Negative Offset Path Won't Work
I am using Adobe Illustrator CC 2018 and can't get negative offset path values to work. I am trying to create an offset path in the negatives in text that I have created outlines on. When I do positive numbers, the offset path gets bigger (as it should) When I do negative offset values, the object is duplicated but at the exact same size. I have tried using the offset path tool from both the 'object' and 'effect' tabs and neither is giving me results. I have also tried negative values ranging from -1 to -16,000... there is no change.
Anonymous
shared this idea
Confirmed to work as expected in the latest build. If it still happens to you — please comment.
-
Ton commented
Egor, Works fine in version 2026
-
Ton, can you still reproduce it?
The old link is dead (well, obviously).I try it today and it works.
Offset Path won’t work if the offset path collapses (that is smaller than the object), but it seems to not be the case. -
Michelle Laubenstein
commented
I am having the same issue. Following this post for answers.
-
Noah Grimes
commented
There is not enough RAM power enough.
-
Anonymous
commented
It seems to work now...
-
hristina
commented
I dont have an idea but i have the problem:
It will work for a shape, such as circle by making a smaller circle, however if i type a word -> type - create outlines -> go to path - offset path and select a negative value it just duplicates the same shape with same thickness and i cannot find a way around it -
Kendall
commented
I am having the same issue. I wasn't able to follow the steps provided by Pen (not sure how to get a stroke with no fill...) but using the stroke to make an object appear thinner did work. Then I just expanded the shape with fill and stroke, then deleted the part of the shape that used to be the stroke.
-
mars
commented
I'm having this exact issue today. it's driving me crazy.
-
Pen
commented
A temporary workaround:
1) Clone the object and paste in front
2) Apply a stroke with a fill of "none" and set the stroke to "inside" the path in the stroke palette. Adjust stroke width as needed to visually "inset" to your desired appearance
3) From the menu, release this newly-created compound path
4) From the menu, Expand Appearance of this object. You should now have a new object with a "thinner" appearance that mirrors what "offset path" with a negative value would normally do -
AK
commented
Experiencing the same issue in Illustrator v. 24.1, updated just a few days ago.
Exactly as original post describes - Negative values for offset path do not yield expected results. For logo design, this is kind of a mission-critical feature. Frequently requested to make a mark "thinner" when a lighter weight version of the font does not exist. Offset path with negative values is the best (and only way I am aware of) to do so.
Please fix this.
-
Brandin Aguayo
commented
When units are set to Pica
Create a shape, choose Object Menu > Path > Offset Path. Input a negative number and move to Miter Limit. Number changes to a positive.
Select the input field again and use arrow keys to create a negative number. Number changes to a positive.
Use a negative number from with circumstance and click okay. Object obtains an offset path equal to the positive number (not negative).
This behavior is preventing me from doing my work!
-
Use Picas as document unit.
Select an object
Use Offset Path (Effect or Object Menu option)
Try to Enter a small negative value like -0p5
It wont allow you to use a negative value between 0p0 and -0p11
Switching to a different document unit works.
See: https://forums.adobe.com/message/11113927#11113927