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Is a file with a gaussian blur still a vector

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
July 13, 2024
14 replies
2033 views

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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Correct answer Monika Gause

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.

Jacob Bugge

Community Expert

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.

JanlewiscreativeAuthor

Participating Frequently

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?

Jacob Bugge

Community Expert

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.

Monika Gause

Correct answer

Community Expert

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.

JanlewiscreativeAuthor

Participating Frequently

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?

Monika Gause

Community Expert

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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