Convert expanded strokes back to live strokes (unexpand / unoutline strokes) / Find centerlines
So far there is no way to de-expand strokes back to live strokes.
The suggested practice is to cut the shape in pieces and blend pairs with 1-step blends, expand and join manually — a tedious solution. We have to keep strokes alive as long as possible if we plan to edit them after. The effects we can use to make an art non-destructive are quite limited.
We now have cool Reform plugin by AstuteGraphics that allows to edit expanded strokes in a different way, but is does not solve the original problem and only helps to workaround and offers fluidity other tools don’t have... it can’t resurrect strokes.
Other solutions, in other apps, try to trace instead of reconstruct, and results are pretty poor most of the time.
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Jakob Gold commented
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.
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ace commented
Please we need an undo outline feature. My hand slipped and clicked outline, ruining my hours of work with an irreversible feature...
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Keir commented
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?
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Mike commented
I don't know why this isn't getting more votes. It would be incredibly useful for a variety of industries!
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BrianHayes commented
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. -
Monika Gause commented
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.
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Nicolas Gwinner commented
This can be useful if you want to remodify the size of a contour without redraw the shape.
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Anonymous commented
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.