Subtracting Outlines - Illustrator

Ailev · 02-09-2010, 01:32 AM

Hi guys

I have some text which has outlines set to 4 point, I want to subtract the outline and be left with the inside only, is there a way to do that in illustrator?

This is probably a stupid question :/

thanks!

Ailev

**budafist** · 02-09-2010, 02:49 AM

Just choose no colour for the stroke.

Ailev · 02-09-2010, 03:10 AM

Hi budafist

thanks but when I do that the stroke disappears completely which makes the font thicker. I want the font to still appear thin so I want to subtract the filling.

Basically I want the font that I'm using to be thin so I have used a really thick stroke, what I'm having to do right now is change the colour of the stroke each time the font needs to appear on a different background, if I enlarger the font/paths or make then smaller as you know the stroke changes too I want to simplify the file and subtract the filling so that I don't have to change the colour of the stroke each time and then also change the value of the stroke it each time I change the size of the paths, when I make the stroke 'no colour' the font becomes thicker...hope that makes sense.

Lilithness · 02-09-2010, 01:22 PM

i can think of a way but your text won't be editable anymore. if you convert your text to outlines you can then use object > path > outline stroke make the stroke a separate object. unfortunately the stroke and the original will still be grouped together. you'll have to ungroup them and then use pathfinder to subtract the stroke.

if its just a little text that should work for you

if it's a lot, then it will probably be annoying to deal with all the strokes and the originals grouped together. maybe someone else knows a better way!

CkretAjint · 02-09-2010, 01:28 PM

What Lilithness said.

PrintDriver · 02-09-2010, 02:04 PM

Convert the text to outlines.
Object>Outline Path
Select new shape of outline, Object >Compound shape> Release.
Throw away the outer shape.

**budafist** · 02-09-2010, 07:25 PM

If you are going to convert your text to outlines, I'd keep a copy of the editable text on the outside of the artboard just in case. It's a good habit to get into. You find a couple of typos later and have to reset all the text.

....Though I'd prefer to use a thinner/lighter font so I didn't have to deal with the outlining the font at all. What font are you using?

longboy · 02-09-2010, 07:38 PM

Find the 'Light' or 'Thin' version of the font

PrintDriver · 02-10-2010, 12:03 AM

Most manipulated fonts get all their internal metrics screwed up when you add (or subtract) thickness. Or when you squish them or stretch them or skew them too. Better to find a font that's drawn skinny.

Ailev · 02-15-2010, 12:34 PM

Thanks guys, sorry for the late reply on this one, I'm using a combination of fonts courier and typesetter its for a logo and I have to pay to get the light version of either one which I don't want to do...so I have outlined the font to make it thinner :/

Will try your suggestions