Hi,
My girlfriend is trying to make a tiled damask background. She has the tile as a (fairly complex) vector, but cannot get the repeat pattern to form a single vector without join lines.
She needs the join lines out because when she then outlines the complete background shape, the edges of each tile are included in the selection - whereas she'd like each tile to "flow" into one another.
As a super simple example of what is wrong: draw 2 overlapping circles in AI (CS5, if that makes any difference). Each is a single vector object.
Now, how do you combine the two to get a single vector object in the shape of an 8?
In flash, I'd just copy a vector on top of another of the same color and remove the stroke.. but I don't think that method will cut it here!
If I'm understanding correctly, using the pathfinder - unite - then expand.
Thanks, will pass on.
Not being an AI nerd, what does "expand" do? I can see what "unite" does (link two vectors into one) but "expand" suggests to me that the selection will grow out a set number of pixels... which I guess in nonsensical with vectors.
Expand converts any pathfinder transformation into its final state. When you carry out a pathfinder operation, the shapes you apply the action to are still separately selectable. Expand just finalises the op and creates a single path.
I've noticed in CS5, for a lot of pathfinder ops, the expand button is greyed out as if AI has already done the expansion. :shrug:
You can also expand a gradient or gradient mesh, which means breaking it up into shapes - each coloured with a single tint. Older print rips used to choke on complex gradients and they had to be expanded to 255 steps to ensure consistent results.
OK, that makes sense. And the single path is what is required.
I think the term you are looking for is "merge", not unite. But otherwise all the advice here sounds about right.
I wondered too... but the rollover name on my copy said unite. the Merge tool still maintains dividers.
shrug
Yes, the merge tool did not work in the way I would have expected it to.
I forgot to ask her if the advice paid off, will do this evening.