Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 3/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: I've used a single overlapping path to draw a cable that's been wound. I'd like to outline that path, but maintain the complex overlapping. Instead, I get a compound path where "holes appear where paths overlap." (That quote is from Adobe Help Viewer.) Those "holes" don't work. Is there a way to avoid them?

ANSWER: Hi Jim,

I would try using the Object>Expand command and see what happens. If that is what you did and you ended up with the compound path then I am at a loss. That is the only way to outline the paths.

You can create the illusion of outlines by using the Appearance palette to create multiple strokes and fills on one path.


Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Kevin, for the amazingly quick response. I appreciate it.

Unfortunately, the Expand command won't work, since my cable drawing isn't an object, but an open path, with each endpoint the two ends of the cable. When I outline that stroke, I get the compound path which knocks out areas I need to be outlined.

If you don't mind, I have a more basic question on all this: If you were drawing a cable that was wound up into a figure-8, with all the curving and overlapping strands, how would you do it so that it looked like a black line drawing with a white fill?

Like I said before, I appreciate any help you can give.

Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,

Two parts to this, one easy, the other takes some work...

Open the appearance palette. Create a 5 pt black stroke and then choose it in the appearance palette, then click the "add new stroke" button at the bottom of the palette (it looks like a new page icon). Then reduce the size of that stroke and make it a white stroke. Viola! The illusion of black with white fill.

However, it looks like one solid shape, which is the issue you had with the expand command.

Now you need to add the "overlap" to create the illusion of looped coils. You will need to draw individual strokes lined up with the overlapping cable to create the necessary effect (one on each side of the cable).

I've had to create things like this before and this was the only way if the expand command didn't work.

Thanks

Kevin