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Participating Frequently
February 5, 2017
Question

Can't Make the Intersecting Lines Disappear

  • February 5, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 494 views

For a print, I need to convert our logo to one color. The current logo is seven shapes that overlap. Each shape is semi-transparent. This means that when you view the logo, it's made up of lots of colors where the shapes are overlapping each other. Very pretty.

For the one-color print job, what I've done is convert each shape to white. Kinda boring. So I want to set it up so that the borders which intersect are "cut out" (AKA transparent). This way the logo will maintain its unique design with each smaller overlapping area being preserved. It's all in white though. Does this make sense?

There are no borders on the shapes. They're laid out precisely with no overlap, so even if they had borders, deleting the border wouldn't give me the result I seek. I've also tried selecting all seven shapes, grouping them, and then using all the pathfinder tools to achieve the result. All I get is the whole thing disappearing except a small portion. So I then tried only selecting two shapes and then using all the pathfinder options. Nothing. The logo is all on one-layer.

Any other suggestions? This is driving me absolutely batty.

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    3 replies

    72732799Author
    Participating Frequently
    February 6, 2017

    Taking this out since I realized I meant this to go in the Illustrator forums. Sorry about that!

    Document Geek
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 5, 2017

    I realize this is the InDesign forum, but this logo really sounds like a job for Illustrator, using the Shape Builder Tool.

    Steve Werner
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 5, 2017

    I'd agree, much easier in Illustrator.

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 5, 2017

    Yup. Do it in Illy.

    The right tool for the right job.

    Steve Werner
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 5, 2017

    "A picture is worth a thousand words."

    Version of InDesign? Can you attach a screen capture, please. Use the "Insert Image" button in the forum editor to attach so we can see it (sending by email won't work).