Non-Destructive Path Trim
It would save me incredible amounts of time if I could simply--and non-destructively--trim a path.
Example:
I create a character's arm using a tapered stroke. I then duplicate that tapered stroke so that it can function as a shirt sleeve.
<Here is where the issue comes in...>
There's not a good way to trim that duplicated stroke to function as a sleeve. I can add points and delete the stroke, but the width won't match anymore. I can create a clipping mask, but it's a pain and makes adjusting the characters pose needlessly laborious.
Being able to trim the path would make something like this MUCH less painful as there are fewer layers and points you need to mess with.
Second example:
I want the upper arm behind the character and the forearm in front. A trim paths would make this easy. You'd just duplicate the stroke, place one below the body and one above the body. Then you'd trim each to meet at the elbow.
I hope that makes sense. If not, I can elaborate. Sometimes it's difficult for me to put words into a coherent sentence. :p
Anonymous
shared this idea
-
Aha, thanks for the clarification. I haven’t tried Moho and only watched some juicy condensed videos on how it works.
Well, hiding portions of a path is something we can do too, using Live Paint... but not with a Variable Width applied, only basic attributes hold on the elements of it.
As far as I remember, there were some explorations on the ...in-path editing, with multiple caps and joints per stroke (also requested here: http://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/39306955 and here: http://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657/suggestions/39038368), partial styling... not integrated deeply into Appearance though. So there are chances to get something like this.Meanwhile I encourage you to explore AG Utilities effects. These are paid, but they worth it.
Here I demonstrate the result of me using several effects combined to imitate the effect you are after. -
Anonymous
commented
Thanks for the reply, Egor! :)
The software is Moho (an animation app.) Once you have the trim tool selected, you can move one side by click drag and the other side by alt+click drag.
It also has a really cool feature where you can hide sections of a stroke between two points. I just don't use it as often as the trim function.
-
Oh, I like it. It reminds me of the quite new Extend Path effect by Astute Graphics... but here you control it on canvas (like their tool with the same name does), and it keeps the variable stroke applied visually unchanged (something no effect can do, as far as I know — but it needs clarification).
Can you tell which app did you use to record it? I can’t recognize it, and the cursor seems only partially familiar.
