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ErikMaldre
Inspiring
September 5, 2018
Answered

clipping strokes where a shape overlaps

  • September 5, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 2952 views

I have a series of stroke lines behind a shape. Where the shape overlaps the strokes, I'd like that portion of the strokes to be gone while retaining the remaining strokes as strokes. (see image)

The following solutions are not under consideration:

  • Clipping mask
  • Converting the strokes to shapes (Object > Path > Outline Stroke) and using Pathfinder
  • Outline Stroke, Pathfinder, convert shape into a stroke by: removing caps at the end and applying a Blend between the lines.
  • Outline Stroke, Pathfinder, convert shape into a stroke by: Rasterize shape, Image Trace > Line Art
  • Redraw the strokes so they do not touch the shape.
  • Select both the shape and the strokes and "draw" over the areas of the shape with the Shape Builder Tool. It works, but is quite tedious given that there's tight areas with in the shape.
  • Change shape's fill and stroke to empty. Pathfinder it (Outline), selected the strokes, apply a stroke color. Delete the strokes where shape used to be.
  • Just be happy with the strokes behind the shape.

There's a reason for the strict options. The final art will be imported into CNC software. When the art is imported with a shape overlaying the strokes, the CNC software combines the shape and the strokes.

The strokes cannot be shapes because the CNC software will draw/carve the edge of the shape when it should be just a singular stroke that's drawn/carved.

So far the Shape Builder Tool is the best option, but it's very tedious going through the tight curves of the shape. I have a large quantity of these illustrations to work through.

Really, I'm looking for a more sophisticated Pathfinder tool... one that can smartly work with strokes. Maybe a third-party plug-in?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Monika Gause

Convert all the lines to paths by using  Object > Shape > Convert Shape. In the layers panel they need to be <path>. All of them.

Then apply a black fill, not a stroke

Then set up the other shape with a different fill. It needs to be a shape, not an open path with a thick stroke

Then select all and apply the pathfinder "Outline" (from the panel). Ungroup.

Select what you don't need by stroke color and delete it. You can now apply a stroke again or whatever you need.

1 reply

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Monika GauseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
September 5, 2018

Convert all the lines to paths by using  Object > Shape > Convert Shape. In the layers panel they need to be <path>. All of them.

Then apply a black fill, not a stroke

Then set up the other shape with a different fill. It needs to be a shape, not an open path with a thick stroke

Then select all and apply the pathfinder "Outline" (from the panel). Ungroup.

Select what you don't need by stroke color and delete it. You can now apply a stroke again or whatever you need.

E
ErikMaldreAuthor
Inspiring
September 5, 2018

That is pure genius! It works perfectly. Thank you very much, Monika!

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Monika GauseCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 5, 2018

You're welcome, Erik!

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