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Janlewiscreative
Janlewiscreative
Participating Frequently
Jul 13, 2024 2:17 PM UTC
Answered

Is a file with a gaussian blur still a vector

Hi, I'm artworking a logo I've been given that includes an illustrator gaussian blur (as a shadow).
How will this scale?
Is it still a vector image?
Do I need to mesh it and if so, how?
Many thanks

Jan

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Monika Gause
Monika GauseCorrect answer
Community Expert
Jul 13, 2024 2:29 PM UTC

The shape with the Gaussian blur will be rasterized in the output. Same might or might not be the case for shapes underneath.

 

This might be created with a blend.

Whether or not that is suitable for a logo, depends on the use cases.

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14 replies

Jacob Bugge
Community Expert
Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
Community Expert
Jul 13, 2024 4:53 PM UTC

Jan,

 

How about this, starting with only the grey filled path?

 

1) Select the grey filled, then apply Object>Path>Offset Path with an offset equalling the added depth of the blur, then in the Transparency palette set the Opacity to 0 (this will apply to the offset path);

2) Select both paths, then in Object>Blend>Blend Options set the Spacing to a suitably large number of Specified Steps (for a smooth transition) and set Aligniment to Align to Path, then apply Object>Blend>Make.

 

 

Edit; Seriously delayed answer, hence effectively an elaboration of what Monika has said twice, and agreeing with the reservation.

 

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Janlewiscreative
JanlewiscreativeAuthor
Participating Frequently
Jul 13, 2024 5:15 PM UTC

Hi Jacob, thanks for the thought. I'm interested to learn so thought it worth an experiment. I'm ok until half way through point 2. I did this for the steps but I don't see where I choose align to path? Any thoughts?

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Jacob Bugge
Community Expert
Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
Community Expert
Jul 13, 2024 7:13 PM UTC

Jan,

 

I apologize for the wrong word, Alignment > Orientation (which was staring me in my face); and you have chosen Align to Path already so it ought to work fine.

 

When done you can zoom in and out and see whether the 16 steps is a suitable choice, between underdoing and overdoing. Ctrl/Cmd+Z can be your friend.

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Monika Gause
Community Expert
Monika GauseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
Jul 13, 2024 2:29 PM UTC

The shape with the Gaussian blur will be rasterized in the output. Same might or might not be the case for shapes underneath.

 

This might be created with a blend.

Whether or not that is suitable for a logo, depends on the use cases.

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    Janlewiscreative
    JanlewiscreativeAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    Jul 13, 2024 4:29 PM UTC

    Thanks Monika.
    What if I create the soft shadow effect with feather? Is that still rasterising? I think it needs to be a mesh to still be vector?

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    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    Jul 13, 2024 4:46 PM UTC

    Feather is a raster based effect as well.

     

    These days even in a logo raster is not a big deal IF everyone involved knows what they are doing AND IF a version of the logo exists to use in cases where you absolutely need it 100% vector. Of course everyone involved also needs to know when to use which version of the file.

     

    There are cases where even a blend or a mesh would not work (think engraving, cutting etc.).

     

    A blend would also be 100% vector

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