cap" button and yer done.
The only "right way" is the way that makes it easier, faster or more efficient for the user to do it.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Okay guys, I get it now. Funny how different people solve the same problem isn't it? Makes life interesting for sure. Have a great day everyone!
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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