AI file: make text available for eraser

[jennmc1]

Hi Monika, What are the options to make the text available for eraser while still keeping it as an ai file?

[Branched from "Pencil with line through it - not locked" to new thread by moderator]

[Monika Gause]

jennmc1  schrieb

Hi Monika, What are the options to make the text available for eraser while still keeping it as an ai file?

I don't understand the question.

Please create a new thread and describe what kind of objects you have and what kind of result and workflow you would like to achieve.

[jane-e]

Jenn,

The only way you can use the Eraser tool on text is to select your text with the Selection tool and go to Type > Create Outlines. Note that it will no longer be text once you do this, but you will be able to use the Eraser tool.

May I ask what you are trying to achieve?

[jennmc1]

hi! i am working with text to create names that will be cut with a machine. i am adding a stroke to thicken but that is also creating wings on the edge of some of the letters.

[Monika Gause]

And what exactly is your problem with that?

[jennmc1]

I was hoping to be able to use the document and keep changing the names so i wouldn't  have to go through all of the editing w each name. Once i create outlines I cant change the name.

[Larry G. Schneider]

The problem you describe is likely with the miter limit of the stroke you are adding to the text. Try setting the miter limit to a low value and see if it changes.

[jane-e]

Do you mean you are adding a stroke in the Appearance panel to make the text appear thicker, as if it is Bold or bolder than Bold? Or it it a separate stroke that you are trying to erase parts of?

Yes, it could be the miter limit, as Larry mentioned.

If not, show an example—with the Appearance panel—of what you are trying to accomplish. We might have a better workflow.

One thing to keep in mind is that you can create a Graphic Style and apply it to text.

[jennmc1]

Thank you for your help! The new machine came in today - difficult day! I am creating DXF files and it picks up every little mistake, even if it is off the art board. THat's a new one for me. I am using the offset path to make the bold appearance. Then I have to remove all of the points that are on the inside (most are from the outline of the original shape before I bolted it).  Some of these points seem hidden. It takes quite a few times of selecting all to get each one and delete.

[jane-e]

Would it work just to add a stroke in the Appearance panel, make it thicker, and not offset it? The top one does not have a stroke. The lower one has a 6pt stroke add through the Appearance panel.