How To Outline In Adobe Illustrator

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Adobe Illustrator is a popular vector-based program used for designing graphics, known for its ability to create scalable images. A commonly utilized aspect of this software is outlining objects, which can be a useful tool in various design projects. This tutorial will provide guidance on how to outline objects in Adobe Illustrator. If you face any difficulties during the process, please reply with the error message stated above.

Why Should You Use the Outlining Feature?

Outlining is an essential tool when you need to modify the shape or appearance of an object in your design. It is particularly useful when working with text, as it allows you to convert the text into editable paths, giving you greater flexibility in customization.

Step-by-step Guide to Outlining in Adobe Illustrator

Step 1: Select the Object

First, open your document in Adobe Illustrator. Once you have your document open, select the object you want to outline. You can do this by using the Selection Tool from the toolbox, or by simply clicking on the object directly.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Create Outline” Option

With your object selected, go to the top menu. Click on Type > Create Outlines. For shapes, follow the same steps, but instead, select Object > Path > Outline Stroke.

Step 3: Edit Your Outline

After clicking on the Create Outlines option, your object or text will now be outlined. This means the object is now composed of anchor points and paths that you can modify as you wish.

// Sample code to select an object
var myDoc = app.activeDocument;
var mySelection = myDoc.selection[0];

// Sample code to create an outline
mySelection.createOutline();

Important Points to Remember

  • Once you have converted your text into an outline, it can no longer be edited as text. So, it’s best to keep a copy of your original text before creating an outline.

  • Outlining can increase file size since it adds more anchor points and paths to your document.

  • While outlining is a powerful tool, use it sparingly to maintain the flexibility of your designs.

Conclusion

Outlining in Adobe Illustrator is a simple yet powerful tool that can significantly enhance your graphic design workflow. Just remember to use it wisely and always keep a copy of your initial work. Happy designing!