A path and pathfinder question

[MarieMeyer]

CC on a Mac. I'm working with a stock vector. The image below shows on the left what I have, and on the right what I want.

I made the image on the right by "tracing", but I'm wondering if there is a Pathfinder tool that would give me what I want more quickly. Also, I'm a bit confused about what the original (on the left) really is. It isn't a group. Is it a compound path?

[Monika Gause]

To get the one on the right:

Use the lasso tool toselect all the path segments that you don't need.

Then with the join tool connect the lines.

But perhaps just draw a new star with the star tool?

It might be a group as well as a compound path. See the layers panel as to what it is.

[Jacob Bugge]

Marie,

I believe the (easy) way to get rid of the gaps and keep the exact angles/directions is to (always keep a copy of the original artwork before you start destroying it):

1) Select everything and Object>Path>Offset Path by a sufficient positive amount to have the gaps covered, then Hide/Delete the original artwork;

2) Object>Path>Offset Path by the exact same amount only negative, then Delete the larger path created in 1).

If you have a copy of the original artwork with the gaps, you can delete it, but if you just Hide it, you can bring it to the front and show it and compare with the gapless version created in 2) to make sure you have it right (you can give it another colour).

[pixxxelschubser]

Hi Jacob,

that's the biggest benefit of the forums:

seeing - learning - using later in similar cases --> that gives ready-to-use knowledge.

Fine

[Jacob Bugge]

Indeed, Hans-Jürgen; we have both been using that one in the past. You provided an exquisite one recently, for unified background of letters.

seeing - learning -

and also import - reremembering.

[John Mensinger]

But perhaps just draw a new star with the star tool?

Surely:

[Ton Frederiks]

Or a Zig Zag effect on a circle?