Turning an outline, or stroke, into a shape object in Adobe Illustrator is a common task achieved through the Outline Stroke function. This process transforms the visual thickness of a path into an editable filled shape, giving you more control over its form.
Understanding Strokes vs. Objects
In Illustrator, a stroke is a visual attribute applied to a path or shape, defining its edge's appearance (color, weight, style). It's essentially a line with thickness centered on the path. For example, as seen when setting up artwork, you might apply a stroke of "sixty" points to a line or shape to create a thick border. This stroke thickness is relative to the original path.
An object (or shape) is a filled area defined by a path. When you convert a stroke to an object, you take the visual boundary of that stroke and turn it into a new filled shape.
Why Convert a Stroke to an Object?
Converting a stroke to an object offers several advantages:
- Editable Shape: The converted stroke becomes a fill that you can modify directly using anchor points and handles, just like any other shape.
- Consistency: The appearance of the stroke is fixed. It won't change thickness if you scale the object (whereas a standard stroke's thickness can be set to scale or not scale independently).
- Complex Operations: It allows you to use tools like the Pathfinder panel to combine or cut the former stroke shape with other objects.
- Preparation for Other Software/Processes: Essential for preparing vector files for tasks like vinyl cutting, CNC routing, or specific print processes where outlines need to be actual filled shapes.
Step-by-Step Guide: Converting a Stroke to an Object
The process is straightforward and uses a specific command within the Object menu.
- Select the Object: Use the Selection Tool (V) to select the path or object that has the stroke you want to convert.
- Navigate to the Menu: Go to the top menu bar and click Object.
- Find the Path Options: In the dropdown menu, hover over Path.
- Choose Outline Stroke: From the Path submenu, select Outline Stroke.
Result:
After selecting "Outline Stroke," the original path is replaced by a new shape (or group of shapes) that represents the outer boundary of the stroke you had applied. This new shape will have the stroke converted into a fill, and it will no longer have a stroke applied to it (unless you add one back).
For instance, if you had a circle with a thick 60pt stroke but no fill (like the setup mentioned in the reference), using "Outline Stroke" would result in a new compound path or group representing a donut shape with a fill, but no stroke on the new shape itself.
This function is crucial for transforming linear designs with prominent strokes into solid, manipulable graphic elements.
