Align two dashed line that has different start

[JollyPanda]

Hi there,

I have two dashed lines with exacly the same pattern. I need to overlay two lines but with different start point. I tried to the following:

1. Draw a line in front of the other so that the patterns lines up.

2. Use scissor tool to cut the previous line at the start of the second line.

Unfortunately, this does not work because as soon as I cut the line, the new line starts from the beginning of the pattern so it would be off again.  Is there anyway way to cut the line but maintain its existing pattern position?

I looked around but unfotunately couldn't find any answer. If someone can help how to do this or workaround this issue, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Jacob Bugge]

JollyPanda,

As I (mis)understand it, you can, with (almost) the same start:

1) Draw a line in front of the other so that the patterns lines up;

2) Use scissor tool to cut > Add Anchor Point Tool to add an Anchor Point to the previous line at the start of the second line;

3) Deselect (you can click an empty spot on the Artboard), and then Click the the new first segment with the Direct Selection Tool to select only that, and then Ctrl/Cmd+C+F (hold Ctrl/Cmd while pressing C then F) to create a new path in front, and then untick Dashed Line and set the Stroke colour to black;

4) Select the line from 2) and the new line from 3) and in the Transparency panel click Make (Opacity) Mask (with both Clip and Invert Mask unticked).

This ought to hide the unwanted part of the previous line/path, so it looks as if it is cut without change of the pattern.

[JollyPanda]

Thanks for the suggestion! I wil give it a try and report back.

However, I have to do this for donzes of lines so I was hoping there might be an easier way to do this.

[Jacob Bugge]

You are welcome, JollyPanda.

I look forward to your findings.

One question is whether you wish to keep the live dashed lines.

Maybe there can be another way to create the appearance.

I also believe that it will help helpers to see the lines with the dashes/patterns.

[JessCampbell]

A quick solution might be to expand the appearance of the lines. When you cut off the front of the second line, it won't redraw the pattern. The downside to this is your pattern will no longer be live. 

[JollyPanda]

Thanks for the suggestion. Would you mind elaborate a bit more on the steps? Thanks

[JollyPanda]

I see what you are saying but I was hoping to maintain the line afterwards. But I will give this a try and see how it goes.

[JessCampbell]

Yeah, I know what you mean. When I get stuck in this problem, I usually keep a live version of the original on my pasteboard in case I need a fresh copy. 

[JollyPanda]

I was able to solve this problem using the plugin suggested by Monika below. 

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

There is a plugin that can move the position: Nudge Panel: https://rj-graffix.com/downloads/plugins/

[JollyPanda]

Thanks for the suggestion. The plugin looks interesting but I was hoping to find a free way of doing it.

[JollyPanda]

The plugin works perfectly. Thank you for the suggestion!

[Monika Gause]

You're welcome. Glad you could solve it!