Convert a Shape to a Path

[paul knight]

Hi,

I have a shape (with no stroke) that I want to convert to a path.  When I go to Object > Shape > Expand Shape, it changes the layer to a path (as illustrated in the image below, the box in the top left of the options bar now says path instead of rectangle). When I save it as an SVG though and look at the SVG code it still shows as a rectangle <rect> element.

How do I convert it to a <path> ? I need the SVG code to be a path for a javascript animation.

Many thanks,

Paul.

[Kris Hunt]

Maybe add an extra anchor point somewhere, or nudge one of the four corners a bit so it's no longer a true rectangle.

[paul knight · Accepted solution]

Hi Kris,  Adding an extra anchor point will just make the <rect> a <polygon> and moving an anchor point isn't an option

The only solution I seem to have found is to make the path a compound path via Object > Compound Path > Make.  This then gives me a proper path with the required data information SVG code.

Paul.

[Hey Dave L]

I think I found something that works:

1. Select shape.
2. In the Pathfinder palette, click Unite (the first option).

On my few tests on a hexagon and a rectangle shape, it made it a path.

[iLLMonkey]

This is in my opinion the best answer. Renders an actual <path> object.

[iLLMonkey]

I take this back since it only renders as a path in illustrator, not in the SVG