Align two dashed line that has different start

Question

Hi there,

I have two dashed lines with exacly the same pattern. I need to overlay two lines but with different start point. I tried to the following:

1. Draw a line in front of the other so that the patterns lines up.

2. Use scissor tool to cut the previous line at the start of the second line.

Unfortunately, this does not work because as soon as I cut the line, the new line starts from the beginning of the pattern so it would be off again. Is there anyway way to cut the line but maintain its existing pattern position?

I looked around but unfotunately couldn't find any answer. If someone can help how to do this or workaround this issue, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Monika Gause · Accepted Answer

There is a plugin that can move the position: Nudge Panel: https://rj-graffix.com/downloads/plugins/

Jacob Bugge · Answer

JollyPanda,

As I (mis)understand it, you can, with (almost) the same start:

1) Draw a line in front of the other so that the patterns lines up;

2) Use ~~scissor tool to cut~~ > Add Anchor Point Tool to add an Anchor Point to the previous line at the start of the second line;

3) Deselect (you can click an empty spot on the Artboard), and then Click the the new first segment with the Direct Selection Tool to select only that, and then Ctrl/Cmd+C+F (hold Ctrl/Cmd while pressing C then F) to create a new path in front, and then untick Dashed Line and set the Stroke colour to black;

4) Select the line from 2) and the new line from 3) and in the Transparency panel click Make (Opacity) Mask (with both Clip and Invert Mask unticked).

This ought to hide the unwanted part of the previous line/path, so it looks as if it is cut without change of the pattern.

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