Inconsistent Anti-Aliasing When Combining Shapes with Outline in Adobe Illustrator
Description: There is a noticeable inconsistency in anti-aliasing when combining shapes with an outline in Adobe Illustrator.
Left Image (With Outline): Shapes with an outline are rasterized with a visible anti-aliasing effect.
Right Image (Combined Shape): After combining the shapes, the anti-aliasing effect appears smoother and more refined.
From my understanding, both images should exhibit similar anti-aliasing behavior when rasterized, as they are essentially the same shapes. However, the anti-aliasing in the first image (with outlines) is harsher compared to the combined result on the right.
Expected Behavior: Both shapes should be rasterized with the same level of anti-aliasing, regardless of whether the shape has an outline or has been combined.
Steps to Reproduce:
Create shapes with outlines in Adobe Illustrator.
Combine the same shapes using the "Pathfinder" or "Shape Builder" tool.
Rasterize both results and compare the anti-aliasing effects.
Attached Images:
Left: Shapes with outlines.
Right: Combined shapes.
System:
Adobe Illustrator version: 28.7.1
Operating System: Windows 10
Andreas Gaschka
shared this idea
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It’s no about outlines per say, but about the difference between a hole cut in something versus something layered on top.
It’s easier to test with a simple black background and two identical white circles (in the attached file): one is white on top, and another one is punched from the background.
If you compare the rasterization, you will see quite different results, as in the screenshot attached.It’s been there since the very first version. Most probably happens because of the way rounding works. As I see it, with separates shapes Ai rasterizes each one and then combines the results, blending them into one raster image (it probably happens way more efficiently though), but with holes cut being it gets rounded not 'outwards', but 'inside'. I don’t have the actual confirmation on this but my own experience, but yes — it’s being troubling me since day one.
It’s good to have a post on the topic finally.
Let’s see how many more find this disturbing, but I bet it can’t be easily compensated.
