A tool or function for creating centerlines from linearly oriented shapes would be extremely useful. I recently had to use a workaround to convert a shape back to an open-ended path along the centerline of the shape so that I could use the "apply gradient along a stroke" option. Along those lines, if we can get the creating centerlines thing figured out, it would also potentially allow for another super useful function which would be to have the gradient fill equivalent of "apply gradient along a stroke" so that a gradient fill could follow the linear orientation of a shape without having to do a freeform gradient fill. Please and thank you!

Simplifying the contour creation process, the "Object > Path > Create Path" function introduces the "Average Path from Shape" as the main feature. This option generates a contour line by calculating the average of the original shape's outline stroke while preserving it as an independent path. Importantly, this approach eliminates the need for users to manually duplicate the path before turning it into a shape.

Enhancements:

Adjustable Thickness: Directly modify the thickness of the calculated path to achieve the desired visual representation.
Stroke Effects Control: Customize whether Illustrator should adjust the stroke effects automatically or create a normal path.

By integrating these enhancements, users can not only create paths based on the average of the original shape's outline stroke but also fine-tune the appearance of the calculated path without the need for additional steps. This comprehensive functionality provides users with a more efficient and customizable contour creation experience.

Please we need an undo outline feature. My hand slipped and clicked outline, ruining my hours of work with an irreversible feature...

Hey Adobe Team,

Long-time user here. Quick question: Why's there no "Path to Stroke" tool? Once you outline a stroke, it's like burning a bridge—no going back. That's a real pain for complex paths and intricate designs.

We need a tool that leverages computational geometry to calculate the centroid of each path segment, taking into account both anchor points and Bezier curves. It's not just a feature; it's a game-changer. So, what's the hold-up?

I cant find any other vector program that does this or plugins so if there are any devs up for this challenge, or can you guys take the lead?

That would be great!

P.S. Also, what's the deal with not being able to edit cloud items in InDesign unless they originated there? Seems like a missed opportunity, of good work flow right?

I don't know why this isn't getting more votes. It would be incredibly useful for a variety of industries!

Need a feature to easily create the centerline of a shape.
There is not great way to do this currently and work around methods are half baked at best.

This could be useful for text as well as outlines strokes if you could turn them back into open paths that are located exactly in the center of the shape.

Give us an exact result, not like the wiggly lines that Image Trace produces.

And also get good results with crossing lines.

This can be useful if you want to remodify the size of a contour without redraw the shape.

I think that having the option to convert shapes to lines would be beneficial, especially if you're given line art to work on where the previous artist converted to outlines without saving a line segment copy (or if you forgot to do so). It could be simple, like just dropping a line segment spine in the center of the outlines.