Clipping the stroke in the clipping path

[sPretzel]

Hi.

The clipping path is defined by the path and is unaffected by its stroke size. I would like to take into account the stroke size (thickness) of the clipping path in a clipping mask. In other words, the clipped content should become larger or smaller as the stroke size of the clipping path is changed.

I tried offsetting the path (FX) but the clipping path remains unaffected.

Expanding the path would work but the path is then no longer editable.

I also read this thread which recommends the use of an opacity mask but this introduces transparency in the artwork which I don't want to use. https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/illustrator-clipping-mask-offset-path-option/m-p/9541328?...

Is there any other way or is this a case of having my cake and eating it?

This is for CS4.

Thanks.

[Monika Gause]

Why no transparency?

[sPretzel]

Hi Monika. Printer requirement (I know, I can flatten it, but I prefer to avoid it altogether in such cases).

[Kurt Gold]

Just to make sure that I understand your request: Basically, you are looking for a way to align the stroke of a clipping path to the inside or outside? Is that right or is it something else?

[sPretzel]

Hi Kurt. Forgive me for answering the replies as I read them. The answer to your reply is no. I am looking into taking into account the stroke size of the clipping path, and not just the clipping path itself (which is a line with no thickness), as defining the clipping path. So if the stroke is centre aligned, half the stroke size inside the clipping path would hide the clipped content too. It would be like offsetting the clipping path by -(stroke size)/2.

[pixxxelschubser]

A Layer Clipping Mask can do what you want.

see: https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/cut-several-objects-and-paths-out-of-a-circle/m-p/1094907...

The clipping path is full editable (for example: transform the path).

[Kurt Gold]

Hmh, I don't see how the (pretty old) technique provided in the thread you are referring to could help in this case.

But perhaps I'm misunderstanding Mr. or Mrs. Pretzels request.

[pixxxelschubser]

Hi Kurt,

you know that we know that you know that we know that … how to deal with all kinds of masks in a file.

It’s always like a shot into darkness – without to see the problem in a real file. Maybe the OP can enlighten us and upload the problematic file and link to here.

Sure, an Opacity Mask with a stroke contour could be the solution but it is always a "case to case decision".

[sPretzel]

Based on my understanding of the problem described in the link you posted, the op there is trying to punch holes wherever there is white in his artwork (the truck). No, that's not what I am trying to do.

[Jacob Bugge]

s,

"I tried offsetting the path (FX) but the clipping path remains unaffected."

It is important that you avoid selection of the original path because the offset path is beneath it in the stacking order and will otherwise be clipped with the onject(s) to be clipped.

You may choose half the Stroke weight as offset, of course (in tha case of centred stroke of course), and hide the original path for editing.

But the straight way could be(come) an option in the future if someone suggests it here (remember to link both ways (here and there),

https://illustrator.uservoice.com/

I am unable to post the enhanced version of the cake saying as it appeared in the tunnel.

[sPretzel]

I am trying to get my head around what you mean. When I offset the path, I do it as a FX in the Appearance panel and don't see an offset replica of the path appearing as a layer under the original non-offset path. This didn't work anyway because when I use the offset path as the clipping path, Illustrator takes the original non-offset path as the clipping path so it's like there was no offset.

"I am unable to post the enhanced version of the cake saying as it appeared in the tunnel." - Ey?

I have put here an image describing what I would like to do.

I messed up a bit in the picture because the desired result I am showing is at -(stroke size) away from the original path when it should be -(stroke size)/2. But this doesn't matter in describing what I am trying to do. So ignore this error of mine.

[Jacob Bugge]

s,

I was thinking of the oldfashioned straightfoward Object>Path>Offset Path where you create a new path and use that as the Clipping Path, while hiding the original for possible later edition (or delete it if you must, always keep a copy of the artwork before destroying/removing it).

"Ey?"

The long answer is Nanny filter.

Edit: Sorry, The Tunnel should have been capitalized; Elise Wassermann enhanced the saying.